September 9th-14th
So very often the housekeeping staff assists the activity department with setting up and cleaning up after events. Don't forget to show your housekeeping team how very grateful we are for all of their help during National Housekeeping Week!
Suggestions:
1) "Cleaning with a SMILE and In Style" purchase a mug with a smiley face on it, fill with candy and a "stylish" yet funny pair of sunglasses. Attach note of Thanks!
2) "Housekeeping...at the HEART of the facility!" purchase heart shaped candies, put in decorative bag. Attach note of Thanks!
3) Have residents sign a LARGE card and present to members of the housekeeping team at a large event in building or during their department meeting.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
What is Yom Kippur?
Jewish "Day of Atonement" considers spiritual well being
By: David Johnson
Yom Kippur, which in 2007 begins at sundown Sept. 21, and lasts until sundown Sept. 22, is one of the most serious Jewish holidays. Jews who do not regularly observe other holidays often make an exception for Yom Kippur, which occurs on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishri. Yom Kippur observances can vary. Some non-Orthodox Jews might not follow the following outline exactly.
This is judgment day. Many Jews practice repentance, say prayers, and give charity to obtain God's forgiveness for any sins made in the past year. Yom Kippur is the culmination of a process that began a month earlier, during the Hebrew month of Elal. It follows Rosh Hashanah and the New Year's activities.
Days of Awe
The Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, are the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It offers a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.
After Rosh Hashanah and before Yom Kippur are ten days known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance. They offer a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.
Some Orthodox Jews hold a live fowl over their heads as atonement for sin. The fowl is killed and given to the poor. Instead of an actual bird, some Jews use a bag of money symbolizing the price of the bird. This is the ancient custom of kapparot, or atonements, and is practiced during the afternoon before Yom Kippur begins.
A confession, a special meal
During the afternoon prayers on the day before Yom Kippur, a viddui, or confessional, is said. It is repeated during Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur requires a fast of about 25 hours. The final meal before is a somewhat festive occasion, including soup, chicken, and challah, traditional Jewish bread. Salty foods, which may make fasting more difficult, are generally avoided. Participants are advised to drink plenty of water and to brush their teeth before the fast begins. Those who usually drink a lot of caffeine are advised to start cutting down days before to avoid the headache associated with caffeine withdrawal.
Candles and a blessing
Two holiday candles are blessed and then lit. This signals the beginning of Yom Kippur. There is no more eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations. There are exceptions. Children who have not yet had their bar or bat-mitzvah, pregnant women, and people who are sick or infirm may eat or drink as needed. Some Reform Jews might not follow these prohibitions precisely.
A series of prayers is said during Yom Kippur. The Kol Nidrei is the first prayer, and should be recited before sunset. It is written in Aramaic, an ancient language. The Maariv is an evening service and includes the viddui.
During Yom Kippur, there is no eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations.
Prayers for those who have died
In the morning, the Shaharit begins the day. It is similar to other morning services but includes additional poems, known as piyutim. Next is the Yizkor, a memorial prayer for those whose parents have died. Those with parents still living leave the main sanctuary while it is being said. The Musaf is the longest service of the year. It contains two parts: one which recounts the temple service, and the second describes the ten Jewish wise men tortured to death by the Romans.
Locking of the gates of heaven
Most synagogues take a break following the Musaf to allow worshippers to take a rest. In the afternoon, the Minhah, which includes the reading of the Book of Jonah, takes place. It is the briefest Yom Kippur service. It is followed by the Neilah, meaning "locked." It refers to the locking of the gates of heaven. The congregation stands during the Neilah. At the end of the afternoon service, the shofar, a ram's horn, is blown. Today various types of horns are used.
Families "break the fast," when they return home and eat a light meal often prepared in advance. This usually includes dairy products. Bagels and lox, noodle kugel, juice, and coffee are apt to be included.
By: David Johnson
Yom Kippur, which in 2007 begins at sundown Sept. 21, and lasts until sundown Sept. 22, is one of the most serious Jewish holidays. Jews who do not regularly observe other holidays often make an exception for Yom Kippur, which occurs on the tenth day of the Hebrew month of Tishri. Yom Kippur observances can vary. Some non-Orthodox Jews might not follow the following outline exactly.
This is judgment day. Many Jews practice repentance, say prayers, and give charity to obtain God's forgiveness for any sins made in the past year. Yom Kippur is the culmination of a process that began a month earlier, during the Hebrew month of Elal. It follows Rosh Hashanah and the New Year's activities.
Days of Awe
The Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance, are the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It offers a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.
After Rosh Hashanah and before Yom Kippur are ten days known as the Days of Awe, or Ten Days of Repentance. They offer a chance for spiritual renewal and repentance before Yom Kippur, which is to atone for sins between man and God.
Some Orthodox Jews hold a live fowl over their heads as atonement for sin. The fowl is killed and given to the poor. Instead of an actual bird, some Jews use a bag of money symbolizing the price of the bird. This is the ancient custom of kapparot, or atonements, and is practiced during the afternoon before Yom Kippur begins.
A confession, a special meal
During the afternoon prayers on the day before Yom Kippur, a viddui, or confessional, is said. It is repeated during Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur requires a fast of about 25 hours. The final meal before is a somewhat festive occasion, including soup, chicken, and challah, traditional Jewish bread. Salty foods, which may make fasting more difficult, are generally avoided. Participants are advised to drink plenty of water and to brush their teeth before the fast begins. Those who usually drink a lot of caffeine are advised to start cutting down days before to avoid the headache associated with caffeine withdrawal.
Candles and a blessing
Two holiday candles are blessed and then lit. This signals the beginning of Yom Kippur. There is no more eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations. There are exceptions. Children who have not yet had their bar or bat-mitzvah, pregnant women, and people who are sick or infirm may eat or drink as needed. Some Reform Jews might not follow these prohibitions precisely.
A series of prayers is said during Yom Kippur. The Kol Nidrei is the first prayer, and should be recited before sunset. It is written in Aramaic, an ancient language. The Maariv is an evening service and includes the viddui.
During Yom Kippur, there is no eating or drinking. Other prohibitions are: no bathing, no using creams and oils, no wearing of leather shoes, and no sexual relations.
Prayers for those who have died
In the morning, the Shaharit begins the day. It is similar to other morning services but includes additional poems, known as piyutim. Next is the Yizkor, a memorial prayer for those whose parents have died. Those with parents still living leave the main sanctuary while it is being said. The Musaf is the longest service of the year. It contains two parts: one which recounts the temple service, and the second describes the ten Jewish wise men tortured to death by the Romans.
Locking of the gates of heaven
Most synagogues take a break following the Musaf to allow worshippers to take a rest. In the afternoon, the Minhah, which includes the reading of the Book of Jonah, takes place. It is the briefest Yom Kippur service. It is followed by the Neilah, meaning "locked." It refers to the locking of the gates of heaven. The congregation stands during the Neilah. At the end of the afternoon service, the shofar, a ram's horn, is blown. Today various types of horns are used.
Families "break the fast," when they return home and eat a light meal often prepared in advance. This usually includes dairy products. Bagels and lox, noodle kugel, juice, and coffee are apt to be included.
Rosh Hashanah is Jewish New Year!
Feast of the Trumpets remembers world's creation
by David Johnson
Rosh Hashanah begins September 12th, 2007
Related Links
Lost Tribes of Israel
Branches of Judaism
Yom Kippur
Jewish Holidays, 2001–2009
Judaism Primer
On Wednesday night, Sept. 12, 2007, Jews will begin celebrating one of their most important religious holidays, Rosh Hashanah. It remembers the creation of the world. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means the "head of the year." It is also called the Feast of the Trumpets. The blowing of a ram's horn, a shofar, proclaims Rosh Hashanah, and summons Jews to religious services. Sundown Sept. 12 marks the beginning of the year 5768 and the month of Tishri.
Jews used the ram's horn as a trumpet in Biblical times to announce the new moon, holidays, and war. Today, a variety of horns are used, including curved antelope horns.
Putting your spiritual house in order
While it does have its festive side, Rosh Hashanah is not one big party, as the New Year's celebrations on Dec. 31 tend to be. Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal introspection and prayer.
Jews may also visit graves. It is thought that the prayers or good wishes of the dead can help the living. By wishing each other well and sending cards, people let friends know what happened in the past year and what plans lie ahead. Christmas cards and get-togethers fill a similar role for Christians.
Rosh Hashanah is part of a process of spiritual growth. The Hebrew month preceding it, Elul, is a time for charity, tzedakah. Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second days of the seventh month, Tishri.
Food for thought
Traditional Jewish foods accompany Rosh Hashanah. Typically, a blessing will be said over two loaves of bread, known as challah. The round shape symbolizes a crown, a reminder of the kingship of God. Challah also stands for the circle of life, and the hope that our lives endure without end.
Challah is sometimes baked with a ladder on top in recognition that only God decides who climbs up or down the ladder of life. Forming challah in the shape of a bird is also done. The Torah says that God will protect Jerusalem in the same way a bird hovers.
Apples dipped in honey are another Rosh Hashanah tradition. It symbolizes the hope for a "sweet year" ahead. Honey is spread on challah. Tzimmes, a mixture made from carrots, cinnamon, yams, prunes, and honey, is also traditional.
Sephardic Jews—those of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin—serve a whole fish as a wish for prosperity, fertility, and good luck for the coming year. Some Jews also present fruit baskets covered to hide the contents, symbolizing that no one can know what the new year will bring.
Determined by the new moon
Rosh Hashanah observances vary. Orthodox Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah for two days. Reform Jews often observe it for only one day. In Biblical times the moon, not the calendar, determined dates for festivals. Witnesses watching the sky proclaimed the new moon. Since Rosh Hashanah falls on the first day of the month, people living far from Jerusalem did not have time to learn the exact date. Even those living near Jerusalem could miss the festival if the witnesses did not arrive on time. So, two days were set aside for observance so everyone would have time to participate.
by David Johnson
Rosh Hashanah begins September 12th, 2007
Related Links
Lost Tribes of Israel
Branches of Judaism
Yom Kippur
Jewish Holidays, 2001–2009
Judaism Primer
On Wednesday night, Sept. 12, 2007, Jews will begin celebrating one of their most important religious holidays, Rosh Hashanah. It remembers the creation of the world. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means the "head of the year." It is also called the Feast of the Trumpets. The blowing of a ram's horn, a shofar, proclaims Rosh Hashanah, and summons Jews to religious services. Sundown Sept. 12 marks the beginning of the year 5768 and the month of Tishri.
Jews used the ram's horn as a trumpet in Biblical times to announce the new moon, holidays, and war. Today, a variety of horns are used, including curved antelope horns.
Putting your spiritual house in order
While it does have its festive side, Rosh Hashanah is not one big party, as the New Year's celebrations on Dec. 31 tend to be. Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal introspection and prayer.
Jews may also visit graves. It is thought that the prayers or good wishes of the dead can help the living. By wishing each other well and sending cards, people let friends know what happened in the past year and what plans lie ahead. Christmas cards and get-togethers fill a similar role for Christians.
Rosh Hashanah is part of a process of spiritual growth. The Hebrew month preceding it, Elul, is a time for charity, tzedakah. Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second days of the seventh month, Tishri.
Food for thought
Traditional Jewish foods accompany Rosh Hashanah. Typically, a blessing will be said over two loaves of bread, known as challah. The round shape symbolizes a crown, a reminder of the kingship of God. Challah also stands for the circle of life, and the hope that our lives endure without end.
Challah is sometimes baked with a ladder on top in recognition that only God decides who climbs up or down the ladder of life. Forming challah in the shape of a bird is also done. The Torah says that God will protect Jerusalem in the same way a bird hovers.
Apples dipped in honey are another Rosh Hashanah tradition. It symbolizes the hope for a "sweet year" ahead. Honey is spread on challah. Tzimmes, a mixture made from carrots, cinnamon, yams, prunes, and honey, is also traditional.
Sephardic Jews—those of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern origin—serve a whole fish as a wish for prosperity, fertility, and good luck for the coming year. Some Jews also present fruit baskets covered to hide the contents, symbolizing that no one can know what the new year will bring.
Determined by the new moon
Rosh Hashanah observances vary. Orthodox Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah for two days. Reform Jews often observe it for only one day. In Biblical times the moon, not the calendar, determined dates for festivals. Witnesses watching the sky proclaimed the new moon. Since Rosh Hashanah falls on the first day of the month, people living far from Jerusalem did not have time to learn the exact date. Even those living near Jerusalem could miss the festival if the witnesses did not arrive on time. So, two days were set aside for observance so everyone would have time to participate.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Passport Program at Royal Palms a HUGE success!
Program Description:
We had realistic passports printed and have a page for residents’ names, etc. and twelve pages with the month on each page. Each month on my calendar you will see indicated events where they can have their passport stamped for that event. If they get 3 passport stamps for the month they can come to the Passport Party the last Wednesday of each month. This party has turned into a big event!! The theme of the party goes along with a map we created and placed the residents’ birth states (or countries) and target regions for the month. Thus that becomes the food for the party and entertainment as well. We honor the residents who reside the state/country/region we are honoring for that month. In November we will give some type of gift to the residents with the most stampings because some people come to everything. Yeah! We also have asked the residents to give us a bio about their home state and we are printing these in the form of a book to give them in December.
If you would like more information plesae contact: Dee Ragan (Activity Director) Royal Palms
Number: 727.585.8003 or email: dragan@thegoodmangroup.com
We had realistic passports printed and have a page for residents’ names, etc. and twelve pages with the month on each page. Each month on my calendar you will see indicated events where they can have their passport stamped for that event. If they get 3 passport stamps for the month they can come to the Passport Party the last Wednesday of each month. This party has turned into a big event!! The theme of the party goes along with a map we created and placed the residents’ birth states (or countries) and target regions for the month. Thus that becomes the food for the party and entertainment as well. We honor the residents who reside the state/country/region we are honoring for that month. In November we will give some type of gift to the residents with the most stampings because some people come to everything. Yeah! We also have asked the residents to give us a bio about their home state and we are printing these in the form of a book to give them in December.
If you would like more information plesae contact: Dee Ragan (Activity Director) Royal Palms
Number: 727.585.8003 or email: dragan@thegoodmangroup.com
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Suggestion for a "Meaningful Activity"
The residents at Westchester Gardens Long Term Care Center, located in Florida, have found a way to give back to their community, while at the same time feel like they are participating in a MEANINGFUL activity!
The American Red Cross Presents, "Vial of Life." It is a program that provides medical information to emergency personnel when individuals can't.
Here's How it Works:
The Vial of Life is taped to the top shelf of the front right side of the the INSIDE of one's refrigerator. The vial contains important medical information that emergency personnel would need if they came into your home and you were unconcious or could not give it to them. When the emergency personnel come to an individual's home they look for the orange dot on the upper left hand corner of the OUTSIDE of the regrigerator identifying the indiviudual as a Vial of Life participant.
How is it "meaningful" for the residents?
The residents at Westchester Gardens assemble the vials for the American Red Cross which includes: putting the information sheet inside of the vial, putting the lid on the vial, and rubberbanning directions to the outside of the vial. Sounds easy enough... They are then brought, or shipped, to the American Red Cross and the residents hope that their efforts will assist someone in the community during a medical emergency or possibly save a life!
Contact the American Red Cross in your county for more information!
Maureen Cook (Activity Director)
Westchester Gardens
The American Red Cross Presents, "Vial of Life." It is a program that provides medical information to emergency personnel when individuals can't.
Here's How it Works:
The Vial of Life is taped to the top shelf of the front right side of the the INSIDE of one's refrigerator. The vial contains important medical information that emergency personnel would need if they came into your home and you were unconcious or could not give it to them. When the emergency personnel come to an individual's home they look for the orange dot on the upper left hand corner of the OUTSIDE of the regrigerator identifying the indiviudual as a Vial of Life participant.
How is it "meaningful" for the residents?
The residents at Westchester Gardens assemble the vials for the American Red Cross which includes: putting the information sheet inside of the vial, putting the lid on the vial, and rubberbanning directions to the outside of the vial. Sounds easy enough... They are then brought, or shipped, to the American Red Cross and the residents hope that their efforts will assist someone in the community during a medical emergency or possibly save a life!
Contact the American Red Cross in your county for more information!
Maureen Cook (Activity Director)
Westchester Gardens
August-History of the Month's Orgin
Augustus for 'August'
After Julius's grandnephew Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra, and became emperor of Rome, the Roman Senate decided that he too should have a month named after him. The month Sextillus (sex = six) was chosen for Augustus, and the senate justified its actions in the following resolution:
Whereas the Emperor Augustus Caesar, in the month of Sextillis . . . thrice entered the city in triumph . . . and in the same month Egypt was brought under the authority of the Roman people, and in the same month an end was put to the civil wars; and whereas for these reasons the said month is, and has been, most fortunate to this empire, it is hereby decreed by the senate that the said month shall be called Augustus.
Not only did the Senate name a month after Augustus, but it decided that since Julius's month, July, had 31 days, Augustus's month should equal it: under the Julian calendar, the months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days (with the exception of February), which made August 30 days long. So, instead of August having a mere 30 days, it was lengthened to 31, preventing anyone from claiming that Emperor Augustus was saddled with an inferior month.
To accommodate this change two other calendrical adjustments were necessary:
The extra day needed to inflate the importance of August was taken from February, which originally had 29 days (30 in a leap year), and was now reduced to 28 days (29 in a leap year).
Since the months evenly alternated between 30 and 31 days, adding the extra day to August meant that July, August, and September would all have 31 days. So to avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June, and November.
NOW...see if your trivia group knows as much as you?? ha!!
After Julius's grandnephew Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra, and became emperor of Rome, the Roman Senate decided that he too should have a month named after him. The month Sextillus (sex = six) was chosen for Augustus, and the senate justified its actions in the following resolution:
Whereas the Emperor Augustus Caesar, in the month of Sextillis . . . thrice entered the city in triumph . . . and in the same month Egypt was brought under the authority of the Roman people, and in the same month an end was put to the civil wars; and whereas for these reasons the said month is, and has been, most fortunate to this empire, it is hereby decreed by the senate that the said month shall be called Augustus.
Not only did the Senate name a month after Augustus, but it decided that since Julius's month, July, had 31 days, Augustus's month should equal it: under the Julian calendar, the months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days (with the exception of February), which made August 30 days long. So, instead of August having a mere 30 days, it was lengthened to 31, preventing anyone from claiming that Emperor Augustus was saddled with an inferior month.
To accommodate this change two other calendrical adjustments were necessary:
The extra day needed to inflate the importance of August was taken from February, which originally had 29 days (30 in a leap year), and was now reduced to 28 days (29 in a leap year).
Since the months evenly alternated between 30 and 31 days, adding the extra day to August meant that July, August, and September would all have 31 days. So to avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June, and November.
NOW...see if your trivia group knows as much as you?? ha!!
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