Jewish Family Service staff and volunteers have made a tradition of bringing fun and meaningful holiday celebrations to older adults living in long-term care residences throughout the year. However, the pandemic has made it impossible to gather together in person during the past year. Through creativity and innovation, JFS has maintained its connection with local residences through holiday outreach goody bags and video presentations honoring each of the Jewish holidays. 

For Rosh Hashanah, JFS plans to do in-person High Holiday programs at several sites, including Atria, Kirkland Village, Traditions of Hanover, Tikvah House, Luthercrest and B'nai B'rith Apartments. Staff are continually evaluating the situation with COVID and following the CDC’s latest guidance for the safest way to be together.

JFS will also be putting together a video that will be sent to other rehabilitation facilities and long-term care facilities for residents to be able to mark the New Year. 

JFS thanks Rabbi Seth Phillips of Congregation Keneseth Israel, Rabbi Moshe Re'em of Temple Beth El, Rabbi Michael Singer of Congregation Brith Sholom, Federation Community Shaliach Gavriel Siman-Tov and volunteer Eva Derby for helping to bring the holidays to the Lehigh Valley Jewish community.