Purim and Passover to be Celebrated at The Allendale Community for Mature Living

Feb. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- The holidays of Purim and Passover will be honored this spring with two special gatherings at The Allendale Community for Mature Living, a full-service senior housing community in Bergen County, New Jersey.

On March 7, children from the Solomon Schecter School of Oakland will visit The Allendale Community to celebrate Purim with the residents. Gitty Bender, LSW, Director of Social Services for The Allendale Community, will discuss the history of Purim prior to the celebration. Based on the Biblical Book of Esther, the holiday is a special favorite for children and intergenerational get-togethers. Special dishes, gift-giving, parades, noisemakers, masks and costumes are all part of the traditions for this day of feasting and rejoicing.

Passover will be celebrated at The Allendale Community with a special holiday Seder on April 5. Led by Rabbi Gerald Friedman, of Temple Beth Shalom of the Pascack Valley, the gathering will include a narrative of the exodus from Egypt, with special blessings and Passover songs as well as a symbolic feast.

"Both Purim and Passover are joyous celebrations that remind us to welcome spring and the hope this season represents," said Rabbi Friedman. "Marking these holidays also allows people to reconnect to past celebrations, with festive foods, songs and rituals that have been passed down for generations. Whether we're children or seniors, we can all find comfort and meaning in these holidays."

To advance Jewish culture, history and interfaith understanding, Rabbi Friedman hosts religious observances, celebrations and seminars at The Allendale Community throughout the year. Active in Jewish affairs since 1965, when he received his ordination from Yeshivas Kol Yaakov - Me'or Torah, Rabbi Friedman has been widely recognized for his efforts by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, Institute for Jewish Life and was awarded senior director status by National Hillel. A former Hebrew school teacher and instructor of adult Jewish education, he has served as a program director for Jewish YM-YWHAs, director of Hillel Foundation and Jewish chaplain at the University of Florida in Gainesville for 21 years.

"When we come together for Purim and Passover at The Allendale Community, we honor the values of peace, freedom and generosity," said Mary Stampleman, ADC, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Community Relations. "These special occasions are fun for everyone, and they contribute to building an environment that supports and celebrates all faiths."

The Allendale Community for Mature Living in Allendale, N.J., is a premier continuum-of-care community, comprised of four separate residences: The Atrium Assisted Living; Carlton Court, a memory care neighborhood; The Allendale Nursing Home, for long-term skilled nursing care; and The Rehabilitation Center at The Allendale Community, a Medicare-certified sub-acute care community. In addition, the Community offers the Senior Social Club, an adult-day program that provides a variety of dynamic activities, as well as a Short-Term Stay Program and respite services for caregivers.

For information about upcoming religious programs and other events, call Mary Stampleman at (201) 818-7979.

PHOTO CAPTION: Marking the holiday of Passover with a Seder has become a tradition at The Atrium at The Allendale Community for Mature Living. Last year, Rabbi Gerald Friedman (center), of Temple Beth Shalom of the Pascack Valley, led the annual gathering, which included a narrative of the exodus from Egypt, special blessings and Passover songs as well as a symbolic feast.

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About The Allendale Community for Mature Living: The Allendale Community for Mature Living is located on 12 acres in a scenic, quiet suburban neighborhood, with direct access to Route 17 South. The physician-owned Community offers three levels of residency and a continuum of care on campus: The Atrium, where independent seniors enjoy residential living; Carlton Court, which offers assisted living; and The Allendale Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center, a skilled nursing facility focusing on rehabilitation. In addition, the Community offers the Senior Social Club, an adult day program that provides a variety of dynamic activities. For more information about The Allendale Community for Mature Living, call (201) 825-0660 or visit its web site at www.allendalecommunity.com.