This year, Passover, which celebrates the liberation of the Jewish people from the cruel reign of Pharaoh, begins on the evening of Friday, March 30th. Over the first two nights of the holiday, families and friends will gather together to experience a Seder, a re-telling of the Passover story followed by a festive meal. "The Passover Seder creates an atmosphere which encourages us to put ourselves in the place of those who are oppressed, and then celebrate the Exodus to freedom," says Rabbi Karen Bender, the Jewish Home's Jack H. Skirball Director of Spiritual Life. "Many among us have our own personal Egypt, which in Hebrew means a ‘narrow space.' It could be a medical issue, personal loss, destructive relationship, drug or alcohol addiction…there are hundreds of situations which can afflict us spiritually, physically and emotionally. At Passover, we focus upon our collective story, preparing to take action to liberate others and to free ourselves from bondage." On the first night of Passover in 1912, five homeless men sought freedom to worship with their brethren, safe from the ethnic taunts they had to endure at the "poor house" where they lived. They were taken in by caring Angelenos who read the Haggadah with them and served them dinner. The occasion marked a turning point in the life of the Los Angeles Jewish community, and those five seniors were the first residents of what would become the Los Angeles Jewish Home. The Community Seder at the Home has been a continuous tradition since that historic night 106 years ago. Please take this opportunity to join residents and staff of the Jewish Home for a truly heartwarming experience as we celebrate Passover and the freedom it represents. This year's Community Seder begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 31st at the Jewish Home's Eisenberg Village campus. Tickets are $36 per adult and $18 per child under 12. Advance purchase of tickets is required by March 26th. Please call (818) 774-3386 or email [email protected] to reserve your place. On behalf of the Los Angeles Jewish Home, have a sweet Passover! Chag Sameach!

The Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit (AGPU) at the Los Angeles Jewish Home is an innovative facility for short-term geriatric psychiatric care. This state-of-the-art inpatient facility incorporates the Jewish Home’s nationally acclaimed model of compassionate, high-quality care. Comprehensive treatment is provided by specialized staff using an interdisciplinary team approach. The team includes board certified geropsychiatrists, other medical doctors, experienced psychiatric registered nurses (RN), social workers (LCSW), and certified nurse assistants (CNA) with training in mental health. Activity therapists and physical therapists round out the team. AGPU admits individuals with a primary psychiatric diagnosis who are experiencing stressful mental or emotional challenges that require intensive, short-term care. The average length of stay is 10-14 days. Both voluntary and involuntary admissions are accepted. An involuntary admission occurs when a patient is gravely disabled or a danger to themselves or others. The California Mental Health Law (LPS Act) facilitates short-term admission for a 72-hour period of observation, evaluation, and treatment. Behavioral health diagnoses treated at AGPU include depression, anxiety/panic disorders, bipolar disorder, delirium, Alzheimer’s dementia with behavioral disturbance, schizophrenia/psychotic disorders, impulse control disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. While the most common admitting diagnosis at AGPU is dementia, depression is the most common mental health issue among seniors overall. When patients are admitted to the Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, they are evaluated using psychosocial and medical assessments. A plan of treatment is determined and implemented by the interdisciplinary team, which meets weekly to review each patient’s progress and adjust treatment as necessary. At AGPU, the focus is on reducing symptoms and treating the underlying condition in a calm, nurturing environment. Each person has a private room, which includes a bathroom. Individual and group therapies are offered and patients are encouraged to participate. Spiritual counseling is available and kosher meals are provided. The Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit is located in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center on the Home’s Grancell Village campus. It is Medicare certified and accredited by The Joint Commission. For more information regarding the Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit, please call 818-758-5041 or visit their web page by clicking here.

Everyone loves Purim because it is such a festive and joyful holiday, with costumes and homantaschen, megillah readings and silly shpiels, gift giving and tzedakah. It is almost uncanny that a book as irreverent as the Megillah of Ester was included in our Bible. The name of God is not even in the story! The characters in the Megillah are very extreme, which is what makes the story both funny and entertaining: The King is a fool who can be manipulated by anyone, Mordecai is perfectly good, Ester is a gorgeous heroine and Haman is completely evil. And let us not forget Vashti—a feminist before her time, because she refused to dance with only her crown on in front of the King’s friends and courtiers. But what if there is a Haman inside of each of us? My colleague Rabbi Amy Eilberg cites Rebbe Levi Yitzhak of Berditchev (18th century Ukraine) as he addresses this very question, saying: “Not only are Jews commanded to wipe out Amalek (who is the equivalent of Haman), but each Jew has to wipe out that negative part that is called Amalek in his or her heart. So long as the descendants of Amalek are in the world—and each of us is also a small world, when the power of evil arises in each of us, Amalek is still in the world, then the reminder, ‘to wipe out Amalek’ calls out from the Torah.” Rebbe Yitzhak is referencing our most cruel persecutor in the Torah, Amalek, who was said to purposefully attack our ancestors from the back, thus harming the most vulnerable—the aged, the children, the disabled. Torah teaches us to “remember to blot out” the name of Amalek. Haman is seen as another manifestation of Amalek, as are all villians in history intent on destroying the Jewish People. That is why we shout “Boo!” when we hear his name. Purim, then, takes on new depth, where we are not only prodded to fight against evil forces in politics and society but we are also reminded to confront the capacity for cruelty that we each have inside of ourselves. But don’t panic! A willingness to admit that we may each have a bit of Haman inside of us is important, so that we are on the lookout to keep our worst impulses at bay and under control. But remember that we certainly have a Mordecai and an Ester and Vashti inside of us too. Sometimes we are utterly wise and courageous. There are moments when we feel deeply faithful and religious and hopefully most of the time we overflow with goodness and kindness. Purim comes this year at the end of February and the beginning of March. Like so many other Jewish holidays, you can find it at the next full moon. As our people have done for millennia, let us rejoice in the survival of our people against those who have sought to harm us and be inspired to recognize, nurture and celebrate our inner Esters and Mordecais. Happy Purim 2018!

In 1984, Tina Turner asked the question "What's love got to do with it?" When it comes to your health, it turns out the answer is: quite a lot, regardless of your age! Better memory, stronger immune system, decreased risk of early death, lower cholesterol levels, and decreased pain levels are some of the benefits that can occur when you're in love. Remember falling in love and having butterflies in your stomach? That's your brain telling your heart to beat three times faster than normal, resulting in an increased blood supply throughout your body. While the fountain of youth doesn't exist, love comes close. When you're in love, endorphins produced by the body increase blood flow to the skin, which helps keep it soft and smooth, and reduces the development of wrinkles. The increased supply of essential food and oxygen to skin cells also gives the face a pinker, healthier glow. And, let's face it: Who doesn't love being in love? It just feels good. The emotional connection, the physical intimacy, the companionship…all can lead to improved physical and mental health. What about physical intimacy among older adults: is it just holding hands and hugging, or is there more to it? According to a recent study, 54% of men and 31% of women over age 70 report they are still sexually active, with a third saying they have sex at least twice a month. The New England Journal of Medicine reports the majority of seniors who are married or have intimate partners remain sexually active well into their 80s. Of course, as we age, our hearts may say "yes!" and our bodies may respond "wait a minute!" Often a lack of desire or inability to perform may slow things down. People of any age may feel hesitant about talking with their doctor about sexual issues. An open and honest discussion can often lead to solutions, which can result in a healthier and happier life, both physically and emotionally. Your physician can also address issues of safe sex, which many older adults may think only applies to younger people. So, whether it's an emotional connection, companionship, a feeling of togetherness, or physical intimacy, if it feels good, do it! Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Saturday, February 17th, is Random Acts of Kindness Day. It's a day that has grown in popularity over the years. And for good reason: being kind feels good. Here are 21 random acts of kindness you can do: Stop at a child's lemonade stand and buy a drink.Surprise a neighbor with freshly baked cookies or treats!Getting a coffee? Buy one for the person behind you in line.Help a pedestrian safely cross the street.We all know parents who need a night out. Offer to babysit for free.Hold the elevator door open for someone in a hurry.Purchase extra dog or cat food and bring it to an animal shelter.When you're at the supermarket, let someone with just a few items go ahead of you.Give a friend or family a plant or flowers.Have a clean-up party at a beach or park.Leave your waiter or waitress a generous tip for good service.Write your partner a list of things you love about him or her.Run an errand for a busy friend or family member.Email or write a person who made a positive difference in your life.Let another car merge in front of you.Offer to give directions to someone who looks lost.When you're at the grocery store, help people return their shopping carts.Bring food or snacks for the people you work with.Make sure every person in a group conversation feels included.When you're with family and friends, focus on them instead of your cell phone.Become an organ donor. There are so many other potential random acts of kindness. Do whatever you can—on February 17th and every day!

Multiple studies have proven that having close friends is good for your health and well-being. Here are eight reasons why making and keeping friends is so beneficial. Friends make you—and others—happy. Happiness is contagious! A heart study demonstrated that people have a tendency to gather into happy or unhappy groups, and happiness appears to spread to those immediately inside the group and to people outside the group as well.Friends help boost your immune system. Being socially active produces positive emotions, which may boost your body's immune system and reduce stress.Good friends are great listeners. Sometimes, you just want to get something off your chest. Who better to rant and rave to than a friend? Good friends listen but don't judge.Friends are honest. Being a good friend means that you are supportive, but also honest. Hard as it may be, friends can help you face the truth.Friends help you cope with grief. People who receive support from friends or family after a personal loss are better able to cope with their grief. The most effective forms of support are often the simplest: listening, offering sympathy and encouragement, and just being physically present. In contrast, feeling alone tends to worsen grief.Friends help you meet your fitness goals. Friends provide the encouragement and support you need to achieve your fitness goals, such as losing weight, quitting smoking, or eating a healthier diet.Friends give you self-confidence. We may doubt our decisions and abilities. Good friends stand by you and help you believe in yourself.Friends help you age more gracefully. A survey of people over age 60 shows that those who have close, healthy relationships with family and friends are more content as they grow older. Spending time with friends is fun; it may also produce long-term physical and emotional health benefits. So keep your friends and make new ones. You can never have too many.

On Sweetheart's Day, February 14th, make time to share some special moments with the one you love. Your first thoughts may be candy and a card, a dozen red roses, or a special dinner out. You can actually celebrate the day - and your love - in an endless variety of ways and on any budget. Here are just a few suggestions: Start off the day with their favorite breakfast, prepared by you! A single flower in a simple vase makes it even more special.Is the one you love an outdoorsy person? Plan a hike, a stroll along the beach, or go for a run or bike ride. Have a bite at a neighborhood restaurant afterward.Does he or she prefer the indoors? Cue up their favorite movie and order in their favorite food.Is there one item they want and have yet to pick up for themselves? Whether it’s the latest bestselling book or the newest CD from their favorite artist, these thoughtful gifts will mean a lot.How about some spa time? You can recreate a relaxing spa experience at home. Fresh towels, candles, bubble bath and soothing music are really all that’s needed.And, speaking of spa time, surprise your special someone with a massage. Pick up some scented oil or lotion and add candles and music.Put on some music and dance!Plan a day out. Visit local museums, art galleries, shops, and parks, or join a walking tour. Top it off with lunch or dinner.If theatre or music is their passion, grab some tickets for a show or concert. If you’re in Los Angeles, there’s always a great variety to choose from.If your loved one is a foodie, make reservations at a restaurant they’ve been wanting to try.Remember to say “I love you.”If you have children, make sure to hire a babysitter so that, whatever you do, you’ll have time for just the two of you. And, perhaps most important of all, put your phone down! Give your special someone the most meaningful gift of all: your undivided attention. Let them know they are loved, respected and cherished. Happy Sweetheart's Day to everyone!

As we get older, it's normal to feel—and hard to admit—we may require help with daily living tasks. Often, it is up to families and caregivers to recognize the signs that indicate when we need senior care. Following are 4 ways to tell if the senior you love may need special care. 1. Problems with memory Being forgetful as we age is common. But when loved ones experience more serious problems, such as being unable to remember their address or family members' names, this may be an indication they need professional care. 2. Prone to accidents Accidents are another problem for seniors. And, true, an accident now and then happens to everyone. But frequent accidents, such as repeated falling, pose a serious danger to seniors and may be a symptom of a health condition. 3. Unable to perform daily tasks Are the seniors you love unable to perform tasks of daily living? For instance, preparing meals, keeping appointments, paying bills, handling finances, keeping the house clean, even dressing? If so, it may be time to look into senior care. 4. Changes in physical function Other indications that seniors may need care: they sleep most of the day, experience poor diet or weight loss, lose interest in hobbies and activities, neglect personal hygiene, or have changes in mood or extreme mood swings. These are four of the most common signs that a senior may need professional help. Do you suspect the senior you love would benefit from care? Call the Los Angeles Jewish Home's Connections to Care®: 855.227.3745. We can help deliver the customized, comprehensive, quality care your senior needs—and deserves.

Last month we posted a blog entitled "7 New Year's Resolutions to Improve Your Health in the Coming Year." As a follow-up, we're offering a few tips for keeping your resolutions. Because as we all know, there's nothing easier than making a resolution—and nothing harder than keeping one! In fact, one study of 3,000 people showed that just a little over 10% of people are able to keep their New Year's resolutions. Here are the major reasons why: The resolution is unrealisticProgress isn't trackedPeople forget about the resolutionPeople make too many resolutions Following are 5 ways for you to help keep your resolutions. 1. Set specific goals Wanting to lose weight—just to use one example of a common resolution – is an admirable goal. But be specific. How much weight do you want to lose? 10 pounds? 20? Or perhaps your resolution is to exercise more. How? Walking? Swimming? How often? How far? Once you understand the parameters, the following tip will come in handy. 2. Measure your progress Now that you know how much weight you want to lose or how much you want to exercise, track your progress by keeping a diary. If you are not achieving your goals, you'll know what you have to do. If you are reaching your goals, you may be inspired to strive for even more. 3. Talk about your goals Share your experiences with family and friends. You might consider joining a support group, such as an exercise class, to reach your goals. Sharing your challenges and success may help make keeping your resolutions much easier and more enjoyable. 4. Ask for help You are surrounded by people who want you to succeed—and want to help. Don't hesitate to ask. You may be surprised how much they can help you achieve your goals, even if just by offering their support. 5. Be kind to yourself It's perfectly normal to go off your diet or skip the gym. But that's okay. There's no need to beat yourself up—or worse, give up altogether. The important thing is to resolve to get back on track as soon as possible. By following these 5 simple tips, you'll be on your way to achieving your New Year's resolutions!