A Sweet Start to the New Year

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur. It’s a time for reflection and introspection, and an opportunity to seek forgiveness and commit to personal growth.

At LifeTown, Rosh Hashanah is also an opportunity for a close-knit community to celebrate together in a welcoming environment built around inclusion and belonging. On September 6, more than 65 people gathered at LifeTown for a festive challah bake to prepare for the holiday.

“This community understands us, and we don’t have to explain our lives. It just makes everything so much easier,” said Lauren Weissberg, whose son, Holden, attends LifeTown programming throughout the year. “This is such a joyous time of year, and being here and sharing in the experience all together is so special.”

Each participant received the ingredients and supplies needed to make challah, including eggs, flour, sugar, a bowl and a measuring cup. Each baking station included a basket of shiny apples and step-by-step instructions. Flour dusted the air as participants chatted about their upcoming holiday plans.

“It feels very nice to be here with my son making challah,” said Heather Landsman. “I’m not much of a chef, but this is helping us get ready.”

Another participant, Caryn Shore-Genack, added, “I enjoy the sense of community. I could bake at home, but my friend invited me to join her and it’s really meaningful.”

Rosh Hashanah is infused with meaning and wishes for the new year, made even more special when the holiday is shared with friends. Strong friendships are formed at LifeTown, with bonds strengthened through shared experiences throughout the year.

“It’s wonderful to kick off the new year baking challah at Friendship Circle,” said Jill Zorn-Velder. “It’s so much better with friends.”

To spread the holiday festivities throughout the community, Friendship Circle delivered hundreds of Rosh Hashanah baskets. Each included honey cake, apples, honey sticks and honey candy, along with sweet wishes for the new year.

“The challah bake is a great kickoff to the new year,” said Andrea Schaffer, who baked with her son. “It’s a lot of fun. Whenever I leave LifeTown, my heart is full. I feel happier when I leave than when I came.”