Mayflower hosts its 1st Shabbat

“You could literally feel the warmth and joy in the room” at the first Shabbat service conducted by the Jewish Pavilion at the Mayflower says Judy Procell, program director. “The residents continuously told me how happy they were to be able to celebrate Shabbat in their independent living community among their friends.

“Sydney Meyer commented that this was the first time he was able to say kaddish for his wife who recently passed.”

“While many residents in independent living belong to a synagogue, only some of them can get to shul. Traveling with walkers, wheel chairs, oxygen and more can be quite challenging,” comments Nancy Ludin, executive director of the Jewish Pavilion. “We were so thrilled when Betty Nelson, director of community services at the Mayflower, agreed to allow us to conduct a Shabbat service. Betty went all out and provided residents with a delicious and beautiful array of fruits, cakes, cookies and beverages. The chocolate covered strawberries were especially enjoyed.

“Since this was a first experience for Betty and the residents, I wanted to be certain that it was close to perfection. I invited Jewish Pavilion Board member Paul Stenzler and his wife, Terri Fine, to conduct the service. They led the service with so much passion, warmth and personality.

“Paul’s guitar playing added so much to the delightful experience. While residents enjoyed all of his songs, ‘Is This the Little Girl I Carried?’ from ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ brought tears to almost everyone in the room.”