JSDD’s Judaic Coordinator, Hagit Oren works with residents in their homes teaching Jewish cooking and hosting discussion groups. At the heart of the Judaic cooking classes is a celebration of tradition, friendship, and inclusion. Residents come together to cook, learn and to connect—sharing stories, discovering Jewish customs, and preparing delicious dishes that reflect the richness of Jewish heritage.
In recent sessions, folks gathered to prepare Israeli salad, a dish that quickly became a favorite. Mark was especially proud to showcase the house’s newly renovated kitchen, which has brought excitement and renewed energy to the house. Alicia and Debbie cut the tomatoes and lettuce, while Mark focused on cucumbers and Marcie enjoyed adding the salad dressing. As they prepared the meal, they shared updates from their day including talking about their classes at the WAE Center. The group was happy to prepare the salad and looked forward to enjoying it later with dinner.
In each class, the cooking experience is enriched with learning from the weekly Torah portion. During one session, participants reflected on the story of Balak, the King of Moab, and the lessons of faith and resilience when faced with fear and uncertainty. Alicia was moved to hear “Jerusalem of Gold” sung in Hebrew, and a playlist of upbeat Hebrew and English songs turned the class into a real celebration.
In another session, Chris and Mike joined their friends to prepare more Israeli salad. Mike loved chopping lettuce, and Chris looked ahead with excitement for his upcoming birthday. Arthur reminded the group that Rosh Hashanah was around the corner, explaining the custom of dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year—a tradition he cherishes. The Torah portion that week, “Pinchas,” inspired a discussion about seeking guidance through prayer, and the session closed with Bobby stepping up to help clean, reinforcing the sense of shared responsibility and care.
As Rosh Hashanah is approaching, participants like Dina and Kari embraced the opportunity to prepare a colorful fruit salad while listening to holiday music. The kitchen was filled with laughter and affection as Dina spoke about her love for summer and her longtime friendship with Kari. Together, they recalled the meaning behind Rosh Hashanah, the importance of hope and renewal, and their excitement for future sessions.
These Judaic cooking classes offer much more than culinary skills—they foster a deep sense of belonging, reinforce cultural identity, and encourage meaningful social engagement. With every chop, stir, and shared song, our residents continue to build memories that nourish both body and soul.