22 Sep Remember, Reflect and Look Forward
September is a month of new beginnings and of renewal. In Judaism, we celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, with much anticipation of what lies ahead for our families, our great nation and ourselves. As we look forward, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect and remember the residents we lost this past year. We believe that when older adults come to the Hebrew Home, they come to live. This is evidenced in so many ways – by finding one’s inner Picasso in our dynamic art studio, or performing on stage in a drama therapy program or opening up about one’s sexuality for the first time at our LGBT and Allies group. We thrive on the belief that there are many more chapters to write in one’s Book of Life, and at any age.
Just as we cherish those in our care while they are with us, we honor their memory after they leave this world. For many of our residents, creating a poem or original music with our therapeutic arts team is a meaningful way to share words and feelings with integrity. Kaitlyn Kelly, our end of life music therapist, spends her days capturing the stories and reflections of our residents whose Book of Life is coming to a close.
This video captures Kaitlyn sharing an original song by Jose Reyes, a resident who lived at the Hebrew Home during a music therapy session.
During this time of reflection and new beginnings, may you and your families have a sweet and peaceful New Year.
La’Shana Tova.