Members and guests of The Legacy Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care community, recently gathered for a special celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, also known as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). Cantor Don Croll, Emeritus from Temple Shalom, led the service as the seniors took time to reflect on the past year and focus on the year ahead. The sounding of the shofar – the ram’s horn – is a much anticipated central ritual that reminds every one of the importance of the High Holidays. It is a time to ask for forgiveness and pray for a year of life, health and prosperity.

Cantor Croll led the members in the traditional Tashlich service with a special prayer as they threw breadcrumbs into water and released their sins and transgressions from the past year. Members and their families participated in this moving ritual at the community fountain on campus. Additionally, the Rosh Hashanah traditions included eating a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolize the desire for a sweet year.

“It was a beautiful service, and it’s always encouraging to see members of the community with their families and guests alongside the staff here at The Legacy Willow Bend celebrating the New Year together,” said Marilyn Israel, executive director, The Legacy Willow Bend. “From the blowing of the shofar and the symbolic ‘casting off’ or release of sins from the past to a positive outlook ahead for a sweet New Year, it is a touching and enjoyable experience for everyone who participates.”

The community held services in independent living, assisted living and memory support to ensure all members could participate in a formal observance of the holiday.

The Legacy Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, is situated on a 28-acre site at Spring Creek Parkway between Preston Road and Ohio Drive. The Legacy Willow Bend offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site. The community features 103 independent living apartment homes, 12 custom independent living villas, 40 assisted living apartment homes, 18 memory support suites, and 60 private skilled healthcare suites.

The Legacy Willow Bend is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community owned by parent company, The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. The Legacy Willow Bend, the only Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Texas, is open to people of all faiths.  For information, call (972) 468-6208, or visit www.thelegacyWB.org.