AMENITIES
RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Because religious observance is an important part of life for all of our residents, the Cedars at the JCA offers a full range of religious services for Jewish and non-Jewish residents.

Jewish Orthodox services are held regularly at a beautiful synagogue located in the Plaza Building. Rabbi Yaakov Gertzulin, the JCA's resident spiritual leader since 1993, supervised the synagogue's creation and design, ensuring that it is not only in accordance with Jewish tradition but decorated with exquisite works of art. Volunteers transport residents to the synagogue, which seats 30-40 people, on Saturdays and holidays, when the rabbi lives on the premises.

For the convenience of residents, Orthodox services are also held Sunday through Thursday at 4:30 PM in the Kosher dining room of the Meadowview building. Reform and Conservative services are conducted in the Gall Sanctuary by rotating Rabbis each Friday at 4:00 PM, in the Arborview Building. This warm and welcoming space is fully equipped with a beautiful ark and Torah.

Catholic and non-denominational services enable non-Jewish residents and their families to observe the rituals of their faiths.

On the 1st Monday of each month, the priest from St. Anselm Parish holds Catholic Mass at 11:30 AM. On the other Mondays of each month, a Rosary service and Communion is held at 11:30 AM by rotating church members. A Christian service is held on Wednesdays at 11:00 AM and Sundays at 1:30 PM.

Bikur cholim is the Hebrew phrase for the mitzvah of visiting the sick. Visiting the sick can bring spiritual healing to all who seek it.

Pastoral care helps residents and families of all faiths through the process of healing and consoles them in times of grief. The on-staff rabbi and other clergy, who come to the Cedars on a regular basis, offer comfort to residents in their rooms or in the hospitals wherever the need may arise.