Village Shalom is preparing for the High Holidays.
Rosh Hashanah decorations have started going up around campus as residents and staff prepare to welcome the new year. Residents will gather for services, special meals and activities as they celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot together.
These traditions are an important part of life at Village Shalom. As a Jewish-sponsored community that welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, Village Shalom offers the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with residents and help them continue traditions that, for many, have been part of their lives for decades.
Welcoming a new year
Residents will be able to attend special Rosh Hashanah services on campus and celebrate the start of the new year together.
Village Shalom will also hold special services for Yom Kippur, followed by a community “Break the Fast” dinner on Sept. 21.
The sukkah comes to life
Each year, Village Shalom sets up the sukkah outside and decorates it for the holiday. Students from Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy traditionally come to Village Shalom to help residents decorate.
Throughout Sukkot, residents from different neighborhoods will take turns gathering there for meals and activities. Rabbi Jonathan Rudnick will also host a Lunch and Learn in the sukkah, giving residents a chance to spend time together while learning and talking about the holiday.
Celebrations open to the community
High Holiday services are open to all, and Village Shalom welcomes members of the greater Kansas City community to worship and celebrate alongside residents.
There are also several ways to volunteer during the holiday season. Village Shalom welcomes volunteers to help with services, assist residents or lend a hand with the lunches and activities in the sukkah. Sometimes volunteering can be as simple as helping someone get to a service, assisting with a meal or sitting down and enjoying a conversation with a resident.
Those interested in attending a service or volunteering during the High Holidays can contact Village Shalom Volunteer Coordinator John Gilbert at for service times and volunteer opportunities.
September is also Healthy Aging Month. Healthy aging is often thought of in terms of physical wellness, which is important, but so are relationships, traditions, spirituality, learning, and staying involved. The High Holidays bring so many of those things together.
A resident can attend services without having to leave home. Friends can celebrate over a meal together. Someone can continue a tradition they've observed for 80 or 90 years. Residents can learn with Rabbi Rudnick, spend time with students from HBHA and share stories and traditions with the people around them.
While Village Shalom honors traditions of years past, new memories are made, too.
That’s really what healthy aging looks like. It is continuing to participate in the things that are meaningful, staying connected to others and having opportunities to keep learning, growing and enjoying life.
As 5787 approaches, Village Shalom looks forward to celebrating with residents, families, friends and the greater community.