Weekly News & Updates
Caring for Older Adults Since 1907
OUR VETERANS
Lloyd H. Strausz circa 1944
By Jo Strausz Rosen
In 1943, Sergeant Lloyd Hatch Strausz met, Corporal Bertha Singerman in a 100-bed station hospital at Perrin Field Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas. Their love story documented in detail in Bert’s 37 handwritten letters home sent to her sister, Rebecca in Peabody, Massachusetts, explained her interest in her fiancé - “Lloyd hangs around me a lot and people are starting to notice. There’s something about him that I like, but I just can’t explain it. He’s Jewish, although not ‘too Jewish’ and he’s very funny, not odd funny, but makes me laugh regularly.” They married during their military service, July 28, 1945 at Dallas’ famed Temple Emanuel in a religious service without benefit of family, but with two dear friends who witnessed their union. The love that inspired them to marry eventually produced two children, the first they romantically named Richard Perrin Strausz in honor of the place they met, and later, Jo Ann Strausz. Lloyd and Bert are no longer with us but live on through their children, grandchildren and now, great grandchildren who delight in sharing anecdotes. History offers many such stories during war time.

Gregg Leshman, JSL Executive Director of Operations, shared stories about his father who appears in Al Muscovitz’ lead story in The Jewish News, The Docs of War. Turn to page 18 and view the proud and handsome Dr. Arnold Leshman who received the Bronze Star in Long Binh, Republic of South Vietnam, April 1968. “My dad didn’t talk much about his time in the War,” said Gregg. “He focused on his medical practice and profession and took care of his wife and 3 kids. He enjoyed bowling with brothers and friends on Sunday mornings and brought fresh bagels home. He played Gin Rummy on Tuesday nights with the guys. Dad loved playing racquetball and was darn good at it…. Blackjack too, placed 3rd in a Las Vegas tournament. Fell asleep holding the newspaper Sports section nightly (not because the Detroit teams were lousy, just tired from a long day after a good meal). He watched Football on Sundays, was a big Red Wings fan season ticket holder. He enjoyed golfing with Mom and other couples. He made his dream come true and visited the Masters Golf Tournament. He acknowledged that the construction of I696 prolonged his retirement. Dad loved his ’57 white convertible Thunderbird and took my Mom on so many wonderful trips around the world. He was a devoted volunteer with NCJW when called upon by Mom (past-President). His famous Dr. Dad advice for anything was “soak it”. He was a devoted grandfather to my brother and sister-in-law’s 3 kids. I honor my father and all the proud Vets this Veteran’s Day.” JSL honors all of our Vets today through Wednesday, November 11 by acknowledging their service with admiration.
Bertha Singerman circa 1944
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CONNECTED
Fleischman resident, Dr. Herb Sherbin, served for 2 years in the US Army.
Celebrating our residents who have served on Veterans Day has been a longtime tradition at JSL. Since they are not able to have large gatherings this year, Meer Apartment residents were asked to write meaningful letters to veterans and widows, thanking them for their service. Letters were collected and placed in special binders which will be presented to the veterans in lieu of congregating. Enjoy reading these special letters in the link below.
Find more photos and stories like this by visiting "Keeping Our Community Connected: Stories From Residents, Staff and Volunteers" on our website.
Decorations at Prentis Apartments
JSL'S LIVES WELL LIVED
We invite the entire Metropolitan Detroit community to celebrate Jewish Senior Life's “Lives Well Lived” Sunday, November 22nd at 11:00 AM. This virtual event will take place online and we will show a film featuring some interviews with very special JSL residents who live exceptional lives.

Your generous sponsorships and contributions will help Friends of Jewish Senior Life provide essential technology and activities for our residents. Click the link below to donate and to learn more.
With fall in full swing, it's time to break out your colorful scarves. Find this fun plaid scarf in six different colors! Shop this look while supporting Friends of JSL at:

THANK YOU, WAR VETS
By Alan Muskovitz

I’m writing this before the Nov. 3 election and have no idea who won arguably the biggest, most controversial election of our lifetime. Partisan politics aside, I intend to support whoever was selected to be my next Library Board Member in West Bloomfield Township.

I’m grateful beyond words that the remainder of this column will have nothing to do with politicians. With Veterans Day on Nov. 11, I’d like to focus instead on people who actually get things done — our community’s beloved Jewish War Veterans (JWV).  
BAGELS, SCHMEAR, AND VOLUNTEERS
We held our first Volunteer Zoom event this past Monday and it was so great to see you! Are you a JSL volunteer who wants to reconnect? Please join us on our weekly zoom call, or simply call in so we can catch up. We can discuss the latest JSL news, crockpot recipes, interesting ways to exercise at home, or what good movies you've seen on Netflix! If you have some great ideas for the group, send them to us.

The zoom call will take place every Monday at 11:00 AM. Until we can invite you back to do what you do best at JSL, let’s spend some time together and heal our loneliness. See you on Zoom or call in so we can hear your voice!
Meeting ID: 818 1295 6942
Passcode: 635393

Or call in: 312-626-6799 
Meeting ID: 818 1295 6942
Passcode: 635393

Looking forward to reconnecting!

In friendship, 
Leslie Katz
Do you know an inspiring member of the community that is 80 or older? JSL is collecting nominations for our 2021 Eight Over Eighty celebration! The more information you can provide about your nominee, the better. Deadline is Dec 3rd. For requirements and to submit your nominations, visit the link below.
10 MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS TO VISIT FOR VETERANS DAY
Each November, veterans, families and friends come together across the nation, to honor those who served and remember those who lost their lives in ceremonies as part of Veterans Day. In anticipation of this annual day of remembrance, we put together a list of 10 veterans monuments and events in Michigan.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Chicken Fajita Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes
  •  6 large sweet potatoes, whole and scrubbed
  •  1 teaspoon Bartenura Olive Oil

Filling
  •  1/2 pound cooked chicken (breast or thigh)
  •  1 (8-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  •  1/4 cup canned corn
  •  1 each red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, diced
  •  1/2 red onion, finely diced
  •  1 teaspoon Bartenura Olive Oil
  •  1 teaspoon salt
  •  1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings
  •  1 avocado, cubed
  •  1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
  •  scallions, chopped

Bake the Potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Using a fork, prick the potatoes on every side, then brush with olive oil and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until tender, depending on their size. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly, until comfortable to handle.
  3. Reduce oven temperature to 400°F.

Prepare the Filling
  1. To prepare the filling, combine the chicken, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and onion.

To Assemble
  1. Split each sweet potato lengthwise and fluff the flesh with a fork. Scoop the chicken mixture into each potato, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  2. Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven at 400°F for five to seven minutes, until heated through.
  3. To serve, top each stuffed sweet potato with avocado, cilantro, and scallions. Serve immediately.

This recipe is from kosher.com
FRIDAY FUNNY
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SHABBAT SHALOM
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, JSL Community Chaplain


To Truly Care
We are taught in this week’s Torah portion that our Patriarch, Abraham merited to receive a personal visit from G-d when he was suffering deep physical pain. G-d is known as the healer of all flesh, yet He assigned the physical healing of Abraham to the angel Raphael. He Himself appeared for the sole purpose of inquiring and expressing deep care and concern as to Abraham’s wellbeing.

We gather from this that equally important to providing physical healing is to inquire and show deep heartfelt concern for another who may be struggling. Expressing TLC – tender loving care alleviates heaviness of the heart of the person in pain. 
This Torah portion especially resonates with me and I take it as a personal message of encouragement to reach out and touch lives, providing comfort and reassurance.
So, please be my partner and reach out today to your friend or neighbor and let them know you truly care.
Be inspired. Call Shabbat Shalom by Phone
Dial Toll free: 605-313-4107
Access code: 270368# (Reference number not needed)
Dial # to hear the most recent recorded message

Rabbi Dovid S. Polter Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program
Jewish Senior Life
248-592-5039 • dpolter@jslmi.org
This newsletter was created by Jo Rosen and Amanda Martlock

We’re human, prone to mistakes, so if we erred in our newsletter, please forgive us!
Shabbat Shalom
Nancy Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer
Jennie Klepinger, Chief Financial Officer
Barbra Giles, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives
Dianne Azzopardi, Executive Director, Human Resources
Ron Colasanti, Executive Director, Dining Services
Gregg Leshman, Executive Director, Residential Operations
Jo Strausz Rosen, Executive Director, Development
People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome.
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