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The Jewish Home is a destination for Los Angeles-area seniors—an environment offering warmth, caring, compassion, and safety. For many seniors, including Edith Frankie, Linda Frankes, and Mildred Moccio, it is also a point of embarkation: a place from which to set out on exciting journeys of growth and self-discovery. In June, all three women celebrated their adult bat mitzvahs at the Home, culminating a period of intensive preparation and personal exploration. It was Edith, recalls Rabbi Karen Bender, the Home's Skirball Director of Spiritual Life for the Home's Grancell Village campus, who provided the initial inspiration for the bat mitzvah event. "Edith is a Holocaust survivor, and she had sponsored an honorary bat mitzvah for her six-year-old sister, who never made it out of the camps," Rabbi Bender says. "One day, I suggested she consider having her own bat mitzvah, and she quickly embraced the idea." From there, Edith picks up the narrative. "I was worried at first because I don't read Hebrew, but Rabbi Bender was very encouraging about how I could learn," she says. "I thought, ‘What a terrific way to get revenge on Hitler: to deepen my understanding of Jewish history and culture!'" Once Edith was on board, Rabbi Bender extended the offer to her Jewish Home congregants at large. Linda and Mildred stepped up immediately. "I've always had a deep interest in Judaism, but I grew up during a time when girls were less involved in Jewish religious life, plus my family lived far away from the closest Jewish community," Linda notes. "Now that I'm at the Home, I have time to do what I want to do, and I decided to join Rabbi Bender, Edith, and Mildred every week to learn. It was absolutely wonderful." Mildred's path to the bimah was different. Earlier this year, at 82 years old, she converted to Judaism from her native Catholic faith in a Jewish Home ceremony led by Rabbi Bender. Her daughter had converted decades earlier, and Mildred ultimately felt the same call. "It took me 82 years to move closer to God, but Judaism has changed my life and way of thinking," she says. With the conversion behind her, she set her sights on a new horizon: gaining something else in common with her 22-year-old granddaughter Payton, who was raised Jewish and had a bat mitzvah at the age of 13. "My mom and my daughter share an incredible connection, and my mom actually took Payton's Hebrew name during her conversion," says Debbie Doll Breindel, Mildred's daughter. "Now with the bat mitzvah, this whole set of experiences has been so amazing for both of them. I'm incredibly grateful to the Jewish Home for making it possible. My mom living there has been the best thing that's happened to our family." Edith's son Richard is equally effusive. "My mom has a smile that is always shining, both on her face and in her heart," he says. "Even though she moved into the Home right when she lost my dad—the love of her life for 65 years—and didn't know anyone else, she quickly embraced her life there and started attending services every Friday night and Saturday morning. Her bat mitzvah at the Home is a remarkable accomplishment my wife and I will always treasure, and one that I know my dad would have loved to see." Edith, Linda, and Mildred's admirers extend well beyond their immediate families. "It was a privilege to attend the b'not mitzvah of these very special Jewish Home residents," says Andrew Berman, chair of the Home's board of directors. "I'm thrilled they were able to experience the joy and fulfillment of this monumental event at this stage of their extraordinary lives." The women each received a tallit for the occasion, and they wrote divrei torahs (brief commentaries on the weekly Torah portion) to give during the service. Their speeches reflected the insights they gleaned during five months of dedicated study with Rabbi Bender. "The learning process was so rewarding for these women, and for me," Rabbi Bender says. "It was very touching, and a great honor, to shepherd them through this process. These are people who would probably never have done this in any other setting, but because they're at the Jewish Home, they had the opportunity. It's just incredible." Rabbi Bender points out that, in addition to engaging in a life-affirming act for themselves, Edith, Linda, and Mildred have also helped blaze a trail for other seniors like them. "The moral of this story is that you can keep stretching and growing at any age," she says. "It's never too late to learn something new."

I am writing to you on the last night of Chanukah. Tonight is nearly the darkest night of the month and year, as the Winter solstice arrives this Monday. The rabbis understood this 1500 years ago and intentionally had us light the nine lights of the menorah at this time on the calendar to pierce the darkness. Let us be frank: we are living in dark times. I think of the staff who need to inform and be informed that they have Covid. I think of the resident who learns they are being transferred to a different room or campus or the hospital to ensure they get the maximum care they need, but are uprooted from the comfort of the familiar. There are those confined to their rooms, which can feel so restrictive despite the knowledge it is a confinement of caution, love and protection. And there are others who bravely enter those rooms without hesitation to provide food and personal care. My heart goes to those who are being constantly briefed on updated policies so they can implement what will help us be safe. Residents miss loved ones, friends, table mates, families, affection and smiles without masks. The anger and fear is palpable on our floors and in our buildings, as we arrive and when we depart. Some shed tears but can’t get the hugs they deserve, others wear a uniform of courage but go home and weep with loved ones or alone. For some, loneliness is the hardest part. For others, exhaustion is barely manageable. There are those among us who may have lost hope. Moses knew our feelings. When his sister, Miriam, contracted leprosy, a highly contagious virus that often plagued members of the community, he prayed, "Oh G-d, please, heal her, please!" How many times have we prayed, "Source of life, keep them safe, keep me safe!" I am so impressed and moved seeing residents take one day at a time with prayers and strength some did not know they had. I am touched and amazed by our extraordinary staff, who come through for residents and each other every day. And the solution is coming soon! Very soon we will all be able to receive the vaccine. Tragically it will be too late for some, which makes the news bitter-sweet. But it is not too late for us. And it is never too late to ask ourselves, "What can I learn from what has happened this year?" To this I would recommend, do not waste a minute. Because soon this pandemic will be conquered and it will be natural for us to go back to worrying about matters which don’t really matter. So before redemption comes, let’s ask ourselves what is the lesson about life and ourselves for today? Whether you are 95, 50 or 20 there is an opportunity for growth today. The prophet Zachariah said, "Not by might nor by power but by spirit…" We are not watching a gladiator fight where there will be a winner and a loser. This is not Star Wars with a war between good and evil. Rather, this is a pandemic which will be beaten not with sword but with love, not with weapon but with courage, not with anger but with the spirit of hope—and vaccines and medications, too. You are the candle that illuminates the darkness. Thank goodness for you. May the Creator of the Universe bless you and everyone you love with health, hope, peace and the spirit of the light. Rabbi Karen BenderSkirball Director of Spiritual Life, Grancell Village [email protected]

Every year the Home chooses two staff members—one from the Eisenberg Village Campus and one from the Grancell Village Campus—who exemplify the best of our team, the people who work toward fulfillment of our mission and demonstrate our core values each and every day.The employees of the year are chosen by a vote of the Home Team Council. The Council is made up of employees from different departments at each campus. They were invited to represent their peers in electing new Home Team members and in selecting the employee of the year.“We are very fortunate to work with truly incredible people all throughout the Home,” said Alyssa Alderman, the Home's Vice President of Human Resources.Scarlett Alvarez, Eisenberg Village Scarlett has been with the Home for over 15 years, working in in the same department since she started. She has held different positions in different buildings. Scarlett is always willing to take on extra shifts, always with a smile. The residents love her and look forward to seeing that big smile as she engages with them. She knows every aspect of her job and does it with enthusiasm. She clearly loves what she does and leads by example as she always encourages her co-workers to do their best. Many new nurses look to her for guidance. She is a fantastic C.N.A., a Med-Tech and an R.N.A! Tammy Martinez, Grancell Village Tammy began her career at the Home almost 15 years ago as an Administrative Assistant to the Director of Nursing. She has truly been the right hand of all the people she has reported to over the years—sometimes as many as four people at one time! Tammy is currently in the JEK Administration department. She knows the ins and outs of every policy and procedure related to nursing, clinical, infection prevention, safety, maintenance, and the list goes on and on. She is always willing to help every building at every campus, especially during annual surveys. She is a go-to person for many staff members across all campuses. Tammy has received several “Home Runs” based on great appreciation for her assistance. She is truly amazing at what she does!Congratulations to our Employees of the Year!

It takes a village to create a place as special as the Jewish Home. One of the things that makes our village so effective — and so extraordinary — is the high caliber of our dedicated volunteers. Every year, they donate over 22,000 hours to the Home, assisting with everything from mail delivery and speech therapy, to playing music for residents and facilitating group activities. Their energy and passion infuse the Home with a remarkable spirit that builds community and positively impacts so many seniors' lives. The value of our volunteers is priceless, and I consider myself fortunate to partner with such an incredible group of individuals. Working together, we are able to serve thousands of elderly men and women in the San Fernando Valley, on the Westside, and across Los Angeles. Volunteers enrich our programs and services — and they, in turn, are enriched by the time they spend giving back to the Home and to the many other charitable organizations they support. Research shows that volunteering actually makes us feel like we have more time; it helps us to feel loved; it builds important skills and experiences; and it can even keep our bodies healthier. The impulse to volunteer may be philanthropic, but data tells us the benefits are even greater than the investment required. Albert Einstein noted that we are on this earth for a short visit, not knowing exactly why. Yet, as we make it through the successes and stumbles of daily life, one thing we do know is that we can be here for the sake of each other. By supporting friends and strangers, we make things easier and better for everyone. Our volunteers understand this well. They join their many hands to spread joy throughout the Home, bringing smiles to the faces of our residents. Every week, I am moved by scenes I see unfolding on our campuses, as volunteers offer the simple gift of love and residents positively glow with happiness. Whether you are a long-time volunteer or new to the Jewish Home family fold, thank you for your wonderful contributions. If you have not yet experienced the thrill of volunteering, either at the Home or anywhere else, I invite you to give it a try. I can promise you will not regret it.Molly ForrestPresident-CEO

Members of Fountainview at Eisenberg Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community at the Jewish Home, enjoy a wide variety of activities which enrich and enhance their lives. There is a movie theater, a fitness center complete with personal trainers, and a stocked arts and crafts room. Then there are classes and lectures. One class proved so popular, it was brought back twice so a total of 60 members were able to participate. It was a Memory Training Course written and designed by Gary Small, MD, and Linda Ercoli, PhD, of UCLA's Longevity Center. "Memory loss is a concern for most seniors, and our members are no different," explained Shelley Smilen, Foutainview Director of Resident Services. "Once we read the description of the class – ‘an innovative, educational course that teaches techniques to improve memory in a fun, interactive classroom environment' – we knew immediately Fountainview members would enthusiastically respond and enroll." Instructor Frank Cook, a nurse health educator, led the 4-week classes at Fountainview, teaching one 2-hour session per week and giving members homework assignments. Weaving classic memory techniques together with new strategies for improving memory, Cook made sure each class member practiced what he taught. "He helped me come up with tools that I had forgotten to use," said Fountainview member Lee Levy. Cook also taught tips for coping with an unreliable memory. Class members enjoyed participating and sharing their personal experiences with how the techniques worked for them. "This class really helped me remember whether or not I locked the car," said Joanne Candiotti. "Also, before I go into a room now, I say out loud what I'm going in there for. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity to come here."

A 20-year anniversary is a huge milestone to reach when working for an organization. This year, 18 Jewish Home employees celebrated two decades of working at the Jewish Home. Of those, 13 were able to attend a dinner with CEO-President Molly Forrest in recognition of their accomplishments. "We treasure our staff and are honored so many of them choose to remain a part of our Home for so long," she said. Their longevity is a reflection of the Home's leadership and its culture: All employees are welcomed like members of a family in which every individual makes a unique contribution. With a successful tradition of caring and being open to new ideas, the Home creates a dynamic working environment and a healthy community for our seniors. So much so, currently 143 Jewish Home employees have been here 20 years or more, some for as long as 35 years! "I love the Home," said Purchasing Director Jeffrey Gall who hit his 20-year anniversary in August. "The reason I have stayed here so long is because of how well I have been treated. That translates directly into how we, as a staff, treat the residents. I have seen that first-hand because I was able to experience having my mom here as a resident before she passed away. I saw how she was treated by everyone working here, and it was amazing." "This is my second home!" said Mercy Bernstein, an LVN in the Max Factor Family Foundation Nursing Building. "I love the residents. I love going to work." She works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift and she told us, "So far, I'm having fun. My plan is to retire from here after another 25 years!" Denise Horowitz, Fund Development Coordinator, said, "I feel very proud that I have been an employee here for the past 20 years. I've seen many changes in the Home, including watching many buildings go up. I feel like all of the other employees who have worked here for 20 years and up—lucky to work at a place where the residents come first and the employees are like family." "This is my second home!" said Mercy Bernstein, an LVN in the Max Factor Family Foundation Nursing Building. "I love the residents. I love going to work." She works the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift and she told us, "So far, I'm having fun. My plan is to retire from here after another 25 years!" Denise Horowitz, Fund Development Coordinator, said, "I feel very proud that I have been an employee here for the past 20 years. I've seen many changes in the Home, including watching many buildings go up. I feel like all of the other employees who have worked here for 20 years and up—lucky to work at a place where the residents come first and the employees are like family."

Volunteer Phil Moser is pulling best-selling books off the shelves in the Maxine Dunitz Family Learning Center, located on the ground floor of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center (JEKMC), and putting them onto a rolling cart. He's only been volunteering at the Home for a month, but already knows large-print books are in demand. He also knows fiction is more popular with the residents than non-fiction. Once his cart is loaded, he begins his rounds, offering books to residents in the common areas, tidying up the smaller libraries on each floor, and visiting with residents in their rooms. Phil retired from his career in the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services 15 years ago, then began volunteering in downtown's Central Library. "When you retire, you want to volunteer at places you want to be." His wife Aylene Kovary, whose mother lived in the Home for 12 years, has been volunteering here for about 15 years. Aylene reads to residents and operates the Boutique on the Eisenberg Village campus. When she heard the Home needed help with the library, she knew it would be a natural fit for Phil and told him about it. In addition to housing books for residents, the Maxine Dunitz Family Learning Center serves as the medical library for the staff in JEKMC. Residents also use the center to access computers and Dakim cognitive fitness learning machines. Phil has begun friendships with many book lovers in JEKMC. On the second floor, he chats with resident Bernice Edelman, who enjoys browsing through the books on the cart and selects several each Monday. When asked about Phil's help, she declares, "I love it!" Bernice also buys her own books and donates them to the Dunitz Center when she's finished for others to enjoy. Her roommate Charlotte requests a Danielle Steel paperback. If Phil can't find it in the collection, he'll pass the request along to the donors of the library, who make book purchases regularly. Phil stops in to visit Bayla Fineman and her husband, Sam. Bayla reads a book a day. "I start in the morning and finish at night," she says. Sam points to his head and adds with a smile, "It keeps her sharp!" Phil knows to keep an eye out for fiction by Michael Crichton and Lee Child for Bayla. As he pushes his cart down the hall to continue his rounds, he says of his new position, "It's a good gig."

Graduate students enrolled in USC's Leonard Davis School of Gerontology recently visited the Jewish Home to learn what it was like to run a non-profit retirement and residential care community. The visit was part of their class, Cases in Leadership and Change Management, taught by Dr. Edward Schneider who is a member of the Jewish Home's Board of Directors. CEO-President Molly Forrest spoke to the students about strategic planning, decision making, and caring for seniors. She explained, "We share what we do with others in the hope seniors get better care overall." The students also received an in-depth tour of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. "Each year I bring my students out to the Jewish Home because I want them to get an example of excellence in senior living and long-term care," said Dr. Schneider. He polled the students on the worthwhile nature of their visit. One hundred per cent of them found the visit rewarding. "Students have told me over the years that their vision of nursing care was totally changed after their visit to the Jewish Home."

Here at the Jewish Home, we have been hearing the shofar (ram's horn) blown almost every day, at lunch time or breakfast, in each of our 17 dining halls at Grancell Village, since the Jewish month of Elul began. The goal is to hear it every day except Shabbat for the month preceding Rosh Hashanah, the holiday that marks the New Jewish Year. Many people have stopped me to ask, "Is that a real horn of an animal?" It certainly is. In fact, appropriately, a shofar usually comes from an elderly ram. The older the animal, the longer the horn. Seniors are revered by our tradition even among shofar-producing animals! The shofar has many levels of meaning. First of all, it is one of the oldest, if not the very oldest, instrument in recorded history. We know that the shofar is at least 3500 years old, because the Torah is that old and refers to the shofar repeatedly. There is something so primal, so natural and so ancient about the sound of the shofar. It connects us to our past, as we know that the shofar was used as a tool for calling the community together. Long before television and computers, telephones, radios and smartphones was the simple horn of a male goat that announced it was time to gather. The shofar has also served for over 3500 years as the horn that announces the Jewish New Year. Ironically, in our secular American culture, people often toot horns at midnight after counting down the last seconds of December 31st. "Happy New Year!" we often shout, as we blow plastic and paper horns that announce a new year has come. But the most profound meaning of the shofar was articulated by Maimonides, a medieval Rabbi who was incredibly brilliant and learned. He suggested that the shofar is like a spiritual alarm clock, saying, "Awake you sleepers from your sleep. Arouse you slumberers from your slumber and ponder your deeds; remember your Creator and return toward G-d in repentance… Look well to your souls and consider your deeds; turn away from wrong ways" (Hilkhot Teshuvah 3:4). Like Maimonides, I believe we can spiritually "fall asleep." With all the pressures of life, with all of our struggles, concerns and worries, with our deficit sometimes of actual sleep, we sometimes start to simply try to make it through the day or week. We sometimes forget we are here for a greater purpose. We sometimes forget we are here to be good and kind and to help others. Sometimes we forget to wake up our souls and do the hard work of becoming our best selves. The shofar is a great reminder to wake up and constantly try to improve and grow. Happy New Year! A sweet and joyful and healthy year to come!Rabbi Karen BenderSkirball Director of Spiritual [email protected]

The Los Angeles Jewish Home recently celebrated its resident volunteers and community volunteers with festive luncheons. Tables were decorated with flowers and fans donated by Gerrie Wormser and John N. Levi, Jr. Entertainment included singing, fiddle playing, and piano playing. Certificates of appreciation were given to all of the volunteers. Stacy Orbach, Director of Volunteer Services, thanked everyone for their 22,000 hours of service this past year. Volunteers donate their time on a weekly basis across 29 departments at the Home including the bank, library, cyber café, and arts and crafts. "You build community. You improve the world," said Molly Forrest, the Jewish Home's CEO and President. Andrew Berman, Chair of the Board of Directors, spoke about his time as a volunteer at the Home. "The greatest gift is to give of yourself. It's the ultimate mitzvah. You are people we trust and value immensely." Community volunteer Beth Horwitz was presented with the Howard Kayton Memorial Volunteer of the Year Service Award. She has been volunteering at the Home for 10 years. Beth shared the award with her greyhound Nona who engages in pet therapy with the residents every week. "It's a really incredible honor," she told us. "I'm sharing this award with Nona, my dog. We love coming to the Jewish Home to do our volunteer work." For information about volunteering at the Jewish Home, please contact Stacy Orbach at 818.774.3116 or [email protected]