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How JCHC is Celebrating Sukkot

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Sukkot is a joyous time of year, celebrating the harvest season and the importance of community, family, and faith. At Lester Senior Living, part of the Jewish Community Housing Corporation (JCHC), we take great pride in upholding Jewish traditions, especially during the holiday season. This year, we’ve planned an array of special Sukkot activities, all centered around our beautiful, onsite Sukkah, where residents can celebrate together, reflect on our heritage and create new memories. Let’s take a look at some of the exciting Sukkot events we have lined up for our  seniors at Lester Senior Living in Morris County . Sukkot Activities at Lester Senior Living in NJ Torah Study Class: Reflecting on the Story of Sukkot During Sukkot, we embrace the opportunity to reconnect with the Torah’s teachings. Residents at Lester Senior Living will participate in a Torah study class, where we will reread and discuss the significance of the story of Sukkot. This class is a time for reflection, learni
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Delicious Lemon Etrog Cupcakes for Sukkot!

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  Sukkot is a time to celebrate the bounty of the harvest and enjoy delicious treats with family and friends. One of the most recognizable symbols of Sukkot is the etrog, a fragrant citrus fruit that is paired with the lulav in holiday traditions. This year, why not bring the sweet and tangy flavor of the etrog into your kitchen with a fun and simple recipe from the  culinary team at Lester Senior Living ? Our lemon etrog cupcakes are not only irresistible to eat, but also offer a fun way to learn about this beautiful holiday.Don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on etrog, lemon will work just fine in this recipe. Perfect for baking with a senior loved one, these cupcakes are easy to make and sure to become a festive favorite. So, put on your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some sweet Sukkot memories! Ingredients for Lemon Etrog Cupcakes (Approx. 12): All purpose flour (1 ½ cup) Baking powder (1 ½ tsp.) Unsalted butter, at room temperature (1 stick) White sugar (¾ c
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Fall Arts & Crafts for Seniors

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As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, there is an undeniable warmth that fills the atmosphere — an invitation to get cozy and creative! One of the best ways to welcome fall into your home is through arts and crafts, especially when those crafts become beautiful decorations that add a personal touch. At JCHC, we’ve been diving into fall crafts with our  senior living residents in NJ , and we’d love to share some of our favorite ideas with you. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to enjoy alone or with friends, these fall crafts are perfect for seniors looking to celebrate the season. 1. Leaf Pressed Bookmarks There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book on a crisp fall day. Why not add a touch of fall to your reading experience with handmade bookmarks? Start by collecting a few small leaves during your next walk — look for vibrant colors and interesting shapes. Gently press the leaves between sheets of wax paper and place them inside a heavy book for a f
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Residents are like Family Here at JCHC

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At JCHC, our senior residents are more than just members of our community — they are family. We take immense pride in the close-knit relationships our staff cultivates with residents, ensuring that everyone feels supported, cherished, and at home. One of the many ways we foster these bonds is through our large community gatherings, like our annual Summer BBQ at Lester Senior Living. In fact, this year’s BBQ was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, filled with laughter, delicious food, and lively dancing. These gatherings are not just fun — they offer tremendous benefits to the well-being of our seniors. Let’s take a closer look at how social events like the Summer BBQ positively impact our residents at  Lester Senior Living in Morris County . Watch a Recap of the Lester Annual BBQ Below! https://jchcorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Lester-summer-BBQ.mp4 Strengthened Community Bonds Large gatherings play a crucial role in building and strengthening community bonds. Events like
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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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