Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

  Purim is a time of joy, storytelling, and celebration, and at Lester Senior Living, we believe that crafting should be part of the festivities! While a delicious feast is often at the heart of the holiday, crafting also plays a significant role in bringing the Purim spirit to life. Our residents love engaging in hands-on projects that not only celebrate the holiday’s themes, but also provide a fun and social way to embrace Purim. From lively noisemakers to colorful masks and decorations, here are a few DIY Purim crafts that keep the creative juices flowing for our  active seniors in Morris County . Recycled Noisemakers One of the most classic symbols of Purim is the noisemaker, which is called a ra’ashan in Hebrew or gragger in Yiddish. This noisemaker is used to drown out the name of Haman during the reading of the Megillah. There’s no need to buy a new one this year when you can craft your own from everyday household items! Materials Needed: 2 plastic cups (clear or colore...

  It’s not Purim without the delicious treats! While  hamantaschen are the traditional go-to Purim cookie  filled with sweet munn (Yiddish for poppy seeds), we’re putting a delightful twist on tradition. This is a new recipe for thin, crisp, and flavorful Munn cookies provided by our culinary trained chefs at the JCHC senior communities. These light and zesty cookies offer a unique way to enjoy the classic poppy seed flavor, perfect for sharing with friends and family during the festivities. Ingredients for Munn Cookies To bake these deliciously crisp Munn cookies, you’ll need: 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup poppy seeds 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened ( or substitute with ½ cup butter and ½ a softened banana for a lighter version ) ? cup white sugar ( or raw sugar ) 1 large egg, separated 2 tablespoons lemon zest ¼ cup lemon juice ? cup granulated sugar for decoration Directions to Bake Munn Cookies Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lin...

  Being a “Knit Wit” is a badge of honor at Lester Senior Living! Our resident knitting club, lovingly known as the  Knit Wits , gathers regularly to knit everything from cozy scarves to intricate quilts — all while enjoying great conversation and laughter. More than just a hobby, their work has a lasting impact, as many of their handmade pieces are donated to local charities. Recently, the Knit Wits took on an especially meaningful project: a large quilt dedicated to veterans. Over two months, they carefully stitched together each panel, crafting a beautiful and heartfelt piece that would eventually find a home at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Among the dedicated members of the club was Madeline Johnson, a proud veteran herself, who put extra love and effort into ensuring the quilt was special. Her one request? That it be given to another veteran who would appreciate its warmth and care. We were honored to make that wish a reality. This project is just one example of ho...

Winter weather often tempts us to stay wrapped up in blankets and relax indoors with our favorite streaming service. While this is OK once in a while, the colder months are no excuse for inactivity – especially for seniors at Lester.  Our  vibrant assisted living community in Morris County  ensures that residents stay active both physically and mentally, regardless of the weather. From energizing fitness classes to enriching mental activities, we offer a full schedule to keep seniors moving, engaged, and comfortable throughout the season. Indoor Physical Activities for Seniors  At Lester, residents can enjoy a variety of fitness classes that cater to all levels of physical ability. Our inclusive classes ensure everyone has the opportunity to move and thrive all year-round. Some of our most popular classes include: Zumba:  This class is a perfect mix of exercise and entertainment. Dancing to lively music provides residents with a full-body workout, while boosting...