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Apple Honey Challah Bread for Rosh Hashanah

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  As Rosh Hashanah approaches next month, it’s the perfect time to start planning the festive meals that will bring your family and friends together. One of the holiday’s most beloved traditions is enjoying challah bread dipped in honey, symbolizing hopes for a sweet new year. At JCHC’s  Lester Senior Living, our talented culinary team  has crafted a special recipe that elevates this tradition: Apple Honey Challah. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its delightful blend of flavors. Ingredients for Apple Honey Challah Bread 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 standard 1/4-ounce packet) active dry yeast 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon honey 1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for the bowl 2 large eggs plus 1 large yolk 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt 4 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for your work surface Apple filling 2 medium baking apples, peeled, cored and in 1/2- to 3/4-inch chunks
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How to Better Listen to Your Senior Parents

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  Quality communication is the foundation of any relationship, but when it comes to our senior loved ones, it can also be a gateway to their well-being. As we approach the International Day of Listening, observed on the third Thursday in September, it’s a timely reminder of the importance of honing our listening skills—especially with our aging parents. Listening to seniors effectively can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it becomes easier to create meaningful connections without feeling overwhelmed. Here are some essential tips to help you become a better listener for your senior parents, provided by our  caregivers at Lester Senior Living in Morris County . 1. Minimize Distractions and Avoid Interrupting This can be difficult because anything can be classified as a distraction. To be frank, they are everywhere! However, you know mom and dad best, which means you’re more than aware of what they find distracting. Give them your full attention by turning off the TV, pu
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How Seniors Can Manage Fatigue with Exercise

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  Fatigue can become a more common and persistent challenge as we age, affecting how we feel on a day-to-day basis. While physical activity might seem counterintuitive when feeling tired, regular exercise can actually help combat fatigue by increasing energy levels, improving mood, and enhancing overall health. In this article, we’ll explore how seniors can manage fatigue through exercise, drawing on expert guidelines and the resources available at the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC). The Importance of Regular Exercise Fatigue can be a significant barrier to maintaining an active lifestyle, but exercise is one of the most effective tools in fighting it. According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, to attain the most health benefits from physical activity, adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week. Adults also need muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days each week. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce
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Back to School, Back to Senior Living

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  As the school year begins, students everywhere are returning to classrooms filled with anticipation for the learning and friendships that lie ahead. However, just because the school bell has rung, doesn’t mean they can’t continue to connect with their grandparents or other seniors. At Lester Senior Living, part of the  Jewish Community Housing Corporation  (JCHC), the beginning of the school year marks a perfect time for students to visit and engage with our senior residents. The joy and warmth that intergenerational interactions bring to our community are profound, and the benefits extend far beyond the immediate smiles and laughter! In fact, intergenerational programs are a cornerstone of  life at Lester Senior Living , offering meaningful opportunities for seniors and children alike. The exchange between generations provides an enriching experience that nurtures the heart and mind, and positively impacts the overall well-being of our senior residents. Check out our video below
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Respite Care: A Trial Run for Assisted Living

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  The idea of transitioning to assisted living can be daunting, both for seniors and their families. Thinking about the uncertainty of a new environment, coupled with the fear of permanent change, can often be overwhelming. However, there’s a solution that offers a trial run of assisted living without the long-term commitment. At JCHC’s Lester Senior Living in Morris County, NJ , respite care is designed to provide seniors with a taste of the community’s offerings during a temporary stay. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes respite care great at Lester Senior Living, highlighting the benefits and how it serves as a gateway to assisted living. A Flexible Stay to Suit Your Needs One of the key benefits of our respite services is the flexibility. Respite stays can range from two weeks to two months, providing a variety of options to meet different needs and schedules. Whether your loved one needs a short-term stay while recovering from an illness or surger
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Seniors Who Dine Together, Stay Together

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  We do more than break bread at our senior communities, especially at Lester Senior Living. At our assisted living community in Morris County , our residents are all about the food. Eating the food, talking about each dish and sharing meals with others – there’s really nothing like it. We’re proud to say we’ve truly made food an experience here. Especially now that we’ve renovated the café and community dining room, residents are even more comfortable to sit back and stay awhile. Experience what it’s like for seniors to dine at Lester by watching the video below.  Benefits of Seniors Who Eat Together Improved Nutrition Did you know dining with a companion can enhance an older adult’s nutritional intake significantly? When meals are shared, seniors are more likely to explore new foods and eat a broader range of nutrients. This is crucial because as people age, their bodies require increased amounts of specific nutrients, such as vitamin B12, calcium, and vitamin D. These nu
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Grilled Chicken Sofrito: A Jewish Recipe for Your Last Summer Cookout

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  Throw chicken tenderloins on the grill to make Grilled Chicken Sofrito, a tomato and pepper based sauce, packed with flavor and spice! Did you know this recipe goes all the way back to the 1920’s? Chicken sofrito originated from the cooks at Adath Israel, a small and welcoming Orthodox synagogue that was established by Polish Jews during that time period. The culinary team at Lester Senior Living sure is glad this recipe is still alive and well, as it’s the perfect summer dish. Grilled chicken sofrito is light, flavorful and pretty good for you as far as nutrition is concerned. If you’re looking for something new to serve your BBQ guests, give this one a try – it’s bound to turn up the heat! Ingredients for Chicken Marinade 1 ½  pounds boneless chicken tenderloins ¼ cup lime juice 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin and chili powder combined 1 Tablespoon soy sauce Ingredients for Homemade Sofrito 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, di
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