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Veterans Day 2018 was a memorable one for seniors from coast to coast with a number of moving ceremonies and tributes. Through the efforts of the Association of Jewish Services (AJAS), 47 Jewish War Veterans from AJAS communities participated in honoring veterans at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. As taps played, several Jewish War Veterans placed a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In Los Angeles, at precisely 11:11 a.m. on 11/11/18, Veteran’s Day, the shofar was blown and bells were rung at the Los Angeles National Cemetery in a ceremony to honor veterans and commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. In conjunction with the AJAS community, Los Angeles Jewish Home residents were on hand to present a wreath from the Home in honor of all fallen soldiers. Both Jewish Home campuses in Reseda also held special events in honor of veterans on Monday, November 12th. The Grancell Village Campus celebration featured music and poetry. Rabbi Karen Bender thanked the veterans in the audience for their service and presented each with a certificate of appreciation. Residents, whose military service stretched from Israel to England to the United States, waved flags, sang songs, and showed their patriotic spirit. On the Eisenberg Village campus, the program opened with the pledge of allegiance and singing of the "Star Spangled Banner." Several residents then participated in meaningful and moving dramatic readings. The veterans in the audience were asked to stand and be recognized prior to concluding the program with a rousing rendition of "God Bless America." It was indeed a fitting tribute to those who have served our country.

The Jewish Home is a vital resource for thousands of seniors like Jesse Cooperman, 88, who lost his wife to cancer, was in a devastating auto accident and now relies on the Home for quality care that keeps him healthy, happy, and mentally stimulated. With your assistance, Jesse has found a welcoming place to call home.

Happy Thanksgiving 2018 from the Seniors at the Los Angeles Jewish Home.

“Being at the Jewish Home is a joy. I had reached a point where living alone became too difficult. Making the move was hard, but once I got here everything was easy.“I’ve built so many friendships at the Home, and the programs are excellent. My daughters told me this would be a great place to live, and I absolutely agree.“Your generosity helped make it possible, and the Jewish Home needs mensches like you.”

“The Home is a blessing for so many of us. Of course, we are taken care of and provided for, but it goes beyond that. What we find at the Home is a wonderful way of life. There are activities that stimulate our bodies and minds, social interactions that allow us to build new relationships, and countless opportunities to be part of a meaningful community. I am grateful to be here every single day.”

At the Jewish Home, our seniors are fortunate to have the support of mensches like you! They benefit from care that is among the best in the nation – and we urgently need your assistance to continue making that possible.

"I am grateful every day to be here. After surviving cancer and 18 surgeries, I benefit so much from the Home’s incredible care. Soon after I got here, I even celebrated my second bar mitzvah – my family came to watch me read from the Torah in honor of my 83rd birthday. It was truly meaningful."The Home is well known for its positive impact in people’s lives. As we live longer, our needs for medical and social support increase, and the Home is dedicated to helping seniors in our community thrive. But it takes your generous donations to make it happen.

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."

The new year is the perfect time to make plans for the future. Many people focus on improving their health when making resolutions. Others pledge to brighten their outlook, mend relationships, or simply to seek out joy. These are all worthy goals.Enjoy this video of resolutions from the seniors at the Jewish Home.