Helping Seniors and Communities Thrive

Jan 18, 2023

Compassionate senior care is key at Los Angeles Jewish Health, where caring healthcare teams keep communities happy, healthy, and well.

Having the right help is crucial when caring for older adults, ensuring each individual is treated with compassion and respect. That’s why Los Angeles Jewish Health’s top-tier healthcare professionals treat our seniors like family.

Formerly the Los Angeles Jewish Home, Los Angeles Jewish Health was founded over a century ago on a simple act of care and compassion. “Our story began in 1912 when a small group of neighbors gave shelter to five homeless Jewish men during Passover holiday,” says Dale Surowitz, CEO and president. “Our founder Simon Lewis recognized a vital opportunity to provide respite and resources to the community, and that remains our commitment today.”

Now the largest nonprofit, single-source senior healthcare provider in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Jewish Health is a leading name in comprehensive senior living and care. From adult day care activities and residential living to short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing, the award-winning organization serves more than 4,000 seniors throughout Greater Los Angeles.

“I’m proud of the best-in-class care we provide to the community. Without organizations like ours, we know many seniors would go without,” Surowitz says. “We have a long-standing reputation of delivering excellence in care and services for vulnerable members of the community who need us the most, especially seniors living near or below the poverty line.”

The nonprofit is funded in part with government support as well as a dynamic network of support groups, individuals, corporations, and foundations. Los Angeles Jewish Health is a vital community resource for all, rooted in Jewish values. Charity, quality, dignity, and fiscal responsibility drive programs and care designed to help seniors thrive.

“We take a holistic approach to healthy aging focused on mind, body, and spirit,” says Surowitz. “That starts with comprehensive care tailored to support seniors’ physical and mental health.”

Enhancing Health and Longevity
“Many seniors live in settings that don’t offer the socialization they need,” Surowitz says. “Caring for psychological needs is an important part of helping seniors keep happy, healthy, and well, so we offer a variety of programs that do just that.”

Among those are music therapy, pet therapy, and intergenerational volunteer programming that brings children and seniors together. With a growing list of activities, classes, and clubs, there’s something for everyone at Los Angeles Jewish Health.

“Our responsibility goes beyond just providing care. We’re committed to providing every senior their highest quality of life possible,” says Surowitz.

At Los Angeles Jewish Health, a broad spectrum of in-residence and community-based services ensure healthcare needs are met and help patients remain independent and active for as long as possible. Across the campuses, compassionate physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and therapists deliver personalized care that supports the individualized needs of those they care for each day.

“We’re there each step of the way as care needs increase, whether patients reside at home or on one of our campuses,” Surowitz says. With two independent living campuses, state-of-the-art assisted living centers, and multiple skilled nursing facilities, Los Angeles Jewish Health provides in-residence options that meet the diverse needs of residents and patients.

“Other vital services that reach out to the community include palliative medicine, hospice, dementia care, and short-term rehabilitation. Additionally, the all-inclusive Brandman Centers for Senior Care provide a myriad of coordinated services and care management to our participants, all designed to enhance longevity and quality of life,” adds Surowitz.

“From senior housing to short-term nursing facilities, we care for over 1,000 adults on-site. Now, we’re expanding our services throughout the community to help seniors stay safe, productive, and happy at home, which remarkably reduces hospitalizations,” he continues.

That’s one reason why the health system recently rebranded to Los Angeles Jewish Health, a name that better reflects its broad spectrum of senior healthcare services. And with the senior population anticipated to double over the next two decades, the timing couldn’t be better.

“Our goal is to continue providing outstanding services across our campuses while reaching deeper into our communities,” Surowitz says. “Many seniors want to enjoy their golden years at home, and our programs allow them to age in place while enhancing their quality of life with services designed to keep them healthy.”

Compassionate Care and Respect
Behind Los Angeles Jewish Health’s centurylong legacy is a tenured team committed to compassionate patient care. “The word ‘mitzvah’ in Hebrew represents a responsibility to care for others, and we take that very seriously,” says Surowitz. “As seniors age, they aren’t always afforded the dignity and respect they deserve. We bend over backward to provide that. It really is heartening to see our staff treat residents like family.”

Located at Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Hirsch Family Campus, the Annenberg School of Nursing instills that passion in the next generation of healthcare providers. At this
award-winning nursing school, the one-of-a kind program combines a comprehensive curriculum with hands-on clinical experience. Altogether, the school graduates roughly 150 vocational nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and home health aides each year and often hires alums to work across Los Angeles Jewish Health’s campuses.

“Many of our students come from underprivileged backgrounds,” Surowitz says. “Our programs provide the education they need to advance while also providing vital medical care throughout underserved communities.”

As Los Angeles Jewish Health evolves, the organization plans to expand educational opportunities and programs, yet its dedication to patients remains unchanged. “We’re committed to continuing to deliver the high level of care and services the community has come to know us for, especially as we grow,” says Surowitz. “That’s our hallmark. It’s who we are—and who we’ll always be.”

Los Angeles Jewish Health Article in Good Housekeeping

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Latest News

May 9

Los Angeles Jewish Health Chief Executive Officer and President, Dale Surowitz, Receives Humanitarian Award From Valley Economic Alliance

Dale Surowitz is honored for his commitment to improving San Fernando Valley life(RESEDA, CA – April X, 2025) Los Angeles Jewish Health CEO and President Dale Surowitz was recognized with the Valley Economic Alliance’s Humanitarian Award at its 30th Anniversary Valley of the Stars Awards Gala on April 17th. The event, which took place at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, celebrated Surowitz’s work on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of the community.In the company of family, friends, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) colleagues, and other Valley Economic Alliance honorees at the event, Surowitz acknowledged the role his LAJH coworkers have played in his success. “This Humanitarian Award is not just a personal award—it belongs to the entire LAJH family,” he said. “It reflects the unwavering dedication of our staff and volunteers, who bring our mission of compassionate care to life every day.”Surowitz joined LAJH in 2020, bringing over three decades of experience leading hospitals and healthcare organizations in the San Fernando Valley. His career has been driven by a focus on improving quality of life for a broad range of Valley residents.“I believe we have an ethical and social responsibility to take care of those who don’t have the ability to care for themselves,” he said. “At Los Angeles Jewish Health, we work together to uplift our community’s seniors and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.”Sonya Blake, the Valley Economic Alliance’s CEO and president, said Surowitz has had a profound impact on the San Fernando Valley.“We are proud to present the Humanitarian Award to Dale,” she said. “His unwavering commitment to leading an organization that provides exceptional care and support to our seniors is truly inspiring and strengthens the fabric of our community.”The Humanitarian Award adds to the long list of honors Surowitz has received throughout his career including the Fernando Award (the highest award for volunteerism and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley), the Community Leadership Award from MAPS Charities and the Heart of Gold Award from the Child Development Institute. In addition, he is a member of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Valley Advisory Board.Surowitz oversees the largest nonprofit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare in the greater Los Angeles area. From independent and assisted living to short-term rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and a leading PACE adult day healthcare program, LAJH serves more than 4,000 seniors each year.

A Ziesen Pesach (a Sweet Passover) at Los Angeles Jewish Health!

Passover is a time for celebration around the world as Jews mark the liberation of their ancestors from Egyptian slavery. This year, across the campuses of LAJH, residents joined together with visitors, family, and staff enjoying delicious food, inspirational music, and the ritual retelling of the biblical Exodus.On the Grancell Village campus, residents of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer (JEK) Medical Center and the Mark Taper Building gathered for the campus’ annual seder, generously sponsored by philanthropist Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer. Led by LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Karen Bender, the seder featured musicians Cindy Paley and David Kaminer, as well as a surprise appearance by “Moses” carrying a baby sheep residents could pet and cuddle.“The reputation of our seder is that it’s special and spectacular, and we’re incredibly grateful to Ms. Eisenberg-Keefer for making it possible every year,” says Ilana Springer, JEK’s CEO and administrator. “It’s so joyful and is a fantastic community-building experience. This year, we hosted at least 200 people!”Additionally, members of JEK’s Drama Club put on a production of the Passover story; residents ran auditions, acted in, and produced the play, which was a huge hit with all in attendance.The Eisenberg Village campus played host to four seders, two for residents of the Newman Building and two more for residents of LAJH’s Fountainview community. On hand to officiate were Rabbi Bender and Rabbi Barry Lutz.“At each event, residents sat together at communal tables decorated with beautiful linens and flower arrangements, and everyone received their own seder plate,” says Annette Weinberg, campus lifestyle and enrichment director for Eisenberg Village. “The seders were truly lovely, and our residents were excited to participate!”Coinciding with the holiday, all Eisenberg Village residents were invited to attend a dynamic Israeli dance performance as well as a traditional Moroccan Jewish celebration of Mimouna (meaning “faith”), a time when families traditionally open their homes to guests and serve an assortment of sweets as they wish each other “success” for the coming year.It was a busy holiday at LAJH—and a wonderful way to usher in a gorgeous spring season! Large crowds atttended Grancell Village's celebration, which included music by Cindy Paley and a visit from "Moses" holding a gentle lamb. Donor (and former board member) Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer and board member Nicholas Thacker were also in attendance, demonstrating their continued support Fountainview residents and guests enjoyed two meaningful Seders led by Rabbi Barry Lutz and Chief Mission Officer, Rabbi Karen Bender, as well as a traditional Moroccan Jewish celebration The Newman Building's Passover Seder offered an interactive experience of the Exodus through readings, songs, and food along with a traditional Israeli dance performance These plates from the Goldenberg-Ziman Special Care Center event showcase the dining staff’s ability to thoughtfully create individualized Seder plates, ensuring the participation and enjoyment of all those at LAJH At the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, residents showcased a heartfelt Passover performance. They wrote and directed the play themselves, bringing the timeless story of Passover to life with creativity, spirit, and meaning Grancell Village residents took part in the traditional biur chametz, the symbolic burning of leaven, before the Passover Seder Our diligent dietary team, joined by Chief Mission Officer, Rabbi Karen Bender, and overseen by a representative of our Mashgiach, Yehudah Bukspan, engaged in the process of kashering the areas dedicated to culinary endeavors for Passover. This procedure is designed to ensure all aspects of the kitchen are kosher for Passover, employing a thorough cleansing regimen that utilizes boiling water on every surface and utensil, as well as eliminating all leaven such as yeast and baking powder.

Los Angeles Jewish Health CEO and President Dale Surowitz Receives Humanitarian Award From the Valley Economic Alliance

Last month, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) CEO and President Dale Surowitz received the Valley Economic Alliance’s prestigious Humanitarian Award. To anyone who knows Dale, the recognition came as no surprise. He took the helm at LAJH just five years ago, but his involvement with the organization—a nonprofit that has been beloved in the Jewish community for more than a century—began decades earlier. In his youth, he visited relatives living at LAJH, then, as he advanced his career as head of prestigious healthcare organizations (including Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana), he contributed to LAJH as a leadership volunteer.“Dale works tirelessly to advance the greater good of the community,” says Larissa Stepanians, LAJH’s chief operating officer. “He looks at every opportunity for us to improve the lives of the seniors we serve.”That relentless focus on strengthening senior services has been characteristic of Dale’s tenure at LAJH. Since his arrival, he has continued to blaze a trail to excellence, inspiring everyone from the leadership team to individual staff members to find new ways to help seniors thrive.“I believe we have an ethical and social responsibility to take care of those who don’t have the ability to care for themselves,” Dale says. “At LAJH, we work together to uplift our community’s seniors and treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve.”Dale’s leadership and vision have been instrumental in advancing LAJH’s vital mission. Under his stewardship, LAJH was a national leader in keeping residents safe during COVID, showing it was possible to provide seniors with a secure and nurturing environment even in the midst of a global pandemic.“At LAJH, we have our own on-site practitioners, nurses, therapists, and pharmacists. As a result of our coordinated care and service, we are well-positioned to ensure our seniors stay as healthy as possible, despite whatever challenge comes our way,” Dale says. “I’m incredibly proud of our entire team—under the direction of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Noah Marco and Chief Nursing Officer Tim Carlson—each of whom contributes to our community in their own amazing ways.”Another of Dale’s key strengths is building collaborative relationships with prominent community partners to create an even larger, dynamic network of care capable of meeting the full range of needs for a rapidly growing population of vulnerable seniors.Those partnerships include teaming up with Altamed, the largest provider of healthcare services to the Latino community in East Los Angeles and into Orange County, to establish a satellite campus of LAJH’s renowned Annenberg School of Nursing. The goal is to train more highly skilled nursing professionals and expand LAJH’s ability to have a positive health impact on L.A.’s senior community.“We have a truly outstanding nursing program, ranked among the state’s best for licensed vocational nursing (LVN) programs, and we’re excited to offer our expertise to benefit even greater numbers of seniors,” Dale says.Among Dale’s other ongoing initiatives is growing the footprint of LAJH’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program, which provides seniors the crucial resources and support they need to remain living safely in their homes while receiving health and social services at vibrant activity centers.“We’ve submitted applications to build new BCSC PACE facilities in Van Nuys, the South Bay, and Palm Springs. This program reaches out into the community and helps coordinate care for seniors by providing them with primary care services, specialty healthcare services, adult day healthcare, transportation, and meals—and it’s all included,” Dale says. “BCSC PACE reduces hospitalizations and enhances quality of life, and in my view is one of the best things going in healthcare today.”Funding these ambitious plans requires ongoing investments from dedicated philanthropists. To meet this need, LAJH will be embarking on a new capital campaign to share LAJH’s story, and the critical need for resources, among key individuals and groups.“We’re going to be engaging donors in efforts to revitalize our campuses, including adding more independent and assisted living,” he says. “The number of seniors in L.A. is predicted to double between 2020 and 2040; people are living longer and outstripping their financial resources. We urgently need more housing and more coordinate care and services, but who will step up to make that happen? At LAJH, we believe it’s our obligation to do so.”Dale’s commitment to giving back is clear evidence of why members of the Los Angeles philanthropy and business communities have honored him for decades. In addition to the Humanitarian Award, he has also been recognized with the Fernando Award (the highest award for volunteerism and philanthropy in the San Fernando Valley), the Community Leadership Award from MAPS Charities and the Heart of Gold Award from the Child Development Institute. He is also a member of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Valley Advisory Board.Yet, even when he is earning accolades, Dale deftly switches the subject away from himself and back to his enduring passion: guaranteeing LAJH’s long-term success and sustainability as a provider of essential senior care.“There’s so much for us to do if we are going to meet the rising tide of need, and I believe LAJH is up to the challenge,” he says. “This is a truly special place, where we treat residents as if they are members of our own family and where we remain focused on what matters most: making a positive difference for today’s seniors and for seniors in the future.”