Residents, their families and staff members recently gathered together to observe the Jewish holiday of Passover at The Legacy Willow Bend life care community in Plano. Participants gave thanks for the freedom that is central to the story recounted during the holiday. The Legacy Willow Bend held Seders in all levels of care — independent living, assisted living and memory support — to ensure all participated in a formal celebration of the holiday. During the Seders, participants read from haggadot to commemorate the ancient story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery and captivity in Egypt with the traditional prayers, songs and the four questions. A Seder plate displayed symbolic food items that corresponded with elements of the story of the exodus from Egypt. The karpas (green vegetable) reminded participants of the green flourishing vegetation of new life in spring, the saltwater symbolized the tears shed by the Jewish people during the time of their enslavement in Egypt and the matzah represented the rushed departure from Egypt.

“Each year we have the opportunity to come together as a community for a deeply-moving experience,” said Michael Ellentuck, president and CEO of The Legacy Senior Communities, parent company of The Legacy Willow Bend. “Passover is an opportunity for us to unite as a family and reflect on where we came from, while giving thanks for where we are today. We are privileged to have spent this special time with the residents and their families.” 

Cary Rossel, past chair of the Board of Trustees of The Legacy Senior Communities, led the Seder for independent living residents and their families. The independent living dining room was filled to capacity. Brandon Harris read the four questions in Hebrew while Brennen Bliss translated them into English. The boys, both 16, read the four questions during the Seder for independent living for the fifth year. Sherrie Stohl, a congregant of Nishmat AM, helped lead residents in memory support, while Eli Davidsohn led those in assisted living.

“Any time we have the opportunity to come together with our residents and their families is meaningful,” said Andrea Statman, director of development of The Legacy Senior Communities. “Passover is a wonderful chance to reflect on the past through history and tradition, with hope and appreciation for our freedom and the future.