For Michelle Rubin, helping Los Angeles Jewish Health flourish has been a lifelong pursuit. The great-grandniece of H. Lew Zuckerman, one of the founders of LAJH in 1912, and the daughter of Pam and Mark Rubin, among the organization’s most dedicated supporters over the last half century, Michelle grew up with LAJH as a central fixture of her childhood.“My grandparents established the Palm Springs Auxiliary; my parents helped start the Marilyn and Monty Hall Statesman’s Society; my mom was a board member; and my dad was a member of The Guardians, as are my brother and my nephew,” Michelle says. “Los Angeles Jewish Health is in my blood.”Today, Michelle is serving as the newly elevated chair of LAJH’s board of directors, a role that enables her to continue the family tradition of giving back to seniors in our community. The position builds on her decades of experience working to advance LAJH’s vital mission—first as a member of the young leadership program Tovim, then as chair of the in-residence board for both the Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses, and most recently as chair of the board for the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE Program.“I know all of LAJH’s lines of business, which will help me as I collaborate with other board members and staff to expand the organization’s work and secure its financial future,” Michelle says. “I’ll be drawing on that knowledge and experience as I seek to achieve two primary goals: upholding our fiduciary commitment so LAJH can continue making a difference for seniors, and developing the pipeline of volunteers who are ready to step up and help lead this amazing organization.”Michelle RubinMichelle balances her charitable commitments to LAJH and other nonprofit organizations with a busy, full-time job as president of Regional Properties, Inc., a Beverly Hills-based real estate development company that she took over from her late father. She says she is proud to follow in his footsteps, both professionally and philanthropically.“My dad always said, ‘I build buildings for a living, but my philanthropy is for people,’ and that’s how I feel about LAJH,” she says. “It’s about the people—the residents and the staff, who come together to create the most extraordinary environment. So many seniors are alone, but at LAJH, they find community, and they’re able to thrive. It’s wonderful to be part of that and to know I’m doing what I can to help seniors stay safe and healthy, and make the most of every day.”Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer, says having Michelle as board chair will empower LAJH to reach new heights of success, serving more seniors and continuing to enhance its unparalleled quality of care.“Michelle’s intimate knowledge of our operations and incredible dedication to our work will be instrumental in helping LAJH extend its umbrella of care to cover growing numbers of seniors, today and for generations to come,” Dale says. “I am excited to partner with her in maximizing our impact.”As she dives into her work as board chair, Michelle says it is an honor to carry the torch of her parents’ legacy.“My mom and dad taught us by doing—never telling us where to give, or how much, just making clear that we needed to be invested in our community,” Michelle says. “I’m thrilled to be following their example and so grateful I’m in a position to support LAJH.”

It takes a lot for Los Angeles Jewish Health to run smoothly each and every day. Central to the organization’s success is its talented and dedicated staff—the men and women who work tirelessly to provide residents the quality, compassionate care for which LAJH is widely renowned. In May, LAJH celebrated those employees during Staff Appreciation Week, giving the organization a chance to thank them for their incredible efforts and to express gratitude for their commitment to helping residents thrive.The theme of this year’s event was, “Excellence in Senior Care…the Magic Is YOU!” Throughout the week, staff came together to participate in activities including the “Magic Star Makers Employee Recognition,” “Cast Your Own Spell,” and “No Talent Required Variety Show.” They also enjoyed themed treats and meals such as “enchanted donuts,” “spellbinding smoothies,” “magical morning breakfast,” and a “power-up abraca-BBQ cookout.”“Our CEO, Dale Surowitz, inspired the theme; he’s always talking about how our staff are the ‘secret sauce’ or the ‘magic ingredient’ that powers LAJH,” says Chief Human Resources Officer Alyssa Alderman. “It’s absolutely true, so it was a perfect way to frame the celebration.”It was Shelly Ryan, LAJH’s first chief human resources officer, who launched Staff Appreciation Week (originally known as National Nursing Home Week) years ago in an effort to ensure that all employees received recognition for their heroic contributions.“We used to try and observe the different healthcare weeks individually as they happened: National Nurses Week, Administrative Professionals’ Day, National Physical Therapy Week, etc. It was a lot to keep track of, and we decided to streamline it and observe National Nursing Home Week so everyone could feel included, and appreciated, all at once!” Ryan says.As the years passed, LAJH evolved beyond its nursing home origins. The organization expanded its services to become a comprehensive healthcare provider serving the entire community. In recognition of this change, Sharon Ginchansky, who became CHRO after Ryan, rebranded National Nursing Home Week as Staff Appreciation Week in 2013—and the rest, as they say, is history. It continued to grow in number of days celebrated and more events during different shifts.“Staff Appreciation Week was a big hit, and in 2017, Alyssa took over (from Sharon),” Ryan says. “She’s been a champion for LAJH staff since I hired her in 2008 and has elevated Staff Appreciation Week into the extraordinary environment of fun and celebration that it is today.”The celebration is well-deserved. Every member of the LAJH team contributes meaningfully to enhancing the lives of older adults. Whether providing direct care, supporting operations behind the scenes, welcoming families, preparing meals, maintaining the campuses, or offering a kind word during difficult moments, staff members help create the compassionate environment that defines Los Angeles Jewish Health.“Our staff are so incredibly dedicated to their work and to the population they serve,” Alderman says. “Across the board—from our nurses and social workers to the behind-the-scenes folks who do the laundry, the billing, and the fundraising—staff members treat every senior like they would their most cherished family member, making certain they get the best quality of care. Our staff members live and breathe our mission; it’s truly palpable when you come onto our campuses.”For Alderman, what makes Staff Appreciation Week wonderful is watching people who give so much of themselves each day receive some of that same care in return.“Taking care of the elderly can be a high-stress job,” she says. “To see our staff be able to bask in the glow of love and appreciation from LAJH leadership, to see the joy in their faces as they realize how much gratitude we have for them, is really moving. There’s no better way to say it: LAJH staff are simply the best (and truly magical)!”Click here to see more photos from Staff Appreciation Week 

(RESEDA, CA – July 23, 2026)  The Los Angeles Jewish Health board of directors has elected prominent real estate executive Michelle Rubin as chair. Rubin, president of Beverly Hills-based Regional Properties, Inc., will serve a two-year term helping set the direction for LAJH, Los Angeles’ largest nonprofit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services.Rubin is the great-grandniece of H. Lew Zuckerman, one of the founders of LAJH in 1912, and the daughter of Pam and Mark Rubin, whose lifetime of service to the organization—as board members and advocates—ranks them among its most dedicated supporters.“Investing both time and resources in LAJH is a family tradition: My grandparents established the Palm Springs Auxiliary; my parents helped start the Marilyn and Monty Hall Statesman’s Society; my mom was a board member; and my dad was a member of The Guardians, as are my brother and my nephew,” Rubin said, referring to a number of high-impact LAJH support groups. “Los Angeles Jewish Health is in my blood.”For decades, Rubin has been an influential figure at LAJH in her own right, first as a member of the young leadership program Tovim, then as chair of the organization’s in-residence board for the Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses, and most recently as chair of the board for the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE Program. In her new position, she will play an instrumental role in advancing LAJH’s mission, overseeing its financial stewardship, and cultivating a pipeline of volunteer leaders dedicated to ensuring its long-term future.Michelle Rubin“LAJH is an incredible community that upholds the Fifth Commandment—honor your father and mother—by providing exceptional quality care,” Rubin said. “As board chair, it is my goal to carry that legacy forward so our seniors can continue to be safe, healthy, and thriving.”Rubin brings a wealth of corporate and philanthropic experience to her tenure as board chair. Leveraging her skills and knowledge, noted LAJH’s President and CEO Dale Surowitz, will position LAJH for continued success.“Michelle Rubin is not only familiar with every one of our lines of business at LAJH; she is also an expert in serving as a fiduciary for companies and not-for-profit organizations alike,” Surowitz said. “Her commitment to growing LAJH’s capacity for meeting seniors’ needs, and to strengthening the social fabric of our city more broadly, will make her a tremendous board chair. I am excited to partner with her on behalf of the thousands of elderly men and women we serve.” 

As the largest single-source senior care provider in the area, Los Angeles Jewish Health is recognized as a distinguished leader in the field committed to making a positive difference in seniors’ lives. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently recognized the quality of care at Los Angeles Jewish Health by awarding the organization its Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification. Fewer than 1 percent of nursing facilities nationwide hold this distinction.LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside New York and New Jersey.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” says Dale Surowitz, chief executive officer and president of LAJH. “As seniors live longer and their medical challenges grow in complexity, we are proud to be keeping pace, setting national standards for excellence in cardiac care, and in geriatric care more broadly, that are enabling seniors to make the most of their later years.”The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the AHA’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and clinical improvement.CHF Certification TeamNoah Marco, MD, CMD, LAJH’s chief medical officer, says the organization’s state-of-the-art heart failure management unit continues to demonstrate transformative approaches to care.“Twenty percent of heart failure patients admitted to the hospital are brought back to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. But our unit, by preserving patients’ independence, managing their multiple chronic conditions, and empowering those we serve to meet their goals, has a readmission rate of under 2%,” Dr. Marco says. “The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.”Mark Taper Building Administrator Charlette Ofrecio notes that a wide range of factors drive the unit’s success, among them its focus on coordinated compassionate care.“Each of our residents in the unit benefits from a deeply collaborative team including a cardiologist who oversees the program and regularly reviews each resident’s clinical status with our interdisciplinary staff,” Ofrecio says. “Through the combined expertise of pharmacy, dietary, and nursing, along with innovative, noninvasive monitoring technology, we’re able to proactively manage heart failure and provide meaningful education to residents and families for success at home.”Dr. Marco says that, while an unplanned hospitalization is an extremely stressful event in the lives of older adults and their families, LAJH’s heart failure management unit can offer critical peace of mind.“Our staff have the knowledge and expertise necessary to address one of the most challenging chronic diseases that older adults can face,” he says. “Heart failure patients who come to us can rest assured that there is literally nowhere else in our community better equipped to provide the specialized care they need.”

When Dr. Rosalyn Heyman passed away in 2021, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) lost a staunch supporter and dear friend. But she remained dedicated to the organization to the end, leaving a significant bequest to continue advancing its vital mission. To recognize Heyman’s generosity, LAJH commissioned a sculpture in her honor, unveiling the piece last month in a dedication ceremony that celebrated her enduring legacy.The sculpture, entitled “Tanya’s Gift,” is the work of noted local artist Jonathan Bickart, whose installations are on display at UCLA, Griffith Park, and other locations across Los Angeles. Featured prominently on LAJH’s Grancell Village campus between the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, the Mark Taper Building, and the Schulman Medical Building, the sculpture depicts a young girl sitting atop a stack of books—a tribute to Heyman’s distinguished career as a pioneering figure in the L.A. education landscape.“Rosalyn was an amazing person who made an incredible impact on her community,” says Aaron Levinson, LAJH’s vice president for planned giving. “She started out as a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District, then became one of the district’s first female principals [of Berendo Junior High], and ultimately rose to serve as the district’s assistant superintendent of secondary education.”Levinson says Heyman’s stories of her time at LAUSD were larger than life.“Rosalyn was unbelievably bold and seriously funny,” he recalls. “She used to tell me she wanted to write her memoir and call it Bad Things I Did With Good Results. For instance, when she took over at Berendo, it was the worst-performing school in the district, and there was significant gang activity, with kids storing knives and guns in their lockers. One day, she started cracking down by opening up every locker and confiscating all the weapons. She knew she’d never get official permission to do it, but went ahead anyway, and when I asked her about whether she was worried she would get in trouble, she said, ‘What were the kids or their parents going to say to me: Someone came in and stole my gun?’ Her plan went off without a hitch, and she ended up turning the school around.”Heyman’s professional success was mirrored by her philanthropic achievements. She was involved with numerous charitable causes, but, says her friend and estate attorney, Chuck Tigerman, she had a special affection for Los Angeles Jewish Health.“Rosalyn was a devout agnostic, but she was culturally very Jewish, and proudly so. She lived for a time at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, and later in her life, as her health deteriorated, she moved to the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center for skilled nursing assistance. She had the resources to go anywhere, but she chose LAJH,” Tigerman said.Following Heyman’s death, LAJH staff commissioned the sculpture in her honor, selecting Bickart and fellow artist Tanya Ragir for the work.“Tanya had a tragic ending because she received an unexpected brain cancer diagnosis, so she wasn’t able to do much on the sculpture, but I discussed it with her and showed her my progress until her death,” Bickart says. “When it was finished, we decided to name the sculpture ‘Tanya’s Gift’ in her memory.”Given Heyman’s passion for education and learning, Bickart incorporated space for a small lending library at the base of the statue, allowing passersby to leave a book for others or to take one for themselves. With a wink to Heyman, Bickart also gave one of the books in the sculpture itself the title she had selected for her own memoir, Bad Things I Did With Good Results.“The sculpture is really beautiful, but more importantly, it captures the spirit of a truly special person,” Levinson says. “We were truly fortunate to have Rosalyn Heyman in our orbit.”To learn more about making bequests to Los Angeles Jewish Health, contact Aaron Levinson at (818) 757-4416 or [email protected].

LAJH is among fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide to earn this designation, and the first Jewish facility outside of NY or NJ  LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) has received the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide recognized for excellence in evidence-based heart failure care. LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside of New York or New Jersey.LAJH is the largest single-source senior care provider in Los Angeles. Across the organization, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year, including those in skilled nursing facilities who receive 24/7 specialized heart failure care.The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the American Heart Association’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” said Dale Surowitz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Amid the challenge of a growing number of seniors, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all, rooted in our Jewish values.”“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Cory Woods, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Quality Certification Business Management Committee and assistant chief clinical officer at Rockport Healthcare Services in Los Angeles. “When there are clear processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”Dr. Noah Marco, Chief Medical Officer of Los Angeles Jewish Health, added, “Patients with heart failure require specialized, closely coordinated support, and we are proud of the systems we’ve built to provide care that is both effective and compassionate. As our team helps seniors navigate a wide range of cardiac conditions, we continue to innovate and adopt best practices to strengthen patient outcomes. The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.” ### Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) 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; Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE; and geriatric and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.

For Michelle Rubin, helping Los Angeles Jewish Health flourish has been a lifelong pursuit. The great-grandniece of H. Lew Zuckerman, one of the founders of LAJH in 1912, and the daughter of Pam and Mark Rubin, among the organization’s most dedicated supporters over the last half century, Michelle grew up with LAJH as a central fixture of her childhood.“My grandparents established the Palm Springs Auxiliary; my parents helped start the Marilyn and Monty Hall Statesman’s Society; my mom was a board member; and my dad was a member of The Guardians, as are my brother and my nephew,” Michelle says. “Los Angeles Jewish Health is in my blood.”Today, Michelle is serving as the newly elevated chair of LAJH’s board of directors, a role that enables her to continue the family tradition of giving back to seniors in our community. The position builds on her decades of experience working to advance LAJH’s vital mission—first as a member of the young leadership program Tovim, then as chair of the in-residence board for both the Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses, and most recently as chair of the board for the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE Program.“I know all of LAJH’s lines of business, which will help me as I collaborate with other board members and staff to expand the organization’s work and secure its financial future,” Michelle says. “I’ll be drawing on that knowledge and experience as I seek to achieve two primary goals: upholding our fiduciary commitment so LAJH can continue making a difference for seniors, and developing the pipeline of volunteers who are ready to step up and help lead this amazing organization.”Michelle RubinMichelle balances her charitable commitments to LAJH and other nonprofit organizations with a busy, full-time job as president of Regional Properties, Inc., a Beverly Hills-based real estate development company that she took over from her late father. She says she is proud to follow in his footsteps, both professionally and philanthropically.“My dad always said, ‘I build buildings for a living, but my philanthropy is for people,’ and that’s how I feel about LAJH,” she says. “It’s about the people—the residents and the staff, who come together to create the most extraordinary environment. So many seniors are alone, but at LAJH, they find community, and they’re able to thrive. It’s wonderful to be part of that and to know I’m doing what I can to help seniors stay safe and healthy, and make the most of every day.”Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer, says having Michelle as board chair will empower LAJH to reach new heights of success, serving more seniors and continuing to enhance its unparalleled quality of care.“Michelle’s intimate knowledge of our operations and incredible dedication to our work will be instrumental in helping LAJH extend its umbrella of care to cover growing numbers of seniors, today and for generations to come,” Dale says. “I am excited to partner with her in maximizing our impact.”As she dives into her work as board chair, Michelle says it is an honor to carry the torch of her parents’ legacy.“My mom and dad taught us by doing—never telling us where to give, or how much, just making clear that we needed to be invested in our community,” Michelle says. “I’m thrilled to be following their example and so grateful I’m in a position to support LAJH.”

It takes a lot for Los Angeles Jewish Health to run smoothly each and every day. Central to the organization’s success is its talented and dedicated staff—the men and women who work tirelessly to provide residents the quality, compassionate care for which LAJH is widely renowned. In May, LAJH celebrated those employees during Staff Appreciation Week, giving the organization a chance to thank them for their incredible efforts and to express gratitude for their commitment to helping residents thrive.The theme of this year’s event was, “Excellence in Senior Care…the Magic Is YOU!” Throughout the week, staff came together to participate in activities including the “Magic Star Makers Employee Recognition,” “Cast Your Own Spell,” and “No Talent Required Variety Show.” They also enjoyed themed treats and meals such as “enchanted donuts,” “spellbinding smoothies,” “magical morning breakfast,” and a “power-up abraca-BBQ cookout.”“Our CEO, Dale Surowitz, inspired the theme; he’s always talking about how our staff are the ‘secret sauce’ or the ‘magic ingredient’ that powers LAJH,” says Chief Human Resources Officer Alyssa Alderman. “It’s absolutely true, so it was a perfect way to frame the celebration.”It was Shelly Ryan, LAJH’s first chief human resources officer, who launched Staff Appreciation Week (originally known as National Nursing Home Week) years ago in an effort to ensure that all employees received recognition for their heroic contributions.“We used to try and observe the different healthcare weeks individually as they happened: National Nurses Week, Administrative Professionals’ Day, National Physical Therapy Week, etc. It was a lot to keep track of, and we decided to streamline it and observe National Nursing Home Week so everyone could feel included, and appreciated, all at once!” Ryan says.As the years passed, LAJH evolved beyond its nursing home origins. The organization expanded its services to become a comprehensive healthcare provider serving the entire community. In recognition of this change, Sharon Ginchansky, who became CHRO after Ryan, rebranded National Nursing Home Week as Staff Appreciation Week in 2013—and the rest, as they say, is history. It continued to grow in number of days celebrated and more events during different shifts.“Staff Appreciation Week was a big hit, and in 2017, Alyssa took over (from Sharon),” Ryan says. “She’s been a champion for LAJH staff since I hired her in 2008 and has elevated Staff Appreciation Week into the extraordinary environment of fun and celebration that it is today.”The celebration is well-deserved. Every member of the LAJH team contributes meaningfully to enhancing the lives of older adults. Whether providing direct care, supporting operations behind the scenes, welcoming families, preparing meals, maintaining the campuses, or offering a kind word during difficult moments, staff members help create the compassionate environment that defines Los Angeles Jewish Health.“Our staff are so incredibly dedicated to their work and to the population they serve,” Alderman says. “Across the board—from our nurses and social workers to the behind-the-scenes folks who do the laundry, the billing, and the fundraising—staff members treat every senior like they would their most cherished family member, making certain they get the best quality of care. Our staff members live and breathe our mission; it’s truly palpable when you come onto our campuses.”For Alderman, what makes Staff Appreciation Week wonderful is watching people who give so much of themselves each day receive some of that same care in return.“Taking care of the elderly can be a high-stress job,” she says. “To see our staff be able to bask in the glow of love and appreciation from LAJH leadership, to see the joy in their faces as they realize how much gratitude we have for them, is really moving. There’s no better way to say it: LAJH staff are simply the best (and truly magical)!”Click here to see more photos from Staff Appreciation Week 

(RESEDA, CA – July 23, 2026)  The Los Angeles Jewish Health board of directors has elected prominent real estate executive Michelle Rubin as chair. Rubin, president of Beverly Hills-based Regional Properties, Inc., will serve a two-year term helping set the direction for LAJH, Los Angeles’ largest nonprofit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services.Rubin is the great-grandniece of H. Lew Zuckerman, one of the founders of LAJH in 1912, and the daughter of Pam and Mark Rubin, whose lifetime of service to the organization—as board members and advocates—ranks them among its most dedicated supporters.“Investing both time and resources in LAJH is a family tradition: My grandparents established the Palm Springs Auxiliary; my parents helped start the Marilyn and Monty Hall Statesman’s Society; my mom was a board member; and my dad was a member of The Guardians, as are my brother and my nephew,” Rubin said, referring to a number of high-impact LAJH support groups. “Los Angeles Jewish Health is in my blood.”For decades, Rubin has been an influential figure at LAJH in her own right, first as a member of the young leadership program Tovim, then as chair of the organization’s in-residence board for the Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses, and most recently as chair of the board for the Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE Program. In her new position, she will play an instrumental role in advancing LAJH’s mission, overseeing its financial stewardship, and cultivating a pipeline of volunteer leaders dedicated to ensuring its long-term future.Michelle Rubin“LAJH is an incredible community that upholds the Fifth Commandment—honor your father and mother—by providing exceptional quality care,” Rubin said. “As board chair, it is my goal to carry that legacy forward so our seniors can continue to be safe, healthy, and thriving.”Rubin brings a wealth of corporate and philanthropic experience to her tenure as board chair. Leveraging her skills and knowledge, noted LAJH’s President and CEO Dale Surowitz, will position LAJH for continued success.“Michelle Rubin is not only familiar with every one of our lines of business at LAJH; she is also an expert in serving as a fiduciary for companies and not-for-profit organizations alike,” Surowitz said. “Her commitment to growing LAJH’s capacity for meeting seniors’ needs, and to strengthening the social fabric of our city more broadly, will make her a tremendous board chair. I am excited to partner with her on behalf of the thousands of elderly men and women we serve.” 

As the largest single-source senior care provider in the area, Los Angeles Jewish Health is recognized as a distinguished leader in the field committed to making a positive difference in seniors’ lives. The American Heart Association (AHA) recently recognized the quality of care at Los Angeles Jewish Health by awarding the organization its Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification. Fewer than 1 percent of nursing facilities nationwide hold this distinction.LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside New York and New Jersey.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” says Dale Surowitz, chief executive officer and president of LAJH. “As seniors live longer and their medical challenges grow in complexity, we are proud to be keeping pace, setting national standards for excellence in cardiac care, and in geriatric care more broadly, that are enabling seniors to make the most of their later years.”The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the AHA’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and clinical improvement.CHF Certification TeamNoah Marco, MD, CMD, LAJH’s chief medical officer, says the organization’s state-of-the-art heart failure management unit continues to demonstrate transformative approaches to care.“Twenty percent of heart failure patients admitted to the hospital are brought back to the hospital within 30 days of discharge. But our unit, by preserving patients’ independence, managing their multiple chronic conditions, and empowering those we serve to meet their goals, has a readmission rate of under 2%,” Dr. Marco says. “The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.”Mark Taper Building Administrator Charlette Ofrecio notes that a wide range of factors drive the unit’s success, among them its focus on coordinated compassionate care.“Each of our residents in the unit benefits from a deeply collaborative team including a cardiologist who oversees the program and regularly reviews each resident’s clinical status with our interdisciplinary staff,” Ofrecio says. “Through the combined expertise of pharmacy, dietary, and nursing, along with innovative, noninvasive monitoring technology, we’re able to proactively manage heart failure and provide meaningful education to residents and families for success at home.”Dr. Marco says that, while an unplanned hospitalization is an extremely stressful event in the lives of older adults and their families, LAJH’s heart failure management unit can offer critical peace of mind.“Our staff have the knowledge and expertise necessary to address one of the most challenging chronic diseases that older adults can face,” he says. “Heart failure patients who come to us can rest assured that there is literally nowhere else in our community better equipped to provide the specialized care they need.”

When Dr. Rosalyn Heyman passed away in 2021, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) lost a staunch supporter and dear friend. But she remained dedicated to the organization to the end, leaving a significant bequest to continue advancing its vital mission. To recognize Heyman’s generosity, LAJH commissioned a sculpture in her honor, unveiling the piece last month in a dedication ceremony that celebrated her enduring legacy.The sculpture, entitled “Tanya’s Gift,” is the work of noted local artist Jonathan Bickart, whose installations are on display at UCLA, Griffith Park, and other locations across Los Angeles. Featured prominently on LAJH’s Grancell Village campus between the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, the Mark Taper Building, and the Schulman Medical Building, the sculpture depicts a young girl sitting atop a stack of books—a tribute to Heyman’s distinguished career as a pioneering figure in the L.A. education landscape.“Rosalyn was an amazing person who made an incredible impact on her community,” says Aaron Levinson, LAJH’s vice president for planned giving. “She started out as a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District, then became one of the district’s first female principals [of Berendo Junior High], and ultimately rose to serve as the district’s assistant superintendent of secondary education.”Levinson says Heyman’s stories of her time at LAUSD were larger than life.“Rosalyn was unbelievably bold and seriously funny,” he recalls. “She used to tell me she wanted to write her memoir and call it Bad Things I Did With Good Results. For instance, when she took over at Berendo, it was the worst-performing school in the district, and there was significant gang activity, with kids storing knives and guns in their lockers. One day, she started cracking down by opening up every locker and confiscating all the weapons. She knew she’d never get official permission to do it, but went ahead anyway, and when I asked her about whether she was worried she would get in trouble, she said, ‘What were the kids or their parents going to say to me: Someone came in and stole my gun?’ Her plan went off without a hitch, and she ended up turning the school around.”Heyman’s professional success was mirrored by her philanthropic achievements. She was involved with numerous charitable causes, but, says her friend and estate attorney, Chuck Tigerman, she had a special affection for Los Angeles Jewish Health.“Rosalyn was a devout agnostic, but she was culturally very Jewish, and proudly so. She lived for a time at Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, and later in her life, as her health deteriorated, she moved to the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center for skilled nursing assistance. She had the resources to go anywhere, but she chose LAJH,” Tigerman said.Following Heyman’s death, LAJH staff commissioned the sculpture in her honor, selecting Bickart and fellow artist Tanya Ragir for the work.“Tanya had a tragic ending because she received an unexpected brain cancer diagnosis, so she wasn’t able to do much on the sculpture, but I discussed it with her and showed her my progress until her death,” Bickart says. “When it was finished, we decided to name the sculpture ‘Tanya’s Gift’ in her memory.”Given Heyman’s passion for education and learning, Bickart incorporated space for a small lending library at the base of the statue, allowing passersby to leave a book for others or to take one for themselves. With a wink to Heyman, Bickart also gave one of the books in the sculpture itself the title she had selected for her own memoir, Bad Things I Did With Good Results.“The sculpture is really beautiful, but more importantly, it captures the spirit of a truly special person,” Levinson says. “We were truly fortunate to have Rosalyn Heyman in our orbit.”To learn more about making bequests to Los Angeles Jewish Health, contact Aaron Levinson at (818) 757-4416 or [email protected].

LAJH is among fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide to earn this designation, and the first Jewish facility outside of NY or NJ  LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) has received the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification, a distinction held by fewer than 1% of nursing facilities nationwide recognized for excellence in evidence-based heart failure care. LAJH is one of the first Jewish facilities to receive this certification, and the first outside of New York or New Jersey.LAJH is the largest single-source senior care provider in Los Angeles. Across the organization, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year, including those in skilled nursing facilities who receive 24/7 specialized heart failure care.The certification provides an evidence-based framework for evaluating skilled nursing facilities against the American Heart Association’s rigorous requirements for heart failure care, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management, and quality improvement.“This prestigious recognition reflects the dedication of our healthcare team, who have provided exceptional care for more than 114 years since LAJH’s founding,” said Dale Surowitz, Chief Executive Officer and President of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Amid the challenge of a growing number of seniors, we are committed to delivering comprehensive care for all, rooted in our Jewish values.”“Participation in this certification benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Cory Woods, DNP, MHA, MSN, RN, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association’s Quality Certification Business Management Committee and assistant chief clinical officer at Rockport Healthcare Services in Los Angeles. “When there are clear processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes.”Dr. Noah Marco, Chief Medical Officer of Los Angeles Jewish Health, added, “Patients with heart failure require specialized, closely coordinated support, and we are proud of the systems we’ve built to provide care that is both effective and compassionate. As our team helps seniors navigate a wide range of cardiac conditions, we continue to innovate and adopt best practices to strengthen patient outcomes. The AHA’s certification is a meaningful endorsement of our approach and our impact across Southern California.” ### Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) 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; Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE; and geriatric and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.

This April, for the third consecutive year, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) hosted its annual car show—a chance for Angelenos to get an up-close look at classic and exotic cars while also learning more about the organization and its vital senior care mission. The event brought approximately 100 car owners and admirers to the Grancell Village campus in the San Fernando Valley.Aaron Levinson, LAJH’s vice president for planned giving, conceived the car show to capitalize on a growing trend in donor-driven philanthropy.“Donors are interested in creative ways to be philanthropic and to get great tax advantages, and over the years, the nonprofit sector has seen an increase in people giving gifts in the form of different kinds of assets: real estate, artwork, investments, and even automobiles,” Levinson says. “Hosting a car show helps introduce the idea of donating non-traditional assets to LAJH, and also gives potential donors an opportunity to see firsthand what makes LAJH so wonderful and worth supporting.”The event has grown over time: In its first year, 30 cars were entered; by this year, that number had nearly doubled. Levinson attributes the increase not only to effective publicity, but also to positive word of mouth.“It’s really a great day: People look at the cars, socialize, enjoy some refreshments, and get to tour LAJH,” he says. “There’s no program, no speeches, no admission fee—just people coming together to have a good time. Even some of our residents joined us to see what was happening!”Longtime LAJH donor and former board member Rick Katz served as chair of the event.“The car show is a lot of fun, especially for car enthusiasts,” Katz says. “I’ve always been a car guy; I think growing up in Southern California, where cars are part of the culture, sparked my interest. It’s great to be able to share that with people through LAJH, and as the event gets bigger and more successful, I’m hopeful it will translate to increased donations.”Levinson recently formed a car show committee to begin planning future events, and Katz says he intends to participate again next year.“I strongly support the work being done at LAJH,” he says. “The men and women who live there paid it forward for me to have a better Jewish life, and I believe it’s my responsibility to make their senior years as enjoyable as possible.”To learn more about the annual car show or to get involved, contact Aaron Levison at (818) 757-4416 or [email protected] HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE CAR SHOW 

In the Jewish tradition, Passover represents many things: the liberation of the ancient Israelites from Egyptian slavery, the beginning of a long journey to self-determination and freedom in a promised land, and the rebirth and renewal that accompany the start of spring. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, Passover celebrates all of these themes—as well as LAJH’s establishment nearly 115 years ago.In 1912, five older adults experiencing homelessness men in Los Angeles needed a place to observe Seder. They found a welcome home and a willing host in Polish immigrant and Boyle Heights grocery store owner Simon Lewis. He invited them in to share the holiday, thus paving the way for what would soon become the Los Angeles Jewish Home.Lewis and the hard-working women who cooked and prepared for that Seder could never have imagined how their generosity would reverberate for generations of Angelenos. For more than a century, LAJH has served as a vital refuge for seniors, offering critical programs and services that set a national standard for exceptional, high-quality care. Today, the tradition continues, and LAJH reaches seniors throughout the San Fernando Valley, L.A.’s Westside, and beyond.At LAJH, Passover is an opportunity both to celebrate its legacy and to marvel at the institution’s daily impact on thousands of lives. Whether through skilled nursing care, memory care, adult day care, or independent living, LAJH plays a crucial role in strengthening the social fabric of Los Angeles—giving seniors the support they so greatly deserve.Passover is also an occasion for excitement, merriment, and delight at LAJH. Each year, the organization welcomes residents to experience the holiday with a range of hands-on activities including music- and food-filled Seders.“Passover comes alive at Los Angeles Jewish Health, awakening all five senses and inspiring the spirits of our residents,” says Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender. “Our goal is to stimulate memories of the past for each of our beloved residents, while also providing Seders that are extraordinarily interactive and memorable themselves.”  As they eat their fill of matzah, sip grape juice, sing traditional melodies, and tell the story of the four children, residents gain strength from—and find meaning in—participating as part of a cohesive community.“When we come together to share happy occasions, all of our lives are enriched,” says Dale Surowitz, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s CEO and president. “It’s amazing to be at the Seder and see our residents sharing this special occasion. The sense of fulfillment and joy on their faces—it’s what LAJH is all about.”Los Angeles Jewish Home for the Aged - Bungalow at 325 S Boyle AveMeal at Eisenberg Village Dining Room - Date UnknownPassover Seder at Grancell Village 2025