Passover is a very special time at Cedar Village and this year was no exception.  We had an incredible Community Seder on Monday evening with more than 200 people in the Wilbur and Mary Jean Cohen Religious and Cultural Center.  Rabbi Walter conducted a lively service and the music, led by Dan Landau, was great.  It does take a village to make a service and dinner of that size go off without a hitch and our staff really made it happen. 
 
But our celebrations did not stop there!  In addition to our Community Seder, we held traditional Seders on both Monday and Tuesday evenings.  And we held our traditional Seders on the floors in Health Care.  On Wednesday, we had big crowds at both a second floor and a third floor Seder and on Thursday we had another great Seder on the Cherry unit.  Each of these is different and each very special.  During our third floor Seder, our Resident Life coordinator who is also our Russian interpreter, provided translation services for many of our Russian residents.  After we ate, some of the residents began to sing Yiddish songs and the room was filled with smiles and sweet sounds.  On the second floor, one of  our residents searched for the Afikomen.  When he found it, he was rewarded with an item of clothing with the Cedar Village logo.  He was thrilled.  The Seder on Cherry, because it is our dementia unit, is always a moving experience.  Listening to residents participate, share memories, sing traditional songs-things that are pulled from deep in their memories-is very powerful and very meaningful.
 
As we wind down our holiday next week, we're gearing up for lots of Spring events.  We'll host Yom Hazikaron here on Sunday, April 18 at 6:30 p.m.  It is a wonderful community gathering and will be followed by a film presentation.  The ceremony takes place outdoors, in front of the Jerusalem rock, so dress for the weather!  Inside, afterwards, there will be a special film presentation.  Hope you can join us!