Nurturing Our Spirit March 2021

Nurturing Our Spirit with Rabbi Aaron Lever Samson Nursing Center March 2021 Dear Friends, This year Passover – the major eight-day springtime Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt – starts on the night of March 27th. The central theme of Passover is freedom. Jews eat matzah (“unleavened bread”) during the holiday as a symbol of their ancestors’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Every Passover Jews gather to commemorate that night with two nights of festive Seder ritual meals shared with family and friends. This year our celebration of Passover will mark one year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of you may be feeling disheartened that we will be separated from our family and friends once again this year for the Seder. The Haggadah (the liturgical Jewish text used during the Seder) states: “In every generation, each individual should feel personally redeemed from Egypt.” Each of us faces our own burdens in life that may enslave us. Some of you may be feeling burdened by the constraints placed on our lives this year as the result of COVID-19. Passover gives us an opportunity to think about how we can become spiritually free from all of our burdens. We are already beginning to see positive signs that we are making our way to the other side of this pandemic, and for this we can feel grateful. We conclude the Seder singing “L’shanah ha-ba-ah bi-ru-sha-layim – Next year in Jerusalem.” With these words may we plant seeds of hope that next Passover we will be free from this pandemic and will sit together around the same table. Hag Kasher v’Sameach – May you have a happy and kosher Passover holiday! Rabbi Aaron M. Lever, BCC Director of Spiritual Care

Nurturing Our Spirit with Rabbi Aaron Lever Samson Nursing Center March 2021 Shabbat Dinner (Every Friday starting @ 4:30 PM, TV Channel 5): Let’s celebrate Shabbat together! Shabbat dinner music will begin playing at 4:30 PM. Join the Shabbat celebration at 5:00 PM for candle lighting, Kiddush, Motzi, and singing. Jewish Sing-A-Long (Thurs., 3/4 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Music fills the heart and soul with joy. If you love Jewish music, this is the group for you! Tune in to add your voice to our tapestry of song. Living in Gratitude (Fri., 3/5 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Feeling gratitude invites joy, blessing, healing and resilience into our lives. Tune in as we continue our year- long study of the insightful book Living in Gratitude: A Journey that Will Change Your Life by Angeles Arrien. The Moth Podcast (Thurs., 3/11 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): The Moth is a non- profit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. We will be listening to The Moth Podcast and discuss how the stories we hear connect to our own lives. Kavanah Mindfulness Meditation (Fri., 3/12 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Kavanah means “intention.” Mindfulness meditation is a Jewish practice that brings a sense of oneness to our body, mind, and spirit that promotes relaxation and healing. Tune in to develop your meditation practice as we use all of our senses, music, breath and guided imagery to embark on a spiritual journey to awaken our minds. Mindfulness in Action (Tues., 3/16 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Tikkun middot is the ancient Jewish practice of cultivating desirable character traits that help us to be our best selves by aligning our words and actions with our heartfelt values. Tune in to learn how to become less reactive and habit-driven and respond more wisely to life’s challenges through material adapted from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Healing Service (Fri., 3/19 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): We each face our own struggles whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual. Tune in to experience this beautiful communal opportunity to sing, share meaningful words, bless and comfort each other.

Women’s Seder Wednesday, March 10 at 2:30 PM TV Channel 4 Join Joy Katzen-Guthrie for Menorah Manor’s first Women’s Seder – a new Jewish ritual offering women the opportunity to infuse the Passover narrative with a woman’s voice and experience. (Of course, men are welcome to attend!)

Celebrating Passover The Matzah Ball Fairy and Other Passover Celebrations from Around the World (Tues., 3/23 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in to be entertained by a hilarious Passover story and then learn about different Jewish customs from around the world for celebrating Passover. Burning the Hametz (Fri., 3/26 @ 11:00 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in as we mark the start of the Passover holiday together. We will symbolically burn Menorah Manor’s Hametz and sing some Passover songs. Residents will be able to “sell” their Hametz prior to the holiday if they wish. First Night Seder (Sat., 3/27 @ 4:30 PM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for a fun-filled and joyful Passover Seder experience. Seder trays will be provided with the Seder meal. Passover Services (Sun., 3/28 @ 10:00 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for a meaningful service to reflect on our freedom and the redemption of our ancestors. Second Night Seder (Sat., 3/28 @ 4:30 PM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for another opportunity to celebrate Passover together! Shabbat Services with Yizkor (Sat., 4/3 @ 10:00 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for Shabbat services at the end of Passover with a reading from the Song of Songs and Yizkor prayers to remember our deceased loved ones. In every generation, every individual should feel personally redeemed from Egypt.

Christian Worship Services Live-Streamed at Menorah Manor Catholic Mass (Sundays @ 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM, TV Channel 57) First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota (Sundays @ 11:00 AM, TV Channel 4) Calvary Chapel (with Praise Band) (Sundays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Holy Rosary Prayer Service from the Cathedral of St. Jude (Tuesdays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Prayer Service from First Congregational UCC of Sarasota (Thursdays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Quote of the Month: Let the good in me connect with the good in others, until all the world is transformed through the compelling power of love. — Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

Journeys with Joy Katzen-Guthrie Tune in to watch on TV Channel 4: Mon., Mar. 1 @ 10:30 AM – Comedy and Laughter with Joy: Jack Benny (Part 2) Wed., Mar. 3 @ 2:30 PM – Learning with Joy: Jews of Alaska and the Yukon Mon., Mar. 8 @ 10:30 AM – Musical Journeys with Joy: Ethel Merman Wed., Mar. 10 @ 2:30 PM – Women’s Seder (Of course, men are welcome to attend!) Mon., Mar. 15 @ 10:30 AM – Learning with Joy: Meryl Streep Wed., Mar. 17 @ 2:30 PM – Spring Concert with a Touch of Irish Mon., Mar. 22 @ 10:30 AM – Hollywood Musicals of the 40s Wed., Mar. 24 @ 2:30 PM – Music of the Passover Seder from Around the World Mon., Mar. 29 @ 10:30 AM – Learning with Joy: Esther Williams Wed., Mar. 31 @ 2:30 PM – Comedy and Laughter with Joy: Milton Berle

Nurturing Our Spirit with Rabbi Aaron Lever Toby Weinman Assisted Living Residence March 2021 Dear Friends, This year Passover – the major eight-day springtime Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt – starts on the night of March 27th. The central theme of Passover is freedom. Jews eat matzah (“unleavened bread”) during the holiday as a symbol of their ancestors’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Every Passover Jews gather to commemorate that night with two nights of festive Seder ritual meals shared with family and friends. This year our celebration of Passover will mark one year of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of you may be feeling disheartened that we will be separated from our family and friends once again this year for the Seder. The Haggadah (the liturgical Jewish text used during the Seder) states: “In every generation, each individual should feel personally redeemed from Egypt.” Each of us faces our own burdens in life that may enslave us. Some of you may be feeling burdened by the constraints placed on our lives this year as the result of COVID-19. Passover gives us an opportunity to think about how we can become spiritually free from all of our burdens. We are already beginning to see positive signs that we are making our way to the other side of this pandemic, and for this we can feel grateful. We conclude the Seder singing “L’shanah ha-ba-ah bi-ru-sha-layim – Next year in Jerusalem.” With these words may we plant seeds of hope that next Passover we will be free from this pandemic and will sit together around the same table. Hag Kasher v’Sameach – May you have a happy and kosher Passover holiday! Rabbi Aaron M. Lever, BCC Director of Spiritual Care

Nurturing Our Spirit with Rabbi Aaron Lever Toby Weinman Assisted Living Residence March 2021 Kabbalat Shabbat (Every Friday @ 4:00 PM): Join the community in welcoming Shabbat by singing enjoyable Friday night Shabbat melodies before dinner. Musical Sing-A-Long (Thurs., 3/4 @ 3:45 PM): Music fills the heart and soul with joy. If you love Jewish music, this is the group for you! Come add your voice to our tapestry of song. Living in Gratitude (Fri., 3/5 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Feeling gratitude invites joy, blessing, healing and resilience into our lives. Tune in as we continue our year- long study of the insightful book Living in Gratitude: A Journey that Will Change Your Life by Angeles Arrien. The Moth Podcast (Thurs., 3/11 @ 3:45 PM): The Moth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. We will be listening to The Moth Podcast and discuss how the stories we hear connect to our own lives. Kavanah Mindfulness Meditation (Fri., 3/12 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Kavanah means “intention.” Mindfulness meditation is a Jewish practice that brings a sense of oneness to our body, mind, and spirit that promotes relaxation and healing. Tune in to develop your meditation practice as we use all of our senses, music, breath and guided imagery to embark on a spiritual journey to awaken our minds. Mindfulness in Action (Tues., 3/16 @ 3:45 PM): Tikkun middot is the ancient Jewish practice of cultivating desirable character traits that help us to be our best selves by aligning our words and actions with our heartfelt values. Tune in to learn how to become less reactive and habit-driven and respond more wisely to life’s challenges through material adapted from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Healing Service (Thurs., 3/18 @ 3:45 PM): We each face our own struggles whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual. Come experience this beautiful communal opportunity to sing, share meaningful words, bless and comfort each other.

Nurturing Our Spirit with Rabbi Aaron Lever (Programs available on TV if you are in quarantine) Shabbat Dinner (Every Friday starting @ 4:30 PM, TV Channel 5): Let’s celebrate Shabbat together! Shabbat dinner music will begin playing at 4:30 PM. Join the Shabbat celebration at 5:00 PM for candle lighting, Kiddush, Motzi, and singing. Jewish Sing-A-Long (Thurs., 3/4 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Music fills the heart and soul with joy. If you love Jewish music, this is the group for you! Tune in to add your voice to our tapestry of song. Living in Gratitude (Fri., 3/5 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Feeling gratitude invites joy, blessing, healing and resilience into our lives. Tune in as we continue our year- long study of the insightful book Living in Gratitude: A Journey that Will Change Your Life by Angeles Arrien. The Moth Podcast (Thurs., 3/11 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): The Moth is a non- profit organization dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. We will be listening to The Moth Podcast and discuss how the stories we hear connect to our own lives. Kavanah Mindfulness Meditation (Fri., 3/12 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Kavanah means “intention.” Mindfulness meditation is a Jewish practice that brings a sense of oneness to our body, mind, and spirit that promotes relaxation and healing. Tune in to develop your meditation practice as we use all of our senses, music, breath and guided imagery to embark on a spiritual journey to awaken our minds. Mindfulness in Action (Tues., 3/16 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): Tikkun middot is the ancient Jewish practice of cultivating desirable character traits that help us to be our best selves by aligning our words and actions with our heartfelt values. Tune in to learn how to become less reactive and habit-driven and respond more wisely to life’s challenges through material adapted from the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. Healing Service (Fri., 3/19 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5): We each face our own struggles whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual. Tune in to experience this beautiful communal opportunity to sing, share meaningful words, bless and comfort each other.

Women’s Seder Wednesday, March 10 at 2:30 PM TV Channel 4 Join Joy Katzen-Guthrie for Menorah Manor’s first Women’s Seder – a new Jewish ritual offering women the opportunity to infuse the Passover narrative with a woman’s voice and experience. (Of course, men are welcome to attend!)

Celebrating Passover The Matzah Ball Fairy and Other Passover Celebrations from Around the World (Tues., 3/23 @ 3:45 PM): Tune in to be entertained by a hilarious Passover story and then learn about different Jewish customs from around the world for celebrating Passover. (If you are in quarantine, you can join this program on Tues., 3/23 @ 10:30 AM, TV Channel 5). Burning the Hametz (Fri., 3/26 @ 10:00 AM, Courtyard): Tune in as we mark the start of the Passover holiday together. We will symbolically burn Menorah Manor’s Hametz and sing some Passover songs. Residents will be able to “sell” their Hametz prior to the holiday if they wish. (If you are in quarantine, you can join this program on Fri., 3/26 @ 11 AM, TV Channel 5). First Night Seder (Sat., 3/27 @ 4:30 PM, Dining Room or TV Channel 5): Tune in for a fun-filled and joyful Passover Seder experience that will be broadcast on TVs in the Dining Room and Living Room. Seder trays will be provided with the Seder meal. Passover Services (Sun., 3/28 @ 10:00 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for a meaningful service to reflect on our freedom and the redemption of our ancestors. Second Night Seder (Sat., 3/28 @ 4:30 PM, Dining Room or TV Channel 5): Tune in for another opportunity to celebrate Passover together! Shabbat Services with Yizkor (Sat., 4/3 @ 10:00 AM, TV Channel 5): Tune in for Shabbat services at the end of Passover with a reading from the Song of Songs and Yizkor prayers to remember our deceased loved ones. In every generation, every individual should feel personally redeemed from Egypt.

Christian Worship Services Live-Streamed at Menorah Manor Catholic Mass (Sundays @ 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM, TV Channel 57) First Congregational United Church of Christ of Sarasota (Sundays @ 11:00 AM, TV Channel 4) Calvary Chapel (with Praise Band) (Sundays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Holy Rosary Prayer Service from the Cathedral of St. Jude (Tuesdays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Prayer Service from First Congregational UCC of Sarasota (Thursdays @ 1:00 PM, TV Channel 4) Quote of the Month: Let the good in me connect with the good in others, until all the world is transformed through the compelling power of love. — Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

Journeys with Joy Katzen-Guthrie Tune in to watch on TV Channel 4: Mon., Mar. 1 @ 10:30 AM – Comedy and Laughter with Joy: Jack Benny (Part 2) Wed., Mar. 3 @ 2:30 PM – Learning with Joy: Jews of Alaska and the Yukon Mon., Mar. 8 @ 10:30 AM – Musical Journeys with Joy: Ethel Merman Wed., Mar. 10 @ 2:30 PM – Women’s Seder (Of course, men are welcome to attend!) Mon., Mar. 15 @ 10:30 AM – Learning with Joy: Meryl Streep Wed., Mar. 17 @ 2:30 PM – Spring Concert with a Touch of Irish Mon., Mar. 22 @ 10:30 AM – Hollywood Musicals of the 40s Wed., Mar. 24 @ 2:30 PM – Music of the Passover Seder from Around the World Mon., Mar. 29 @ 10:30 AM – Learning with Joy: Esther Williams Wed., Mar. 31 @ 2:30 PM – Comedy and Laughter with Joy: Milton Berle