Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD) invites the cooks and aspiring cooks in the community to participate in an exciting program planned for November 1 at 6:30 p.m., at Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston, featuring Naomi Nachman, aka The Aussie Gourmet, world-renowned cook and author. Nachman will delight the crowd with her unique and energetic approach to kosher cooking, demonstrating both techniques and diversity in kosher food preparation. Open to both men and women, this program is sure to delight participants’ visual and gastronomic senses while entertaining them with Nachman’s wonderful flair for fun and creativity.
The JSDD provides unique, diverse and specialized programs and residential living options for its special population of post-high school adults. Its offices are located at the WAE (Wellness, Arts, Enrichment) center at 270 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange. To learn more about JSDD’s programs and participants, check out an inspiring and emotional YouTube video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdKWLfH7yU0. This video is sure to make your heart overflow with admiration for the members, staff and administration that keep the wheels of the WAE center turning.
The JSDD also operates and funds several residential homes for developmentally disabled post-high school adults. These residences warmly and fully meet their special needs, and foster continued growth towards their potential. Linda Press, the executive director, explained that many members who joined with dependency needs have advanced to becoming independent. Both members and staff strive to inspire as well as “be inspired,” and members are considered exactly that: members, not clients or patients. The WAE center focuses on possibility, not disability, encouraging and nurturing members to “find their spark.”
The WAE center is also supported by a uniquely qualified, experienced and dedicated staff. Piloted by Marylin Schneider, staff members use their skills to facilitate and encourage both the hidden and revealed talents and potential of each member. Harry Klein is the studio manager, and he is constantly awed by how the members transfer their thoughts to paper by employing varied artistic media. Tim Folzenlogen, an artist and art facilitator, works with members and is inspired by how they “make magic” with their talents.
One WAE member experienced the excitement of exhibiting her works at MoMA, something to which every artist aspires but only a few achieve.
WAE also provides daily programming in kitchen-skills training, meditation, yoga, recreation and a wide spectrum of day trips for the members.
The Gourmet Kosher Cooking event is being graciously co-chaired by Eta Levenson and Robin Polson, both of whom sit on the JSDD board of directors. Call now to place your reservation with a $90 donation, and please consider an increased level of generosity for this essential and inspirational organization that depends on community support for its wonderful programs and growth.
Call Dena Kevelson at 973-272-7148 for reservations. You can also donate online at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1413086.
Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1 Lafayette Drive in Livingston.
By Ellie Wolf
