By Joan Borowitz, a resident at Wingate at Needham
I am a practicing Quaker, also known as the Religious Society of Friends. Many are confused about what Quakerism is and, here at Wingate at Needham, I am always happy to let my experience help inform them. We are often confused with the Amish or Mennonites. While Quakerism has complexities like any other religion, the six “testimonies” create our cornerstones: simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship. One Friend (as Quakers are called) comes to visit me weekly and has become known as a kind presence at our community.
Wingate at Needham is unusual because, unlike other independent and assisted livings communities I’ve previously lived in, it offers more faiths beyond Catholic mass (although that is included and very popular) and a wide variety of other faith services.
We have Protestant and Baptist services, a Gospel choir and even a friendly popular rabbi name Moshe. He is beloved by everyone for his jolly demeanor and gives candy bars to Jews and non-Jews, as well as teaches Jewish prayers to anyone who wants to pray with him. The beautiful gospel choir makes joy ring through the hallways. I haven’t personally attended mass or communion, but my friends of the Catholic faith are very appreciative of it. When residents can’t get out to church or temple, Wingate brings our faiths to us, making it all-inclusive.