At Presbyterian Senior Living, we believe community is strongest when every story is welcomed and every tradition has a place at the table. Across our campuses, residents and team members bring rich histories, diverse cultures, and meaningful celebrations that shape who we are together. This shared diversity enriches daily life and creates opportunities to learn from one another in meaningful ways.
It’s important to acknowledge that these different backgrounds, cultures and religions. Our communities aim to create a space where all cultures are celebrated and respected. We're excited to share different celebrations in a few of our communities.
Passover at Glen Meadows Retirement Community
At Glen Meadows Retirement Community, residents celebrate Passover by coming together to enjoy a meal and speak of what the holiday means to them personally. Passover is a Jewish holiday celebrated each year in the early spring to acknowledge the Israelite’s emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt, the story of Exodus. The celebration of Passover typically takes place over eight days. Within those eight days, Jews may follow dietary restrictions, no use of electronics and hold the Seders, a feast held on the first two nights of Passover.
At Glen Meadows, the Jewish residents have created their own celebration of the holiday. Instead of a typical Passover service, residents who have signed up to join the celebration, will be welcomed with an individual place setting, explanation of the food being served, and a Haggadah. The Haggadah outlines the order of events for the Passover Seder. Jewish residents will speak to the importance of the holiday, what it means to them and their family, and how it has affected their own lives. Glen Meadows also includes a musical component to this tradition, with an Israeli pianist leading them in song.
Juneteenth
Westminster Village in Dover, DE, hosts a Juneteenth dinner in honor of the holiday. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States. It is celebrated annually on June 19th and officially became a federal holiday in June of 2021 although this day has been celebrated dating back to 1865. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was declared in 1863, not all those enslaved were immediately freed. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Texas to ensure slavery had been abolished in the state. When those enslaved had heard of the abolishment of slavery, they celebrated their freedom with song, dance and fests. The following year was the first true Juneteenth celebration and is still celebrated across the United States. You may hear of local festivals on Juneteenth, Jubilee Days, which celebrate freedom but also serve as a reminder to reflect on this country’s history and remember those affected.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa Near Pine Run Village
Pine Run Village, Doylestown, PA, has a large population of Roman Catholic residents who take a strong interest in the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa across the street from the community. The Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa is a portrait of Mary, the Blessed Mother, holding the child of Jesus. The original Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa sits in Czestochowa, Poland and the American Shrine was established in 1955 in Doylestown, PA. It has since been visited by the Pope of the Catholic Church, past U.S. Presidents and the Prime Minister and President of Poland.
The residents at Pine Run Village visit the shrine grounds frequently and enjoying learning about the difference between American and Polish traditions. Pine Run Village also hosts a weekly prayer service with a volunteer outreach group from the shrine.
Cultural Potluck
In years past, Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, PA, celebrated the different cultures of their team members by hosting a cultural potluck. Many team members participated by bringing a favorite dish from their heritage to share with their coworkers. This team-building event celebrated our team members’ diversity, their cooking abilities and provided the chance to learn more about the people we work with.
As we move into December—a month filled with celebrations like Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and many others—we’re reminded of how meaningful it is to honor the traditions that shape who we are. At PSL, we remain committed to uplifting every resident’s and team member’s heritage, ensuring each holiday is respected, celebrated, and shared with joy. May this season bring new opportunities to learn from one another and deepen the sense of community we cherish.
