Wishing Our Wexner Heritage Village Family a Sweet, Healthy, and Joyful Jewish New Year Filled with Connection, Gratitude and time spent with those who matter most.

Wexner Heritage Village in collaboration with JewishColumbus is strengthening safety and security across our Columbus campus. Creekside recently received funding through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s competitive Ohio Security Grant program, which helps eligible nonprofit organizations address identified security vulnerabilities and improve their ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to potential threats.

Beginning in October 2026, the grant will support 24/7 security coverage at Creekside through the end of July 2027.

In addition, JewishColumbus is expected to begin installing a new AI-enabled security camera system across the Wexner Heritage Village campus in December. These investments will enhance monitoring, strengthen preparedness, and help provide a safer environment for residents, families, visitors, volunteers, and staff.

Sept 16 | 11am to 12:00pm | Tashlich Experience — A special opportunity to mark the season through reflection and ritual at Creekside.

Sept 20 | 7pm to 8pm | Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) — Gather for a moving Kol Nidre experience of prayer, reflection, and sacred music as we enter Yom Kippur together in community at Creekside.

Sept 21 | 11am to 12pm | Yom Kippur Service — Gather for sacred services in community to pass the holy time together during Yom Kippur at Creekside.

Sept 21 | 3:30-4:30 pm | Yizkor and Neilah — Closing service for Yom Kippur at Creekside.

Sept. 21 | 4:30-6:30 pm |Break the Fast — Meal to end the fast, guests $35.00.

The High Holidays are an incredibly inspiring time at Wexner Heritage Village (WHV), where we ensure every single detail is intentional, celebratory, and deeply meaningful for our residents and guests. “During Rosh Hashanah, we are reminded of new beginnings,” as the New Year is our opportunity to connect deeply with the people who we share our lives with.”  I partner with our new assistant Rabbi, LeighAnn Kopans, soloist, Cindy Leland, and our entire Life Enrichment team in order to bring the prayers alive musically and spiritually with kavanah (intension), creativity and tradition to explore the meaning of the Days of Awe. 

For seniors living at WHV, staying anchored to their Jewish identity isn't just comforting; it is vital. This is where WHV truly sets itself apart from any other senior living option in Central Ohio. We don't merely accommodate Jewish life; we are deeply steeped in it, ensuring that moving to a home at Wexner Heritage Village, doesn't mean leaving your traditions behind—it means deepening them.  Seniors who may have been living away from Jewish communities for many years find themselves participating in Jewish life at WHV and find great friendship and comfort in our Jewish community. 

Our commitment to Jewish life is woven into the very fabric of daily life at WHV.  The High Holidays bring opportunity to worship together, create festive meals, have discussions, creative art classes, and are totally integrated into the life of the Village for the ten days of Awe.  We encourage our residents, guests from the community, and family to join us for as many of the offerings as individuals would like.  From comprehensively trained staff to dining spaces that honor kosher culinary traditions for every holiday, our shared heritage shines through in every detail—even the New Year pins our team wears to wish everyone a Shana Tova compliment the holiday. This year, that sense of community is coming straight from our residents’ own kitchens. Many have generously shared multi-generational family recipes with Chef Aaron McClintock, bringing the literal taste of home to our holiday tables. Among these seasonal treasures, Chef McClintock is proud to feature Rabbi Lefton’s signature Cranberry Chicken as a centerpiece for one of our Yontif meals.

We intentionally cultivate a vibrant congregational atmosphere for the High Holidays, and every holiday and festival throughout the year.  Wexner Heritage Village isn’t just a home for older adults, it has developed into a true congregation, a synagogue.   Our High Holiday services, for example, are meticulously designed to be both accessible for older adults and deeply resonant for all generations. By intentionally welcoming families and the broader community, we recreate the authentic, intergenerational warmth of a neighborhood synagogue. Each service is culturally rich and complete with Torah reading, music, a sermon, and liturgy, but thoughtfully paced and abbreviated to ensure the comfort of our residents.   I know my intent is for each resident and guest to leave feeling uplifted, that they have fulfilled their obligation for prayer and community, and leave our service as if they have been embraced by community!

The impact of this approach is felt immediately.  WHV has guests that come back each year and are a part of the congregation even though they do not have family members who live at WHV.

Every service concludes with a festive oneg, bringing people together over Jewish pastries and meaningful conversation. Furthermore, our observance extends far beyond the sanctuary. During the Ten Days of Awe, we bring the season to life with dynamic programming, including a festive Rosh Hashanah Seder, a meaningful Tashlich experience at the Berwick creek, and creative New Year vision board workshops.

We passionately encourage family and friends to join their loved ones for these moments. Many of our seniors cherish the seamless convenience of having a rich, authentic spiritual home right outside their door, allowing them to host their families with pride and ease.

Consider joining WHV for the holidays!  No tickets necessary, but WHV does require an RSVP.

Back on campus, residents had the chance to get moving when Doctor Dance visited Creekside to lead an interactive dance workshop. Participants learned popular ballroom steps, including the Cha Cha and Tango, while enjoying an afternoon filled with music, movement, and plenty of smiles.

August also brought opportunities for personal growth and meaningful conversation. Each Tuesday, Rabbi Deborah Lefton continues to lead a highly popular support group at Creekside focused on navigating the senior years. Topics include making new friendships, finding purpose and meaning, managing worries, and supporting one another through life's transitions. The group has become a valued source of connection and encouragement for many residents.

Adding to the month's programs, the Shalom Alliance joined us for a skill-building workshop focused on fostering better conversations and deeper relationships. Residents were joined by members of the broader community for an engaging discussion that provided practical tools for communication, active listening, and building meaningful connections.

Creekside residents also participated in a special screening of Souls on Fire, followed by a thoughtful and engaging discussion led by Rabbi Lefton as part of our High Holiday programming. The film inspired meaningful conversation and reflection as residents prepared for the upcoming Jewish New Year.

Meanwhile, residents at The Cottage enjoyed a creative and festive Rosh Hashanah art experience thanks to a visit from the Columbus Museum of Art and Nancy Meyer. The hands-on workshop brought residents together for an afternoon of creativity, community, and holiday celebration. We are grateful for community partners who help create meaningful experiences and joyful moments for those who call Wexner Heritage Village home.

At Heritage House, residents found support and encouragement through a grief support group led by Chaplain Yi Rao and Rabbi LeighAnn Kopans. Cottage residents were inspired by a special poetry reading presented by volunteer Rose. Creative expression remained a focus as well, with residents spending time together creating beautiful artwork and participating in hands-on projects that fostered both social connection and personal enrichment.

Our Heritage House residents enjoyed a festive Hawaiian Luau and a ride with our friends from Cycling Without Age, while our amazing Senior Sparks volunteers gave back at the Humane Society. 

If you would like to learn more about how you can volunteer with us, please reach out to Judi Koval, Volunteer Coordinator jkoval@whv.org or call her directly 614-559-5615.

One of last month's highlights was a special day of service led by the Wexner Service Corps, whose young volunteers brought enthusiasm, compassion, and helping hands to residents across campus. More than 20 youth volunteers spent time on campus playing games, sharing conversations, and building meaningful one-on-one connections with residents. Their generosity extended beyond companionship as they assisted with cleaning activity spaces and even hosted a fun "car wash" for wheelchairs and walkers. The visit filled the day with laughter, friendship, and a wonderful sense of community, leaving a lasting impact on residents and staff alike.

The last week of August Creekside residents visited Katzinger's Delicatessen, enjoying delicious deli favorites, lively conversation, and a memorable afternoon at one of Columbus's most beloved local establishments.

At Heritage House rehabilitation, residents were delighted by a visit from Candy and Miles, our newest therapy dog. Miles quickly won hearts throughout the building, bringing comfort, companionship, and plenty of tail-wagging joy to residents and staff alike.

Another religious highlight of the month was a meaningful Melaveh Malkah gathering, led by Creekside resident Rabbi Alvin Mars alongside Rabbi Deborah Lefton. Residents came together to close out Shabbat with songs, stories, learning, and a beautiful Havdalah service. The evening was filled with warmth, friendship, and gratitude as residents shared a delicious meal, sweet treats, and meaningful conversation.

The Heartstrings Ukulele Group filled the halls with music and sing-along favorites across campus.

Although it took place just before August on July 30th, one of the summer's most memorable community events was Wexner Heritage Village's first-ever "Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match" program on July 30. More than 28 young adults in their 20s and 30s joined Creekside residents for an evening centered on intergenerational connection and shared wisdom. The program featured a resident panel that offered reflections on relationships, marriage, dating and love lessons learned over the years. Guests also enjoyed a screening of a film featuring several Creekside residents, providing an opportunity to learn more about their experiences and perspectives. 

Scan the QR Code, visit www.whv.org/events/ or click the images below to RSVP

1151 College Avenue
Columbus, OH 43209