Love can be celebrated anywhere, even within the walls of a nursing home. On June 16, Evalyn and Irwin Brownstein pledged their love and commitment to one another, for the second time. The first time was 58 years ago, and the wedding of their dreams never occurred due to the challenges of wartime and the recent loss of Evalyn’s mother. The result was a quick, tearful wedding with fewer than a dozen guests.

Irwin is a resident of the Jewish Home at Rockleigh and Evalyn a frequent visitor. In a conversation with the Recreation staff about special events in June, all focused on the theme of the “month of love,” the Brownsteins shared the story of their “wedding that wasn’t.” That’s all it took for the staff to spring into action and plan a very special renewal of vows.

The Brownsteins, originally from Brooklyn, moved to Teaneck in 1963, where Evalyn taught. Irwin was the Director of Student life at City College and taught Special Education in NYC, where he developed the first environmentally based special education curriculum. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Now in their 80s, the Brownsteins were treated to a full-fledged wedding bash at the Jewish Home. Guests (residents and staff), gathered in the Jewish Home’s synagogue, with Chaplain Rabbi Simon Feld officiating the ceremony under a chuppah, followed by the traditional breaking of a glass and boisterous singing and dancing. Later in the day, residents dressed in their finest attire joined the happy couple for dancing, toasts and a wedding cake.

“We are so grateful to be celebrating with all of you here at the Jewish Home,” Evalyn said following the ceremony. “This truly is a happy place.” And Irwin added: “This is a gift from God.”

The Jewish Home Family operates the Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Jewish Home Assisted Living in River Vale, NJ and a suite of community services under the Jewish Home at Home. The organization provides care to everyone, regardless of race, religion or ethnicity—in accordance with Jewish tradition.