The vast majority of adults want to remain in their homes and neighborhoods as they get older, but sometimes this takes a supportive community. ChaiVillageLA is a vibrant, multi-synagogue, multi-generational community that enables congregants to age in place in their own homes by providing assistance to one another and enriching each other’s lives, as part of a self-governing village supported by Jewish values.

Changing paradigms of aging is perhaps as monumental a job as the Grand Canyon is vast.  However, simply by engaging face to face with younger people, ChaiVillageLA members are chipping away at the task.  On December 10, villagers will have a special opportunity to participate in an innovative multi-generational Arts & Action Program with Temple Emanuel Religious School students. It warms my former teacher’s heart to know that our Playworks volunteers are also revving up to encourage elementary school students on the playground. Furthermore, with Sukkot around the corner, preparations are also in the works to celebrate with Moishe House Jewish young adults after they help put up sukkahs with us.

 

Inspired?  Want to make 5-minute video of a story about your life that we could share at the Arts & Action Program? 

 

Give me a call at (310) 592-0321 if you would like to participate in one of the many ChaiVillageLA projects designed to change how others think about aging and how they see YOU!

 

Devorah

The Film Interest group’s examination of movies about the timely topic of Refugees and Immigrants culminated on Monday night with a discussion of two French movies, Welcome and Le Havre. Both films explored the challenges that two young refugees faced in France. A fascinating feature of our conversation was that although we had all seen the same movies, there was a wide range of opinions and interpretations, which resulted in a lively discussion.   The fifteen of us talked about the harsh laws preventing citizens from harboring or assisting undocumented persons in France in any way. It was uplifting to note that a common thread in both movies was the way the community took great risks to help the boys. These two movies were the last in our series on this theme. Now it's on to more cheerful topics!   

We extend a special thanks to Dr. Ruth Weisberg for generously sharing her passion for art with village members.

We were very fortunate to have Roderick Burnley, Program Associate for Playworks’ Southern California division, meet with 13 interested village members to discuss ChaiVillageLA’s collaboration with Playworks (www.playworks.org). Playworks creates a place for every kid on the playground to feel included, be active, and build valuable social and emotional skills.

Join your fellow Village members for a moderate paced walk around Rancho Park. Each circle around the park is 2.2 miles, and should take 45 minutes. Free parking is available on Patricia.

This discussion group focuses on the news of the week. Participants share articles and opinions that pertain to what's happening both in the United States and internationally, and particularly to introduce diverse views. Many of the "pundits" we analyze write for The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post and the Los Angeles Times. You will also examine such magazines as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The New Republic and other journals that give in-depth coverage of current topics. This is your chance to listen and be heard on the events of the day.
 
The class is taught by Village member, Myrna Hant. Myrna received her PhD in Higher Education from UCLA. She was a college administrator as well as an instructor in Women's Studies at Chapman University.

On Saturday, September 9th members of ChaiVillageLA will help make an empty apartment a real home for one of Los Angeles’ many homeless families. In conjunction with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless), and the generous financial support of ChaiVillageLA members, Myrna and Bill Hant and Eileen Dardick, we will furnish and outfit an apartment for a family in need of a home. Their generous sponsorship will fund the furniture and Village members will donate the smaller items.
 
Join us by donating items to make a home for this family and if you are available, come with us to take them to their new apartment to celebrate their joy and ours.

Join ChaiVillageLA for an incredible opportunity to hear Dr. Atul Gawande speak on the value of community as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Beacon Hill Village and the national village movement! Dr. Atul Gawande, is an acclaimed surgeon, and the author of the highly-celebrated book, Being Mortal, which explores balancing quality of life with preservation of life.

We anticipate that approximately 5,000 - 8,000 Village members from across the country will be watching the live program with their Village. Dr. Atul Gawande will be interviewed by Robin Young, host of NPR’s Here & Now, and will speak about the value of community and opportunities as we grow older.

We are fortunate to be able to offer this program live-streamed. It will be preceded by refreshments and followed by a discussion, led by Rabbi Emerita Laura Geller.

This program is open to village members, all temple congregants and the public. Village members may register online and all others can register by contacting ChaiVillageLA Director, Devorah Servi, at [email protected] or 310-592-0321.

Temple Isaiah is proud to be joining the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ (NAMI) Annual 5K Walk on October 7th at Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles. Team Isaiah is being led by villagers Helene Korn and Ann Weinman, on behalf of Isaiah Women.   According to Helene, the event is “open to everyone - congregants of Temple Isaiah and ChaiVillageLA members.”  Together,  participants will help NAMI raise awareness of mental health issues and erase the stigma of seeking treatment. 
 
The NAMIWalk is a family and pet friendly event with entertainment, drumming, food trucks, and more. You can also participate virtually. Temple Isaiah and ChaiVillageLA member, Shelley Hoffman, is Walk Manager for the NAMIWalk, which is the largest mental health advocacy event in Southern California.
 
Please consider joining TEAM ISAIAH and/or donating to the team by visiting https://www.namiwalks.org/team/Isaiah.

You may also contact Helene Korn ([email protected]), or Ann Weinman [email protected]) or visit www.namiwalks.org/losangelescounty to learn more.

Andrea and Terry Pullan are thrilled to announce the marriage of their daughter Sasha to Alex Finkel on

August 12th in Santa Ynez, CA. 

At the ChaiVillageLA Anniversary celebration last month, Village Co-Chairs, Rich Siegel and Terry Pullan, invited members to become Builders. Some of our members have asked for details, which we are happy to provide.

A Builder gift is a way of helping the Village sustain itself over and above our annual dues. As you know our dues are very low compared to other villages across the country, and dues alone currently provide just 15% of our annual budget.

To become a Builder you can make a gift to the Village of at least $180. To date, 25 of our members have become Builders. As a thank-you for becoming a Builder, we will list your name on the Village website, in our newsletter and recognize you at our annual anniversary celebration.

If you are in a position to help the Village, we encourage you to consider becoming a Builder.

Thank you from the ChaiVillageLA Executive Committee.   Richard Siegel, Terry Pullan, Ellen Isaacs, Andrea Pullan