A celebration of talents in every art form!
The bench of talent at JSDD and the WAE Center runs very deep! This year, the culminating performance in honor of JDAIM (Jewish Disabilities Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month) was expertly coordinated by Jessica Goldstein, JSDD’s Associate Manager of Programs, Outreach and Communications. A self-described “theatre nerd”, Jessica jumped into the project and helped to create what was, by all accounts, a stupendous day of celebration, song, laughter, theatre, poetry and movement. Most importantly members and residents were able to share their passions and talents with one another and their families and friends!
“The showcase was so much fun! It was wonderful to share the afternoon with WAE Center members who shared their passions and joy with us.”
Becca Wanatick
Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ
Opening with a beautiful Hebrew prayer, led by Rachel P., the show was expertly emcee’ d by Todd E. and Harry Klein, Director of the WAE Center in a return performance that helped keep the audience informed and laughing along the way. Most of the work presented came out of classes in Music, Movement, Poetry and Theatre facilitated by: Tammy Weinfeld/Music, Randy Harris/Poetry and Jeremy Kole/ Theatre and Movement. Facilitators spent weeks thoughtfully selecting material with input from WAE Center members (who collaboratively even adapted Lenord Cohen’s Hallelujah.) In the weeks leading up to the performance the hard work came together and was polished, rehearsed, orchestrated and produced into an event that delivered gratification and warmth in abundance.
“What an absolutely thrilling showcase… to hear Shakespeare, Hebrew, Reggae, Comedy and Poetry combined in an experience where each person shone so brightly…”
Marilynn Schneider
Retired, WAE Center Director
Working together to manifest a smooth show that allows everyone to shine speaks to the talent and dedication of the facilitators and staff of JSDD. Supporting the facilitators was Kai Aaron, JSDD’s Office Manager stepping in as Technical Director, Jeremy Moss, Heidi Gallery’s Manager & Curator acted as Stage Manager and Jessica Goldstein as Production Coordinator/ artist support and audience liaison.
“A spirited and entertaining production which fostered a sense of community…”
Herb & Ellen Lev
Parents of an artist & resident
There are too many artists involved to name each person individually. However, the fortitude that it takes to learn and perfect a monologue, to write and perform a poem, to learn to sing in concert with others…and to do it all in front of an audience can’t be underestimated. Afterwards, WAE Center member Yolanda spoke about how nervous she was to perform on stage in front of so many people. She had not been on stage since high school, but she was proud that she pushed herself to do it because she had a lot of fun.
This is the magic in all that transpires at the WAE Center daily…brought to new heights with intention and achievement. The power of creativity to transform each one of us into an artist… in that moment when we Find the Spark Within!
