LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN II APARTMENTS | Discover Jewish Senior Life! | |
Contact Jackie Rosender
248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org
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LEAVE A MARGIN:
THE POWER OF
BEING EARLY
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How often do we find ourselves running behind due to traffic, last-minute tasks, or unexpected delays, despite our full calendars packed with meetings and engagements? There’s always something to do, whether at our desk or at home before an appointment. I’ve even asked my phone to tell me when I should leave… but recently, I stumbled upon a simple yet transformative idea from a podcast by Mary Austin, a pastor from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She’s the writer behind Stained Glass in the City, and during an episode, she shared a piece of advice that really stuck with me: “Be an early person, not a late person.”
Being on time is more than just a habit; it’s a mindset that can bring peace and clarity to our lives. When we’re not rushing, we create a sense of calm that fills the space around us. Instead of feeling scattered and stressed, we arrive relaxed, ready to breathe, and settle in.
Her advice? Leave a Margin.
| Taking a page from the always delightful Danny Raskinzl, whose columns we still miss in the JN, we’re filled with joy thinking of the wonderful people in our community he would have mentioned today. So, we’re celebrating a true artist and generous gem of the JSL family! One of our longtime special supporters and vivacious volunteers, whose beloved father was a Fleischman resident many moons ago, is celebrating today. We are beyond lucky to call her our friend. Here’s to a very Happy and Healthy Birthday to the fabulous Mrs. Barbara Bloom! May your day be as wonderful and full of love as you are! | |
Discover History
I hope you are all as excited about the rich history we’re digging up as we are. I just about flipped when I found an article about the auxiliary’s first membership drive in 1925, 100 years ago!!
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This came from the Jewish News/Jewish Chronicle archive online and there is so much interesting information about what the auxiliary was up to. In 1935, they were one of the community organizations that campaigned for the community to commit to a very badly needed new Jewish Old Folks Home (that’s what they called it back then). And then they raised what today would be well over $100,000 to build it.
With only three staff members, it was the auxiliary members who organized events, activities, celebrations and outings.
The number of staff members has changed quite a bit since then (322 across six residences), but the volunteer dedication has not. Our bistro, café and boutiques are staffed by volunteers. Volunteers call most of the bingo games. They do current events and karaoke and arts and crafts and lectures and flower arranging and a bunch of other activities.
Make History!
And there’s always room for more! Currently, we’re looking for volunteers to lead short seders in both West Bloomfield and Oak Park on April 12 and 13. We have a Haggadah we use which is mostly English, so if you’ve never done it before, I speak from experience when I say it’s both a pleasure and a piece of (sponge) cake.
There are many more opportunities. Check out our volunteer page or call me at 248 592-5062 to talk about how you might follow in the fabulous footsteps of the Women’s Auxiliary (guys too)!
| Volunteer extraordinaire Jodi Eichler with visitors from Hillel's Girl Scout troop | |
Beth Robinson
Director
FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life
248-592-5062
brobinson@jslmi.org
| The roar that we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in the ear. Any cup-shaped object placed over the ear produces the same effect. | |  |
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MARGOT & WARREN COVILLE
ASSISTED LIVING &
MEMORY CARE
| Come See the JSL Difference! | |
Now accepting applications for extremely low Income apartments
Contact Rick Goren
248-592-1155
rgoren@jslmi.org
| JSL's "Roarin' with Pride" Pep Rally. Go team JSL! | JSL has a "three-peat" in the Detroit Jewish News this week. | We looked through the Eight Over 80 archives and found this 2019 celebration. Enjoy listening to these terrific honorees. | |
PAINTING WITH
A TWIST
Enjoy an afternoon filled with art, refreshments, fun, and
great company!
Sunday, February 23, 2025
1:00 PM
15100 W 10 Mile Rd.
Oak Park, MI 48237
No artistic experience is needed.
Spaces are limited.
Reserve your spot today by calling or emailing Rick Goren:
248-592-1155 (TTY#711)
rgoren@jslmi.org
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The Hechtman Live wire Choir sings again! Led by JSL volunteer Cantor Penny Steyer of Shir Shalom, the choir serenaded the crowd with many fun and familiar songs. Residents enjoy preparing and practicing for these concerts and a new one will be added this Spring later in the year. | Originally a North African dish, Shakshuka has gained popularity all over the world and is delicious to serve for any meal. It's simple to make, whether you prefer a thick, chunky tomato base or a saucier version. Enjoy! | This 15-minute exercise video for older adults features a warm-up, strength, flexibility, balance exercises and even a cool down, combining both standing and sitting practices. | | | |
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Rene Lichtman, PhD
A 2022 Eight Over 80 Honoree, Rene Lichtman, PhD, was one of the founders and leaders of the World Federation of Jewish Child Survivors of the Holocaust. He dedicated his life to holocaust education as he shared his stories. He will be remembered for his strong commitment to social justice and activism, and in the way he worked to inspire change in the world. Rene was a member of the JFS Claims Conference committee as well as an active participant of the JSL Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families. A very talented artist, he painted and created art as well as following his interest in filmmaking and photography.
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Louis Soverinsky, DO
A 2021 Eight Over 80 Honoree and JSL volunteer, Lou gave 110% great attitude with his winning smile. He was a dedicated doctor who devoted time at the Bernstein Community Health Clinic, set up a youth activities fund at Shaarey Zedek, and provided free physical exams for Special Olympics athletics. He was a regular participant at B’nai Israel Synagogue, where he chanted Torah and led daily minyan. Lou was passionate about music and JSL residents loved when he came to sing at Fleischman and Meer.
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May their memories be a blessing. | |
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Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, Community Chaplain
Remembering Rabbi Moshe Polter: A Legacy of Torah, Prayer, and Purpose
Today, on January 31st, we mark the 20th yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of my revered father, Rabbi Moshe Polter, a man whose seriousness toward life and devotion to his Jewish faith left an indelible impact on all who knew him. For my father, Torah study and prayer were not mere rituals to fulfill needs but profound ways to connect with G-d and refine the soul. Every prayer, every verse of Torah, held the potential to shape his character and strengthen his commitment as a servant of the Divine.
Throughout his life, my father searched for deeper meaning and application in his daily recitations and learning. He understood that the true purpose of prayer and Torah is to guide us toward righteousness, humility, and unwavering faith. His journey led him to certain verses and teachings that became his spiritual anchors providing wisdom that continued to guide him and now inspires me. By reflecting on these words, I feel connected to his thoughts and his pursuit of spiritual growth.
Here are a few of the cherished phrases my father recited with particular focus:
1.“L-rd our G-d, please do not make us dependent upon the gifts of mortal man nor upon their loans, but only upon Your full, open, holy and generous hand.”
2."So that we shall not labor in vain, nor produce that which will cause dismay.”
3. “Blessed is He who directs the steps of man.”
4. “Many are the thoughts in the heart of man, but it is the counsel of the L-rd that endures.”
5. “Through my flesh I see G-d.”
6. “A righteous man falls seven times yet rises again and again.”
These words were not just verses, they were his moral compass, offering both guidance and strength in times of challenge and joy.
Torah sages teach that when we repeat the teachings of a deceased loved one, it’s as if their soul is revived by our words. As we honor my father's memory, I encourage you to reflect on and share the wisdom of those of your loved ones who have passed. By doing so, we keep their legacy alive and continue to learn from their insights, bringing their spirit into the present and learning something about them you may have never known.
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Shabbat Shalom by Phone - Enjoy some inspiration.
Dial Toll free: 605-313-4107 Access code: 270368#
(Reference number not needed)
Dial # to hear the most recently recorded message.
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program Jewish Senior Life 248-592-5039 • dpolter@jslmi.org
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L’Chaim!
More than half of the residents who live in our JSL communities are considered low income or indigent. Your philanthropic support is essential to maintaining programs and services to help these older adults age with dignity and with a better quality of life. In addition, your gifts could significantly support the shortfall in the cost of pharmacy bills which are so vital to the residents’ wellness. We are so grateful for your generous gifts to Jewish Senior Life.
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Nancy Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer
Kara Powers, Chief Financial Officer
Barbra Giles, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives
Jo Strausz Rosen, Executive Director, Development
Dianne Azzopardi, Executive Director, Human Resources
Ron Colasanti, Executive Director, Dining Services
Jennifer Staniszewski, Executive Director, Independent Residential Operations
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This newsletter was created by Jo Rosen and Nicole Lupiloff
We’re human, prone to mistakes, so if we erred in our newsletter, please forgive us!
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People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome. | |
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Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit
Eugene & Marcia Applebaum Jewish Community Campus
6710 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322
A. Alfred Taubman Jewish Community Campus
15100 W. Ten Mile Road, Oak Park, MI 48237
Administrative Offices
28290 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48034
248-661-1836
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