Jewish Community Housing Corporation of Metropolitan NJ

February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to focus on how we can support heart health through the food we eat. At the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC), we are committed to promoting the well-being of our residents, which is why the  dining services at Lester Senior Living in Morris County  prioritize heart-healthy options. With carefully crafted menus featuring low-sodium, nutritious meals, we make it easy for residents to enjoy flavorful dishes that support their cardiovascular health all year long. Heart-Healthy Dining at Lester Senior Living Dining is about more than just meals at Lester — it’s about nourishing the body and supporting a vibrant, healthy lifestyle. Each month, residents receive a dining menu in advance that highlights heart-healthy options with a distinct heart icon, ensuring they can make informed choices about their meals. Some of the standout heart-friendly entrées include: Baked Tilapia  – A light, flavorful fish rich i...

  Tai Chi at JCHC is a Big Hit! At JCHC, we’re always looking for ways to enhance the well-being of our residents through impactful and engaging activities. One of our most popular offerings is Tai Chi — a form of exercise that blends self-defense techniques with meditative, flowing movements. Residents at JCHC’s  Village Apartments in South Orange  and  Jewish Federation Plaza in West Orange  have embraced Tai Chi classes, and it’s easy to see why! Tai Chi is much more than just an exercise routine — it’s a cathartic practice with a host of benefits for seniors, and we’re thrilled to make it accessible in our New Jersey communities. The Core Benefits of Tai Chi for Seniors Tai Chi offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it an ideal activity for older adults. Research shows that seniors who practice Tai Chi regularly experience: Improved Balance:  Tai Chi enhances stability through slow, controlled movements, which is especia...

Tu B’Shevat, also known as the “New Year for Trees,” is a celebration of nature and the impact we have on the environment around us. Observed on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, this holiday invites us to reflect on our connection to the natural world and our role in caring for it. At  JCHC’s Lester Senior Living , we celebrate Tu B’Shevat with meaningful resident activities that bring the spirit of the holiday to life. Enjoying Fruits of the Holiday One of the central traditions of Tu B’Shevat is eating a variety of fruits, particularly the “Seven Species” mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as being native to Israel: figs, dates, grapes, olives, pomegranates, wheat, and barley. These fruits not only symbolize abundance, but also remind us of our deep-rooted ties to the land of Israel. Residents at Lester Senior Living enjoy sampling these delicious fruits as part of Tu B’Shevat. From sweet dates to tangy pomegranates, these foods add flavor and honor the holiday. For those w...

Winter is a beautiful season, but it can bring unique challenges for seniors. Cold weather, shorter days, and the flu spreading around may pose risks to health, mobility, and social engagement. However, with some thoughtful planning and healthy habits, seniors can actually enjoy themselves during the winter months. In this article, our team at JCHC shares tips to help seniors stay active, healthy, and connected this season. Whether You’re Inside or Out, Keep Moving! Physical activity is a cornerstone of good health, helping to reduce stress and maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. While winter weather can limit outdoor exercise, there are plenty of ways to stay active: Outdoor Activities: On mild winter days, walking in safe, ice-free areas is an excellent way to enjoy fresh air and gentle movement. Indoor Exercises: Low-impact options like chair yoga, stretching, or light aerobics provide a safe and effective workout. For seniors residing at Lester Senior Living, these class...

As winter sets in and the festive glow of Hanukkah fades, there’s no better time to savor the ultimate comfort food—chicken soup with kreplach. Known as the quintessential Jewish comfort food, this heartwarming dish has been cherished for generations. The chefs at Lester Senior Living in Morris County have perfected a recipe that’s both traditional and approachable, even for first-time kreplach makers. Read on for our step-by-step guide to preparing this classic dish, perfect for warming the body and soul on a chilly winter day. Ingredients For the Soup: 1 (3 to 5-pound) chicken, quartered 12 cups water 3 carrots, sliced 1 stalk celery 1 to 2 parsnips 1 onion 1 tablespoon Kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 clove garlic, peeled Several sprigs of fresh dill Several sprigs of fresh parsley For the Kreplach: 1 3/4 cups flour 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 cup ground beef 1 small onion, grated Preparation For the Soup: Clean the chicken thoroughly....