Chanukah 2024 at Los Angeles Jewish Healthby LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen BenderWhy it was important, this year especially, to bring in the Light Chanukah’s arrival this year inspired me to consider that there are three kinds of people in the world. The first are those who unfortunately bring darkness to our world. The second are those who bring light where there is darkness. Those people are wonderful, because where there is despair they bring hope, where there is sadness they bring joy, where there is cruelty they bring loving kindness, where there is tension, they bring peace. Then there is the third kind of person, the one who, like the shamash candle of the Chanukah menorah, in addition to conquering darkness, actually kindle the other lights. These are the staff members and residents at Los Angeles Jewish Health. Not only do they bring light, they inspire others to bring the light. What made the events this year at LAJH Extraordinary As holidays approach, it is always our goal to ensure residents experience something akin to what they would have had in their homes and at synagogue. This year, we are proud to have gone beyond that goal to bring joy, celebration, surprise and delight! Residents enjoyed not only potato latkes but also creative vegetable latkes. They enjoyed traditional sufganiyot and kosher Krispy Kreme donuts. At Grancell Village, they experienced a sufganiyah tasting, including creme brulee and dulce de leche. There were concerts performed at each campus with the renowned Cindy Paley and elaborate outdoor extravaganza lightings with our enormous and artistic outdoor Chanukiot. Twelve year old twin volunteers dressed up as a life sized menorah and dreidel and visited each floor bringing smiles and laughter. Shabbat Chanukah services were led by a skilled nursing resident Rabbi and a band he assembled!  Resident volunteers took charge of lighting the menorah lights on their floors each night. At the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, those same twin volunteers assisted me in re-affixing mezuzahs on every room, as residents participated. Rabbi Ron Goldberg held a food and toy drive at Eisenberg Village, enabling the entire campus to participate in seasonal giving to those in need. In the midst of it all, our wonderful activities staff ensured that residents celebrated New Year’s 2025, perhaps a once in a lifetime overlap with Chanukah. We are so grateful to all who worked together bringing so much joy and celebration to the residents of LAJH! Chanukah celebration led by resident Rabbi WarshawYoung volunteers delight residentsEisenberg Village toy driveConcert with Cindy PaleyResident sufganiyot tastingGoldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center residents celebrate with glowsticksMezuzahs re-affixed in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical CenterToast to the New YearBrandman Centers for Senior Care PACE celebrates the New Year

Since October 7, 2023, Jews around the world have been on tenterhooks waiting for news of the hostages taken captive during Hamas’ brazen attack of Israel. The worry and concern have been constant companions of many Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) residents, as well. In December, they gathered in the theater at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village to hear prominent podcaster, political influencer, and philanthropist Liz Hirsh Naftali, who spoke about her role in securing the release of her great niece Abigail and about her continued commitment to freeing the hostages who have still been left behind.Liz, a lifelong Angeleno with deep roots in Israel, recounted arriving in Israel to celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah on October 6, 2023. After an evening of dancing and celebration, she was awakened the next morning to the sound of alarms blaring: Hamas had breached the Israeli-Gaza border.“I have family who lived along the border, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza,” she told the crowd of LAJH residents and members of SAYVA (a collaborative network focused on community, positive aging, and wisdom) in attendance at the event. “I called my sister-in-law that morning and discovered that my niece and nephew had been murdered by terrorists there—and that their three-year-old daughter, Abigail, had been kidnapped.”A long history of activism equipped Liz for what came next: returning to the United States and sharing Abigail’s story as widely as possible with media outlets and political leaders on Capitol Hill.“I met with Democrats and Republicans; I believe hostages should be apolitical, and we received incredibly beautiful support from people on both sides of the aisle,” said Liz, the host of The Capitol Coffee Connection podcast. “I was driven to keep talking to people and refused to take ‘no’ for an answer because when you’re in a situation like this, and someone you love is being held against their will, you cannot rest or even take a breath until you see their face again.”Liz’s efforts ultimately contributed to a deal being struck: After 51 days in captivity, Abigail was freed along with 104 other hostages during a truce between Israel and Hamas.Inspired to preserve a record of Abigail’s story, Liz wrote Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage, a book about the rescue efforts.“As humans, we need to elevate these stories—to tell the truth about October 7 so people can start to heal,” she said. “I also wrote this book so people would understand they have the power to influence events. There are still hostages who haven’t been able to come home, and people might feel like nothing they do can have any impact, but my experience shows that’s not true. I think we can each play a role, in our own ways, in bringing the rest of the hostages back, stopping the fighting, and allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace.” 

Executive leadership has always been one of the signature strengths of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE. This past fall, LAJH added another exceptional leader to its roster when it welcomed Kim Stratman as the Brandman Centers’ new vice president.Kim comes to the Brandman Centers from St. Paul’s Senior Services, which has been caring for San Diego seniors for over 60 years. As vice president of operations and housing at St. Paul’s, she developed a track record of accomplishments serving the frail elderly—experience she looks forward to bringing to her work at the Brandman Centers.“Like LAJH, St. Paul’s offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and PACE programs,” Kim says. “I’m excited to build on the knowledge I gleaned during more than a decade at St. Paul’s and to find new opportunities through the Brandman Centers to enrich the lives of seniors in the greater L.A. area.”At LAJH, Kim will oversee the continued growth of the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE program.“We have an ambitious schedule for expansion, with new facilities planned in Van Nuys, the beach cities, and Palm Springs in addition to our current sites in Reseda and West L.A.,” Kim says. “Our goal is to have everything up and running sometime in 2026.”Kim will assume the role and responsibilities of Susie Fishenfeld, the Brandman Centers’ beloved long-time vice president. During her decade-long tenure, Susie was a key driver in launching PACE at LAJH and turning it into the vibrant and dynamic program it is today.“Susie has made invaluable contributions to our organization and has been absolutely instrumental to our PACE program’s ability to thrive,” says Larissa Stepanians, LAJH’s chief operating officer. “I am extraordinarily grateful to have had her as a wonderful colleague and to have benefited from her incredible expertise.”With Kim’s arrival, Larissa says, Brandman Centers is poised to reach new heights of success. “Kim has demonstrated a strong ability to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and achieve strategic goals,” Larissa notes. “We are extremely fortunate to have her overseeing PACE and its alignment with LAJH’s organizational mission.”As Kim sees it, central to advancing that mission is the commitment and cohesiveness of LAJH’s staff.“In the short time that I’ve been here, it’s already clear to me how wonderful this organization is and how much everybody cares about the team,” she says. “I feel so fortunate to now be a part of that.”With the staff’s support, Kim is eagerly preparing to broaden the Brandman Centers’ reach.“We’re going to continue increasing our impact as we work to give more seniors access to high-quality, all-inclusive care,” she says. “It’s amazing to see the ways in which we can improve seniors’ lives.” 

Signature Los Angeles Jewish Health program ushers in its next chapter (RESEDA, CA – December 26, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health’s (LAJH) Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE has appointed industry veteran Kim Stratman as Vice President, LAJH announced. Stratman will serve in a critical position at a time of growth for LAJH’s successful PACE program.Stratman comes to the Brandman Centers from St. Paul’s Senior Services, which has been caring for San Diego seniors for over 60 years. As Vice President of Operations and Housing at St. Paul’s, she developed a track record of accomplishment serving the frail elderly.“Like LAJH, St. Paul’s offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and PACE programs,” Stratman said. “I’m excited to build on the knowledge I gleaned during more than a decade at St. Paul’s and to find new opportunities through the Brandman Centers to enrich the lives of seniors in the greater L.A. area.”Under her direction, the Brandman Centers will pursue ambitious plans for program expansion.“We are busy preparing to establish new facilities in Van Nuys, South Bay, and Palm Springs, adding to our current sites in Reseda and West L.A.,” Stratman said. “Our goal is to open the doors in 2026.”Stratman will be assume the role and responsibilities of Brandman Centers’ longtime Vice President Susie Fishenfeld. During her decade-long tenure, Fishenfeld was a key driver in launching PACE at LAJH and driving its success.“Susie has made invaluable contributions to our organization and has been absolutely instrumental to our PACE program’s ability to thrive,” said Larissa Stepanians, LAJH’s Chief Operating Officer. “I am grateful to have had her as a wonderful colleague and to have benefited from her incredible expertise.”Stratman’s arrival signals a deepening of LAJH’s commitment to maintaining the Brandman Centers as a pillar of its community outreach services.“We’re going to continue increasing our impact as we work to give more seniors access to high quality, all-inclusive care,” Stratman said. “It’s amazing to see the ways in which programs like ours can improve seniors’ lives.” 

Around the world, December is a time for gift-giving, family meals, and shared celebration. It is also a time for music: from Chanukah medleys to Christmas classics, holiday tunes are the soundtrack of the season.At Los Angeles Jewish Health, music plays an integral part of uplifting seniors’ spirits and enhancing their health and wellness throughout the year, from birthdays to holidays and beyond. Well-documented evidence shows that music has numerous health benefits for people of all ages, perhaps none more so than members of an aging population.“Listening to music can help with anxiety, depression, and stress; it can also help reduce blood pressure and improve sleep,” says Noah Marco, MD, LAJH’s chief medical officer. “In addition, it activates parts of the brain that are involved in thinking, movement, and emotion. It’s been shown to help people recovering from a stroke with verbal memory and focus, and to connect people suffering from advanced dementia to their positive past memories.”Supporting seniors through music is a major focus of life at LAJH. The Music Therapy Program at the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE is just one example. A board-certified music therapist brings instruments to the center and involves participants in expressing themselves musically: singing and making rhythms while reflecting on how music has shaped their lives.Board-Certified Music Therapist Sara brings instruments to Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE in Reseda“The program is awesome—the music is just wonderful. It helps you relax, stay calm, and it helps you mentally because by singing together with people in a group, you know you’re not alone,” says program participant Theresa Vincent. “I would encourage everybody to do music therapy at Brandman!”Music therapy is also provided to residents through a partnership with California State University, Northridge (CSUN). The collaboration brings students working toward their music therapy degree to LAJH, where they engage residents with percussion-based instruments and population-appropriate activities.The CSUN students’ effort and skill are deeply appreciated by those who take part in the gatherings. “These students bring so much joy and make us feel better, we forget about our troubles and are just happy,” says one memory care resident at LAJH’s Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center.Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center residents enjoy instruments provided by CSUN studentsAt the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, residents participate in a different type of music therapy: the Wahlbangers Drum Circle, which leads them through low-impact exercises proven to activate both hemispheres of the brain.“From helping residents modulate their emotions to encouraging concentration and cooperation, the benefits of the drum circle are many-fold,” says Susan Leitch, director of therapeutic activities. “The activity is universally accessible: Everyone can play, no matter their experience level.”Wahlbangers Drum Circle leads musical participation at Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical CenterYoung people frequently share their musical gifts with LAJH residents. “We are extremely fortunate to have so many talented individual musicians and groups volunteer from colleges, secondary schools, and synagogues. They visit LAJH almost weekly,” says LAJH Special Projects Coordinator Julie Lockman-Gold, whose role is supported in part by the Steven Ohren Foundation. In one instance, a resident had not played his bass in years, due to a stroke that made it challenging for him. A caring visit by a music major in college enabled him to feel confident in picking up his bass, and they played tunes together throughout the afternoon. Resident Andy jams on his bass guitar with a volunteer music majorThe number of outstanding performances is too numerous to list. Shining examples include a college student who has been playing the cello for LAJH audiences since he was in high school and a jazz band that performs for LAJH’s annual “Senior-Senior Prom.” Schools that have visited the campuses include UCLA, de Toledo High School, Brentwood School, Harvard-Westlake, Sierra Canyon School, Kadima Conservatory, and more. Jazz musicians from de Toledo High School play for the annual Senior-Senior dance at Eisenberg VillageIn honor of Father’s Day and thanks to support from the Steven Ohren Foundation, the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the largest majority African American orchestra in America, treated residents to a moving concert. “I always tell residents, ‘You don’t have to go to Disney Hall to hear a phenomenal concert,’” says Stacy Orbach, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s director of volunteer services, “because we bring the sounds of Walt Disney Concert Hall to you!”The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles treated residents of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center to a Father's Day concertMusic plays a central role in LAJH’s Jewish holiday celebrations, as well. At Passover and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Jewish music specialist Cindy Paley joins Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender and Rabbi Ron Goldman in leading residents in song. Shabbat and other prayer services also prominently feature music. “Our residents love music, so we incorporate it into so much of what we do here,” says Rabbi Bender. “Especially when we play Israeli or Yiddish songs, people respond so positively because that music really brings back memories.”Cindy Paley leads Grancell Village in celebrationThe music agenda at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village is robust. Entertainment is available two Saturday evenings a month, including a summer concert series. Music is also a pivotal component of holidays at Fountainview: the Swing Dolls, a 1940s-style, Andrew Sisters tribute band, performed this past Veteran’s Day and July 4th, and during Chanukah residents will enjoy the musical stylings of a traditional klezmer band.The Swing Dolls bring classic tunes to Fountainview at Eisenberg VillageLAJH’s myriad of music programs and therapies are made possible by the support of generous benefactors including The Steven Ohren Foundation—dedicated to assisting the elderly with medical and living expenses, with a special emphasis on the Jewish population—and Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, a longtime supporter of LAJH residents, which recently made a gift to help expand LAJH’s music programs. Individual donors are also essential for the ability of the music programs to thrive.Residents at LAJH find many opportunities to showcase their own musical talents, as well.  Whether playing a piano inside one of the residential buildings, staging a Passover play or Purim spiel, or teaming up with fellow residents to write and compose songs, many talented residents participate in the world of music available to them.Residents of Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center wrote and performed their own musical Purim spiel“Music truly infuses everything at LAJH,” says Annette Weinberg, LAJH’s campus lifestyle and enrichment director for Eisenberg Village. “Watching residents’ faces light up when the music starts is just the most amazing thing.”

Chanukah 2024 at Los Angeles Jewish Healthby LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen BenderWhy it was important, this year especially, to bring in the Light Chanukah’s arrival this year inspired me to consider that there are three kinds of people in the world. The first are those who unfortunately bring darkness to our world. The second are those who bring light where there is darkness. Those people are wonderful, because where there is despair they bring hope, where there is sadness they bring joy, where there is cruelty they bring loving kindness, where there is tension, they bring peace. Then there is the third kind of person, the one who, like the shamash candle of the Chanukah menorah, in addition to conquering darkness, actually kindle the other lights. These are the staff members and residents at Los Angeles Jewish Health. Not only do they bring light, they inspire others to bring the light. What made the events this year at LAJH Extraordinary As holidays approach, it is always our goal to ensure residents experience something akin to what they would have had in their homes and at synagogue. This year, we are proud to have gone beyond that goal to bring joy, celebration, surprise and delight! Residents enjoyed not only potato latkes but also creative vegetable latkes. They enjoyed traditional sufganiyot and kosher Krispy Kreme donuts. At Grancell Village, they experienced a sufganiyah tasting, including creme brulee and dulce de leche. There were concerts performed at each campus with the renowned Cindy Paley and elaborate outdoor extravaganza lightings with our enormous and artistic outdoor Chanukiot. Twelve year old twin volunteers dressed up as a life sized menorah and dreidel and visited each floor bringing smiles and laughter. Shabbat Chanukah services were led by a skilled nursing resident Rabbi and a band he assembled!  Resident volunteers took charge of lighting the menorah lights on their floors each night. At the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, those same twin volunteers assisted me in re-affixing mezuzahs on every room, as residents participated. Rabbi Ron Goldberg held a food and toy drive at Eisenberg Village, enabling the entire campus to participate in seasonal giving to those in need. In the midst of it all, our wonderful activities staff ensured that residents celebrated New Year’s 2025, perhaps a once in a lifetime overlap with Chanukah. We are so grateful to all who worked together bringing so much joy and celebration to the residents of LAJH! Chanukah celebration led by resident Rabbi WarshawYoung volunteers delight residentsEisenberg Village toy driveConcert with Cindy PaleyResident sufganiyot tastingGoldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center residents celebrate with glowsticksMezuzahs re-affixed in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical CenterToast to the New YearBrandman Centers for Senior Care PACE celebrates the New Year

Since October 7, 2023, Jews around the world have been on tenterhooks waiting for news of the hostages taken captive during Hamas’ brazen attack of Israel. The worry and concern have been constant companions of many Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) residents, as well. In December, they gathered in the theater at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village to hear prominent podcaster, political influencer, and philanthropist Liz Hirsh Naftali, who spoke about her role in securing the release of her great niece Abigail and about her continued commitment to freeing the hostages who have still been left behind.Liz, a lifelong Angeleno with deep roots in Israel, recounted arriving in Israel to celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah on October 6, 2023. After an evening of dancing and celebration, she was awakened the next morning to the sound of alarms blaring: Hamas had breached the Israeli-Gaza border.“I have family who lived along the border, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza,” she told the crowd of LAJH residents and members of SAYVA (a collaborative network focused on community, positive aging, and wisdom) in attendance at the event. “I called my sister-in-law that morning and discovered that my niece and nephew had been murdered by terrorists there—and that their three-year-old daughter, Abigail, had been kidnapped.”A long history of activism equipped Liz for what came next: returning to the United States and sharing Abigail’s story as widely as possible with media outlets and political leaders on Capitol Hill.“I met with Democrats and Republicans; I believe hostages should be apolitical, and we received incredibly beautiful support from people on both sides of the aisle,” said Liz, the host of The Capitol Coffee Connection podcast. “I was driven to keep talking to people and refused to take ‘no’ for an answer because when you’re in a situation like this, and someone you love is being held against their will, you cannot rest or even take a breath until you see their face again.”Liz’s efforts ultimately contributed to a deal being struck: After 51 days in captivity, Abigail was freed along with 104 other hostages during a truce between Israel and Hamas.Inspired to preserve a record of Abigail’s story, Liz wrote Saving Abigail: The True Story of the Abduction and Rescue of a Three-Year-Old Hostage, a book about the rescue efforts.“As humans, we need to elevate these stories—to tell the truth about October 7 so people can start to heal,” she said. “I also wrote this book so people would understand they have the power to influence events. There are still hostages who haven’t been able to come home, and people might feel like nothing they do can have any impact, but my experience shows that’s not true. I think we can each play a role, in our own ways, in bringing the rest of the hostages back, stopping the fighting, and allowing Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace.” 

Executive leadership has always been one of the signature strengths of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE. This past fall, LAJH added another exceptional leader to its roster when it welcomed Kim Stratman as the Brandman Centers’ new vice president.Kim comes to the Brandman Centers from St. Paul’s Senior Services, which has been caring for San Diego seniors for over 60 years. As vice president of operations and housing at St. Paul’s, she developed a track record of accomplishments serving the frail elderly—experience she looks forward to bringing to her work at the Brandman Centers.“Like LAJH, St. Paul’s offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and PACE programs,” Kim says. “I’m excited to build on the knowledge I gleaned during more than a decade at St. Paul’s and to find new opportunities through the Brandman Centers to enrich the lives of seniors in the greater L.A. area.”At LAJH, Kim will oversee the continued growth of the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE program.“We have an ambitious schedule for expansion, with new facilities planned in Van Nuys, the beach cities, and Palm Springs in addition to our current sites in Reseda and West L.A.,” Kim says. “Our goal is to have everything up and running sometime in 2026.”Kim will assume the role and responsibilities of Susie Fishenfeld, the Brandman Centers’ beloved long-time vice president. During her decade-long tenure, Susie was a key driver in launching PACE at LAJH and turning it into the vibrant and dynamic program it is today.“Susie has made invaluable contributions to our organization and has been absolutely instrumental to our PACE program’s ability to thrive,” says Larissa Stepanians, LAJH’s chief operating officer. “I am extraordinarily grateful to have had her as a wonderful colleague and to have benefited from her incredible expertise.”With Kim’s arrival, Larissa says, Brandman Centers is poised to reach new heights of success. “Kim has demonstrated a strong ability to spark innovation, foster collaboration, and achieve strategic goals,” Larissa notes. “We are extremely fortunate to have her overseeing PACE and its alignment with LAJH’s organizational mission.”As Kim sees it, central to advancing that mission is the commitment and cohesiveness of LAJH’s staff.“In the short time that I’ve been here, it’s already clear to me how wonderful this organization is and how much everybody cares about the team,” she says. “I feel so fortunate to now be a part of that.”With the staff’s support, Kim is eagerly preparing to broaden the Brandman Centers’ reach.“We’re going to continue increasing our impact as we work to give more seniors access to high-quality, all-inclusive care,” she says. “It’s amazing to see the ways in which we can improve seniors’ lives.” 

Signature Los Angeles Jewish Health program ushers in its next chapter (RESEDA, CA – December 26, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health’s (LAJH) Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE has appointed industry veteran Kim Stratman as Vice President, LAJH announced. Stratman will serve in a critical position at a time of growth for LAJH’s successful PACE program.Stratman comes to the Brandman Centers from St. Paul’s Senior Services, which has been caring for San Diego seniors for over 60 years. As Vice President of Operations and Housing at St. Paul’s, she developed a track record of accomplishment serving the frail elderly.“Like LAJH, St. Paul’s offers assisted living, independent living, memory care, skilled nursing, and PACE programs,” Stratman said. “I’m excited to build on the knowledge I gleaned during more than a decade at St. Paul’s and to find new opportunities through the Brandman Centers to enrich the lives of seniors in the greater L.A. area.”Under her direction, the Brandman Centers will pursue ambitious plans for program expansion.“We are busy preparing to establish new facilities in Van Nuys, South Bay, and Palm Springs, adding to our current sites in Reseda and West L.A.,” Stratman said. “Our goal is to open the doors in 2026.”Stratman will be assume the role and responsibilities of Brandman Centers’ longtime Vice President Susie Fishenfeld. During her decade-long tenure, Fishenfeld was a key driver in launching PACE at LAJH and driving its success.“Susie has made invaluable contributions to our organization and has been absolutely instrumental to our PACE program’s ability to thrive,” said Larissa Stepanians, LAJH’s Chief Operating Officer. “I am grateful to have had her as a wonderful colleague and to have benefited from her incredible expertise.”Stratman’s arrival signals a deepening of LAJH’s commitment to maintaining the Brandman Centers as a pillar of its community outreach services.“We’re going to continue increasing our impact as we work to give more seniors access to high quality, all-inclusive care,” Stratman said. “It’s amazing to see the ways in which programs like ours can improve seniors’ lives.” 

Around the world, December is a time for gift-giving, family meals, and shared celebration. It is also a time for music: from Chanukah medleys to Christmas classics, holiday tunes are the soundtrack of the season.At Los Angeles Jewish Health, music plays an integral part of uplifting seniors’ spirits and enhancing their health and wellness throughout the year, from birthdays to holidays and beyond. Well-documented evidence shows that music has numerous health benefits for people of all ages, perhaps none more so than members of an aging population.“Listening to music can help with anxiety, depression, and stress; it can also help reduce blood pressure and improve sleep,” says Noah Marco, MD, LAJH’s chief medical officer. “In addition, it activates parts of the brain that are involved in thinking, movement, and emotion. It’s been shown to help people recovering from a stroke with verbal memory and focus, and to connect people suffering from advanced dementia to their positive past memories.”Supporting seniors through music is a major focus of life at LAJH. The Music Therapy Program at the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE is just one example. A board-certified music therapist brings instruments to the center and involves participants in expressing themselves musically: singing and making rhythms while reflecting on how music has shaped their lives.Board-Certified Music Therapist Sara brings instruments to Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE in Reseda“The program is awesome—the music is just wonderful. It helps you relax, stay calm, and it helps you mentally because by singing together with people in a group, you know you’re not alone,” says program participant Theresa Vincent. “I would encourage everybody to do music therapy at Brandman!”Music therapy is also provided to residents through a partnership with California State University, Northridge (CSUN). The collaboration brings students working toward their music therapy degree to LAJH, where they engage residents with percussion-based instruments and population-appropriate activities.The CSUN students’ effort and skill are deeply appreciated by those who take part in the gatherings. “These students bring so much joy and make us feel better, we forget about our troubles and are just happy,” says one memory care resident at LAJH’s Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center.Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center residents enjoy instruments provided by CSUN studentsAt the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, residents participate in a different type of music therapy: the Wahlbangers Drum Circle, which leads them through low-impact exercises proven to activate both hemispheres of the brain.“From helping residents modulate their emotions to encouraging concentration and cooperation, the benefits of the drum circle are many-fold,” says Susan Leitch, director of therapeutic activities. “The activity is universally accessible: Everyone can play, no matter their experience level.”Wahlbangers Drum Circle leads musical participation at Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical CenterYoung people frequently share their musical gifts with LAJH residents. “We are extremely fortunate to have so many talented individual musicians and groups volunteer from colleges, secondary schools, and synagogues. They visit LAJH almost weekly,” says LAJH Special Projects Coordinator Julie Lockman-Gold, whose role is supported in part by the Steven Ohren Foundation. In one instance, a resident had not played his bass in years, due to a stroke that made it challenging for him. A caring visit by a music major in college enabled him to feel confident in picking up his bass, and they played tunes together throughout the afternoon. Resident Andy jams on his bass guitar with a volunteer music majorThe number of outstanding performances is too numerous to list. Shining examples include a college student who has been playing the cello for LAJH audiences since he was in high school and a jazz band that performs for LAJH’s annual “Senior-Senior Prom.” Schools that have visited the campuses include UCLA, de Toledo High School, Brentwood School, Harvard-Westlake, Sierra Canyon School, Kadima Conservatory, and more. Jazz musicians from de Toledo High School play for the annual Senior-Senior dance at Eisenberg VillageIn honor of Father’s Day and thanks to support from the Steven Ohren Foundation, the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the largest majority African American orchestra in America, treated residents to a moving concert. “I always tell residents, ‘You don’t have to go to Disney Hall to hear a phenomenal concert,’” says Stacy Orbach, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s director of volunteer services, “because we bring the sounds of Walt Disney Concert Hall to you!”The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles treated residents of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center to a Father's Day concertMusic plays a central role in LAJH’s Jewish holiday celebrations, as well. At Passover and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Jewish music specialist Cindy Paley joins Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender and Rabbi Ron Goldman in leading residents in song. Shabbat and other prayer services also prominently feature music. “Our residents love music, so we incorporate it into so much of what we do here,” says Rabbi Bender. “Especially when we play Israeli or Yiddish songs, people respond so positively because that music really brings back memories.”Cindy Paley leads Grancell Village in celebrationThe music agenda at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village is robust. Entertainment is available two Saturday evenings a month, including a summer concert series. Music is also a pivotal component of holidays at Fountainview: the Swing Dolls, a 1940s-style, Andrew Sisters tribute band, performed this past Veteran’s Day and July 4th, and during Chanukah residents will enjoy the musical stylings of a traditional klezmer band.The Swing Dolls bring classic tunes to Fountainview at Eisenberg VillageLAJH’s myriad of music programs and therapies are made possible by the support of generous benefactors including The Steven Ohren Foundation—dedicated to assisting the elderly with medical and living expenses, with a special emphasis on the Jewish population—and Mount Sinai Memorial Parks and Mortuaries, a longtime supporter of LAJH residents, which recently made a gift to help expand LAJH’s music programs. Individual donors are also essential for the ability of the music programs to thrive.Residents at LAJH find many opportunities to showcase their own musical talents, as well.  Whether playing a piano inside one of the residential buildings, staging a Passover play or Purim spiel, or teaming up with fellow residents to write and compose songs, many talented residents participate in the world of music available to them.Residents of Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center wrote and performed their own musical Purim spiel“Music truly infuses everything at LAJH,” says Annette Weinberg, LAJH’s campus lifestyle and enrichment director for Eisenberg Village. “Watching residents’ faces light up when the music starts is just the most amazing thing.”

(RESEDA, CA – November 25, 2024) On September 1, 2024, Gideon Orion and Yossi Reinstein commenced their two-year term as Co-Presidents of The Guardians, a philanthropic volunteer group of Los Angeles Jewish Health in its 86th year supporting LAJH. The duo were unanimously confirmed by the board of directors earlier this year. The focus of the group is to raise funds to support the 4,000+ seniors cared for by the non-profit organization each year. Yossi and Gideon have a rich history with both The Guardians and LAJH. They had previously served The Guardians as Co-Chairs of the Young Men's Division, held various executive board positions, and have been integral in chairing some of the organization’s largest events, including the 2023 Guardians Comedy Night featuring Sarah Silverman and Jeff Ross (Yossi), and the 2024 Guardians Real Estate Dinner honoring Ben Leeds and Fred Leeds (Gideon).For Yossi, The Guardians and Los Angeles Jewish Health have long been part of his life, with his grandfather, Harry Berrin, having served as Guardians President in 1975. "The mission of The Guardians and Los Angeles Jewish Health is immensely near and dear to me," said Yossi, who after moving from Boston to Los Angeles was encouraged to join The Guardians by family friend and renowned philanthropist Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer. Gideon's Guardians story began over a decade ago, with former CEO-President of Los Angeles Jewish Health, Molly Forrest, inviting the new Guardian to also join the board of directors for LAJH’s Eisenberg Village and Grancell Village in-residence campuses. A nationally recognized healthcare real estate broker specializing in the sale of senior living and skilled nursing facilities, along with being elected as Co-President of The Guardians, Gideon continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Los Angeles Jewish Health and currently chairs the In-Residence Services subsidiary board.In commenting on the leadership appointments, President and CEO of Los Angeles Jewish Health, Dale Surowitz said, "We are delighted to have Gideon and Yossi take the helm, bringing their enthusiasm and fresh vision as they embark on leading the work of The Guardians over the next two years. This commitment continues to build upon the outstanding support they have already demonstrated to the seniors we care for each day at Los Angeles Jewish Health”.   Yossi Reinstein and Gideon Orion ### About The Guardians: The Guardians of Los Angeles Jewish Health is a group of men and women committed to supporting the seniors cared for by Los Angeles Jewish Health. Since 1938, the mission of the Guardians has been to provide financial support for members of the community who are served by Los Angeles Jewish Health through residential and community-based programs. The Guardians Young Men’s and Young Women’s Divisions were founded to bring younger community members to support The Guardians and prepare future leaders. These groups hold activities geared to their interests as well as provide leadership and social opportunities for members in their ‘20s and ‘30s. For more information, visit LAGuardians.org.  About Los Angeles Jewish Health:Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health is the largest non-profit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, thousands of seniors benefit from community-based and in-residence care and services. Programs include independent living; assisted living; senior behavioral health; short-term rehabilitation; skilled nursing; PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly); hospice & palliative care; and geriatric health and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing. About Gideon Orion: Gideon Orion is a Managing Director and California broker of record for Walker & Dunlop. With a focus on the sale of senior living and skilled nursing assets, over his 17-year real estate career, Gideon has closed transactions valued at over $4.0 billion on behalf of his clients, including 10 transactions valued at over $100M. A trusted advisor to his clients for his market expertise and relationships within the industry, Gideon provides a strategic role relating to the disposition of real estate portfolios, as well as single-asset sales and PropCo/OpCo joint venture transactions. Clients include traded and non-traded REITs, real estate private equity firms, national and regional senior housing operators, high-net-worth investors, family offices, and non-profit corporations. Gideon earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies from California State University, Northridge, and is a former California Champion Speaker for Toastmasters International. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors for Los Angeles Jewish Health, and chairs the In-Residence Services Board for LAJH.  About Yossi Reinstein: Yossi Reinstein is an accomplished real estate developer and the Principal of Maker Kitchens Group, a forward-thinking development firm specializing in the acquisition and repurposing of distressed industrial and retail assets into vibrant multi-tenant Commercial Kitchen Centers. His innovative approach to real estate not only revitalizes neighborhoods but also supports local food entrepreneurs.As a guest lecturer at UCLA Anderson School of Management's Ziman Center for Real Estate, Yossi shares his insights and expertise with the next generation of leaders in the industry. His dedication to community service is evident through his active involvement in various philanthropic initiatives. He co-chaired The Guardians' Young Men's Division from 2015 to 2017 and played a key role in rebranding The Jewish Home for the Aging to LA Jewish Health. From 2022 to 2024, he served as Vice President of Public Relations for The Guardians, where he furthered their mission of support and advocacy.In 2019, Yossi helped the Pico Union Project rebuild their Commercial Kitchen Commissary, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing local food infrastructure. He also contributed to the strategic planning committee for Habonim Dror and Camp Gilboa, assisting the organization in navigating cash flow opportunities related to valuable real estate assets they needed to reposition. An alumnus of the Community Leadership Institute of the Jewish Federation, Yossi completed a two-year program focused on effectively aiding individuals in need across Greater Los Angeles. His commitment to community engagement extends to international outreach, having spent ten days in Israel in late 2022 meeting with local leaders to explore avenues for support.Yossi has also served on the Brawerman Fellowship Selection Committee for 2022 and 2023, where he evaluated hundreds of applications and helped allocate grants to deserving Jewish high school students in need.He resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Hannah, and their three children: Walter, Billie and Jane. Yossi’s passion for real estate development, community service, and education reflects his dedication to making a meaningful impact both locally and beyond. 

The holiday of Sukkot—a Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts”—follows closely after Yom Kippur and is a joyous celebration of the autumn harvest. This year at Los Angeles Jewish Health, the holiday also marked another very special and happy occasion: the adult confirmation of three residents in their 80s and 90s who displayed their mastery of Jewish scholarship and prayer in front of a rapt audience of family and friends.Confirmation is a way for Jewish students of post-bar or bat mitzvah age to continue engaging with their tradition and confirm their commitment to Jewish life. Inside a gorgeous sukkah erected in the main courtyard of LAJH’s Grancell Village campus, the assembled guests listened to the women—Etta Spiegel, 96; Barbara Fallick, 82; and Linda Zweig, 81—all of whom had previously had adult bat mitzvahs, chant from the Torah and offer astute insights into Jewish history, ritual, and culture. The ceremony was held as a highlight of LAJH’s Friday afternoon Shabbat service, led by Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender.“These women wanted to deepen their Jewish knowledge, and they studied with me for about a year in preparation for this day, ultimately becoming experts in an area of specific interest to them,” Rabbi Bender shared during the moving ceremony. “Their passion and determination are incredible to behold, and I am beyond excited for them to share what they’ve learned with you today.”Etta focused on the Passover story, making connections between the Pharoah of ancient Egypt and modern-day tyrants. Linda spoke about Midrash, a genre of Jewish commentary, and discussed the ways in which, when it comes to biblical interpretation, women (whose perspectives were once marginalized) are now empowered to be part of the conversation. Barbara delved into family dynamics in the Book of Genesis, with particular emphasis on the life of Jacob.At the conclusion of the service, Ilana Springer, CEO/administrator of the Joyce Eisenberg- Keefer Medical Center, presented each of the confirmands with a framed photograph of them with the Torah and complimented their dedication and drive. “Through their words and actions, these women demonstrate their faith, courage, and hope for the future of the Jewish people,” Springer said.LA Jewish Health Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki gifted each of the women a sculpture, bearing their names and depicting a woman holding the Torah. “Your example shows us that there’s no limit to what we as women can accomplish!” she said.Also on hand was Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer, who congratulated the three residents on their tremendous effort and handed them each a certificate of adult confirmation to mark the occasion.“Thank you for showing all of us that age is only a number,” he said. “What you accomplished here makes clear that we can do anything if we put in the hard work and follow our hearts.”As she ended the service, Rabbi Bender offered Etta, Barbara, and Linda a special blessing and some heartfelt words of praise. “I have so much gratitude and respect for each of you,” she said. “You’ve truly inspired us all.”