Seashore Gardens and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey have been collaborating on a Lecture Series, which takes place monthly at the Living Center. This informational series has taken place for the past four years and is funded through a grant from the Harry L. Katz Memorial Foundation.

Each year, the Foundation makes funds available for faculty from Stockton College or staff from the Holocaust Resource Center to present a different program each month. The programs usually pertain to various aspects of Judaism or Jewish holidays and traditions throughout the year. On average, approximately 40 residents attend each program, they are open to the residents' family members, Stockton students, and the extended community.

Late last month, Gail Hirsch Rosenthal, Supervisor of the Holocaust Resource Center, and Marcia Fiedler, an instructor of Jewish Studies at Stockton College, discussed biblical stories and traditions related to the Rosh Hashanah High Holiday. The program began with a discussion of the biblical story of Jonah and the Whale and explained the symbolism within the story.

After the discussion, residents were given slices of apples and honey for a sweet 5769. After the dipping of the apples, residents proceeded out to the small fish pond and stream in front of the main entrance of Seashore Gardens to take part in the Tashlich, a tradition in which participants symbolically cast away their sins and begin their time of atonement.

These programs are an opportunity for the Jewish residents to observe their holidays and observances. For the non-Jewish residents and staff, this is an opportunity to experience and better understand Jewish tradition, law, and charity, which is part of the mission of Seashore Gardens Living Center. For more information about upcoming programs, please call the Department of Recreation at 748-4407 or email rundiom@seashoregardens.