Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

As Hanukkah approaches, the season of warmth, family, and tradition is upon us. One dish that perfectly embodies the comforting spirit of the holiday is matzah ball soup. Our  culinary team for seniors in Morris County  has curated a special recipe that will bring joy to your table and keep you cozy throughout the winter. Let’s dive into how you can make this iconic comfort food at home, step by step. Matzah Ball Ingredients 1/4 cup olive oil 2 onions, thinly sliced 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided 3 eggs 2 tablespoons margarine 1/4 cup club soda 1 cup matzo meal 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for garnish Chicken Soup Ingredients 3 pounds chicken, cut into pieces 1 large yellow onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 carrots, chopped 1 turnip, chopped 3 garlic cloves, crushed 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley 1–2 bay leaves 2 tablespoons fresh thyme Small handful of black peppercorns 1 tablespoon kosher salt Step 1: Caramelize the Onions Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan ...

Crafting is a wonderful way to brighten the long winter months, offering a creative outlet that provides numerous benefits for seniors. At  JCHC’s independent living communities in NJ , crafting is more than just a pastime—it’s an opportunity to improve fine motor skills, engage the mind, and experience the satisfaction of creating something beautiful. From group crafting sessions to individual projects, we make it easy for our residents to embrace their creativity and share their work with others. Here are some of our favorite winter craft ideas that seniors can enjoy throughout the season, whether at Lester Senior Living or at home with loved ones. DIY Snow Globe There’s something magical about snow globes, and making your own is a delightful way to celebrate winter. To create a personalized snow globe, all you need is a mason jar, fake snow or glitter, small figurines or decorations, and glue. Glue your chosen decorations, like mini menorahs or winter trees, to the inside of the...

Mamma Mia!  We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership between the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) and Nonna’s Italian Restaurant in Florham Park. This collaboration is bringing the flavors of Italy straight to the residents of our Village Apartments, with delicious meals that foster community, joy, and connection. A Partnership Rooted in Love and Community This incredible program began with a heartfelt suggestion from the family member of a  Village Apartments resident in South Orange . With their close ties to Nonna’s Italian Restaurant, the idea quickly turned into a reality, benefiting everyone in our community. Through this partnership, Village Apartments residents can now enjoy gourmet Italian dishes delivered to their doorsteps twice a week. On Mondays and Wednesdays, residents can choose from a delightful menu that includes pizza, pasta, omelets, and gourmet chicken entrees — all at the affordable rate of just $11.10 per meal. What makes this p...

Making the decision to move to an independent living community isn’t easy. Many seniors feel deeply connected to the homes they’ve lived in for years, making it challenging to imagine life elsewhere. The idea of leaving behind familiar surroundings, neighbors, and even beloved routines can feel overwhelming. There are also concerns about feeling distanced from family or friends, and uncertainty about what to expect from community living. But at Lester Senior Living, we’ve designed a community that addresses these concerns by offering a lifestyle filled with opportunities for engagement, wellness, and support — allowing seniors to keep their independence while finding enhanced freedom and new connections. ​ When independent seniors choose Lester Senior Living, they’re not just moving into an apartment; they’re joining a vibrant community that provides them with access to a wide range of amenities, supportive services, and social activities. Lester is designed to make independent living ...

Living at Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC) just got smarter! Thanks to our exciting new partnership with Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled (JSDD), we’ve begun to offer innovative “smart” apartments at our  independent living apartments in South Orange . This collaboration brings cutting-edge technology into the homes of residents, providing more independence and safety, while giving their families greater peace of mind. Whether it’s Ring doorbells, refrigerator door sensors, or electronic medicine dispensers, residents can now upgrade their living experience through technology that enhances both convenience and security. The integration of this tech transforms any apartment into a “smart” home, creating a safer and more supportive environment. Let’s take a closer look at JSDD and how smart apartments can make life better for residents and their families. Who is JSDD? Founded in 1989,  JSDD (Jewish Service for the Developmentally Disabled)  was est...