LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN II APARTMENTS

Discover Jewish Senior Life!

Contact Jackie Rosender

248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org

INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY 1.27.24

by Jo Strausz Rosen

In memory of the Holocaust, I want to share some notes I took on a trip to Eastern Europe with my husband and two dear friends during the first two weeks of October 2023. We toured Jewish heritage sites, feeling the poignancy of long-ago tragic events until we faced the hard news of the war on Israel that began on October 7. We stayed up late, every night, glued to CNN until we were bleary-eyed, watching the horrific devastation with fear and terror in our hearts. We would rise exhausted each morning to resume our walking tours that constantly brought home the fears and horrors experienced by Jews in Europe running from the Nazis.

FRIENDS

I just re-watched all seven seasons of Grace and Frankie. If you haven’t seen it, it features real life best buds Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as two women whose law partner husbands (played by the incomparable Sam Waterston and Martin Sheen) come out after a 20-year secret relationship with each other, leaving their wives, the quintessential odd couple, cohabitating in the beach house the couples co-owned.

Brilliant, WASPy, alcohol-swilling Grace and wacky, artsy, pot-puffing uber-liberal Frankie are a blast (hence the re-watching). But the thing that grabbed me watching the show from the perspective of my daily life at JSL, was the many plot lines that explored the challenges of aging - strokes, dementia, arthritis, knee replacements, heart attacks, hovering children, invisibility, etc.

I loved that these brilliant stars used their star power to shine a light on these challenges and humanize the aging process without pulling any punches. Since I joined JSL, I’ve been particularly aware of how much aging and the people going through it are marginalized in our youth obsessed culture. I’ve also found that JSL is full of folks living their lives, not just as people who are aging, but as people who are smart, funny, fun to be around, have a sense of humor about their challenges, and discuss them frankly and handle them with grace!

This was the basis for “Don’t Write Me Off!” which is still available on Amazon, in our boutiques and on our website.

And it’s a great reason to come spend some time with us! Stop in for a bite at Marvin’s Bistro or Krohlik café or to shop the boutiques, or to help with a program or activity. Visit our website for more information about getting involved in the JSL community or call/email me at 248-592-5062 / brobinson@jslmi.org.

In one Grace and Frankie plot line, they develop a vibrator for older women and Frankie tries to figure out how to create a national vibrator day. I’m honestly wondering the same thing. For example, I have no idea how January 29 got to be National Puzzle Day. But if you enjoy being puzzled, this is the perfect time to stop by one of our boutiques to pick up a puzzle (or a puzzle book). We have all kinds for kids and adults (and lots of other stuff!).

It's also time to sign up honorees for the Bessie Spector Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration, which will be held on June 21, at Adat Shalom Synagogue. This great event celebrates older adults over the age of 95 with a festive brunch and entertainment.

Let’s make every day Older Adults Day (however you do that)!

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Your FRIEND,

Beth Robinson

Director

FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life

WEEKLY RECIPE

Matzo Ball Tomato Soup

Hello cheesy matzo balls stuffed with mozzarella! Matzo Ball Tomato Soup with Mozzarella (aka 'Matzorella') is going to warm you up on these cold winter days. Soup-er easy to make and delicious!

JANUARY FUN FACT

People used to say “prunes” when taking pictures. In the 1840s, it was considered childish to smile for pictures so it became popular for people to say “prunes” instead of “cheese” in order to keep their mouths taut.

MARGOT & WARREN COVILLE

ASSISTED LIVING &

MEMORY CARE

Come see the JSL Difference!

Contact Janet Antin

248-967-4240 jantin@jslmi.org

TU B'SHVAT AT JSL

On the 15^th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat, JSL residents at Meer, Fleischman and participants in the Brown Adult Day Program decorated clay pots with 6^th grade Hillel students during the annual celebration of the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat. Some refer to this holiday as Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot, literally "New Year of the Trees." The day is celebrated around the world as an ecological awareness day, and trees are planted in celebration. 

In addition to planting parsley, the smiling residents were paired with students in the ongoing Dor L’Dor program, an inter-generational project with Hillel Day School. The purpose of this program is to build relationships between students and residents. 

Brown Program participants took turns reading from the Seder packets, enjoyed stories, ate figs and nuts and other snacks from the earth accompanied by cups of grape juice. 

SHOP 'N' TELL

Ron Elkus, JSL volunteer and former owner of the fabulous men’s retail shop, The Shirt Box, brings speakers for engaging presentations to residents at Meer Apartments. This week, Ron introduced us to Rachel Lutz, owner of the Peacock Room in Detroit. With two locations, one in the swanky Park Shelton and the other in the historic Fisher Building, Rachel - who also lives in the city - specializes in unique women’s apparel, gifts, accessories, and stationery. She’s a wonderful personality, great storyteller, and historian. During the question-and-answer segment, we learned about her own family history and that of her stores. Support this Detroit retailer and head downtown to shop!

We look forward to collaborating with Rachel in our boutiques at JSL. Check out her website for more history and delightful details about this energetic shop owner and Detroit booster!

Read more about the Peacock Room, or to contact Rachel:

www.shoppeacockroom.com

313-559-5500

peacockroomdetroit@gmail.com

Peacock Room on Facebook

Peacock Room on Instagram

WORKOUT OF

THE WEEK

This 10-minute workout will lower blood sugar quickly while improving your cardiovascular health, balance, and endurance. This workout can be done seated or standing.

FRIDAY FUNNY