Creating Community and Celebrating Culture at Cedar Crest

Over the past four years, membership of the Jewish Council at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., has grown substantially. 

This is largely due to the efforts of residents Renee Savitz and Susan Solomon, copresidents of the council since 2019, who work diligently to create new engaging events for the council's 340 members. 

"Participation and our activities have expanded tremendously," Susan says. "We gain an average of 50 new members each year. And the outpouring of members willing to volunteer is terrific! We could not do it without them."

"My mantra is, 'Success breeds success,'" says Renee. "And that's why we're growing!" 

Everyone is welcome

Mirroring the inclusive environment that Cedar Crest fosters, the Jewish Council--founded 20 years ago--welcomes all members of the Jewish community, regardless of affiliation or branch of Judaism.

"Our membership is wide-reaching--including those who consider themselves atheists or agnostics but were born Jewish and feel culturally Jewish," says Susan. "We also have members from Reform backgrounds as well as more observant members, who choose to keep kosher in their apartment homes."

She adds, "In addition, we welcome couples in which one spouse is not Jewish. We have even welcomed a few members who are not Jewish but want to be involved."

In fact, the dynamic duo illustrates the diversity of the council's membership. Susan was raised in a nonobservant household, growing into her Jewish faith after marrying her second husband Mort. Renee was married to a rabbi and deeply involved in her community. 

"There are many ways to experience and love Judaism," says Renee.

A full calendar

Popular events that Renee and Susan have organized include Purim and Passover celebrations, Yom HaShoah (Holocaust) commemorations, High Holiday and Hanukkah observances, bimonthly Friday evening and Saturday morning Shabbat services, and other holiday observances. 

Renee is proud of bringing the first sukkah, a symbolic outdoor structure integral to the Sukkot holiday, to Cedar Crest. 

During the joyous weeklong fall holiday of Sukkot, the Jewish Council's "Schmoozing in the Sukkah" offers a long list of events that create opportunities for residents to come together and learn about the Jewish faith. 

Activities include services, meals, a concert, and a sukkah open house for all residents and staff members who want to attend. 

"Sukkot is my favorite holiday, so I tried to bring that to the community. It's been successful!" says Renee. "I feel so pleased that people have responded positively."

Resident Blanche Blitzer, the council's first president, and Deborah Zeigler Greenberg, another early president, are so glad to see the council thriving. They enjoy attending monthly meetings and supporting the group's efforts. 

Experiences and traditions

Finding new ways to celebrate the Jewish faith, Susan and Renee continue to bring new experiences and traditions to Cedar Crest.   

Last year, Susan and a group of six women--all of whom never had the chance to "become bat mitzvah" (a coming-of-age ritual) in their youth--completed a year of study with Rabbi David Saltzman and took part in a moving ceremony.

"It feels so good to be in a community that respects all different types of experience with and interest in Judaism," Susan says. 

Last December, the council dedicated a new Torah scroll--donated, on loan, by the council's program chair, Marion Jacobson--and used it for services and holiday observances.

To help the community stay up-to-date on the Jewish Council's activities, Susan produces the L'Chayim newsletter, filled with information on the group's men's club, book club, and volunteer outreach efforts to Jewish residents living at Mountainview Gardens, Cedar Crest's continuing care neighborhood. 

The newsletter's "Jewish You" column encourages members to share their life stories. L'Chayim also maintains a list of the council's impressive slate of guest speakers, including Jodi Rudoren, editor-in-chief of the Jewish newspaper The Forward. She recently visited campus and addressed more than 200 attendees. 

Making an impact

Executive Director Kristen Compton describes the council as a passionate group that's dedicated to creating a tangible impact on campus. 

"The Jewish Council is always raising awareness of the Jewish faith and fostering a sense of belonging among its members and the community," Compton says. "Cedar Crest is truly blessed by their spirit of giving."

"I feel that Judaism is more part of me than it ever was," says Susan. "I think my grandparents would say, 'Mazel Tov!'"

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