Weekly News & Updates
Caring for Older Adults Since 1907
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THE MARGOT & WARREN COVILLE ASSISTED LIVING & MEMORY CARE |
Ask us how you can save $3,000
on rent!
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Contact Janet Antin 248-967-4240 or jantin@jslmi.org |
May 23 - Eight Over Eighty
Which of our distinguished honorees is a Match Maker? Who raised hundreds of thousands of dollars with his teammates in the 60 mile/3 day walk for cancer, for sixteen consecutive years? Support our biggest event of the year! Help us celebrate the honorees by becoming a sponsor and purchasing an ad. Learn more about this virtual event at jslmi.org/8over80
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May 21 - Older Americans Brunch
Help us honor our community elders who are 95 and older! Register, donate, and learn more about this virtual event by visiting jslmi.org/oab
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At Jewish Senior Life, we have spent a great deal of time building and maintaining I CARE CORE VALUES of Integrity, Compassion and Collaboration, Accountability and Advocacy, Respect and Excellence. We strive to treat everyone with sensitivity and empathy as we build strong, inclusive, and vibrant communities where no one feels alone.
Jewish Senior Life is committed to continue our work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition to Bias Training, we have been participating in ongoing LGBTQ workshops. Recently members of our staff, participated in an LGBTQ Older Adult Competency Workshop: A Step Forward in Understanding, sponsored by Sage Metro Detroit. In this course we learned how to be an LGBTQ ally.
Barbra Giles, JSL Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives shares, “Sage Metro Detroit is a local affiliate of the national services and advocacy for LGBTQ Elders (SAGE), the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) older adults. JSL is also listed in the SAGE Rainbow Resource Guide, a guide for LGBTQ older adults that includes organizations that are LGBTQ allies and have policies and procedures that promote inclusion of the LGBTQ community. Our core staff are continuing to focus on LGBTQ matters on behalf of the agency working alongside SAGE and Keshet. Keshet is an organization that works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and their families in Jewish life.”
In the daily newsletter, My Jewish Learning, Rabbi Tamara Cohen writes, “The orange has become a popular symbol of inclusion at many progressive Passover seders. This tradition dates to the early 1980s when Susannah Heschel, Jewish feminist scholar, and daughter of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, placed an orange on the Seder plate to symbolize the inclusion of gays and lesbians and other long-marginalized people within the Jewish community. Spitting out the seeds of the orange represents the act of repudiating homophobia. Heschel has rejected the more common explanation that the orange is there because a man once told her that a woman belongs on the Bimah like an orange belongs on the Seder plate. “I chose an orange because it suggests the fruitfulness for all Jews when Lesbians and Gay men are contributing and active members of Jewish life.”
From the newsletter, Ritualwell, Tradition and Innovation, “The core themes of slavery and liberation resonate deeply within us as we continue to retell the story of Passover again and again. Miriam’s cup joins Elijah’s on our Seder tables, reminding us of the importance of women’s leadership and initiative, of the power of song and dance, and of the living waters that-in Miriam’s honor-sustained us in our desert wanderings.”
Happy and Inclusive Passover to one and all.
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THE FUN NEVER STOPS IN OAK PARK! |
Oak Park residents have been staying active by participating in exciting and heartwarming activities at Prentis, Teitel, and Coville. They packaged “blessing bags” and donated these to Veterans. They handcrafted flowers to decorate the buildings and created craft bags to deliver to other residents. The “Maintain the Brain” workshop was a huge success and they especially enjoyed cardio drumming. |
SHOP JSL'S ONLINE BOUTIQUE |
Time to up your style game with this stylish and light-weight beige leopard cross body bag, perfect for running errands or enjoying dinner on the patio this Spring. Find this and many other wonderful items at:
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BAGELS, SCHMEAR, AND VOLUNTEERS |
Are you a JSL volunteer or community member who wants to connect? Please join Leslie Katz on Mondays at 11:00 AM where she will lead a discussion on the latest JSL news, recipes, creative home exercise, and Netflix suggestions!
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Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970
Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970
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BY MJL
Making your own Haggadah is not just a money-saver, but also a great way to educate yourself about the Passover seder , add a unique twist to your seder and have a more meaningful and satisfying holiday.
For generations, enterprising seder leaders have been sticking post-it notes in their favorite parts of existing Haggadahs, adding in photocopied readings or even cutting and pasting from multiple Haggadahs and combining it all in a looseleaf binder.
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THE ANNA & MEYER PRENTIS APARTMENTS
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THE HARRIETT & BEN TEITEL APARTMENTS
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Income Based Affordable Housing featuring One Bedroom & Barrier Free Apartments |
Contact Valentina Shub
248-967-2224 or vshub@jslmi.org
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BEHIND THE MASK: Meet our Devoted JSL Family |
Oak Park Campus Administrator, Jennifer Staniszewski of Fenton is our newest JSL team member. She is married with two children, her son, Steven serves in the US Army. Her daughter Alycia graduated from high school and will be attending college this year at Colorado Mountain. Their dog Ginger was rescued by them a few years ago. Driving 45 minutes to get to work each day, she uses her time to listen to music or podcasts like Brainstuff, Leadership and Ted Talks. Jenn has worked in the industry since 2003. “I have such a passion to work with seniors and their families, and I enjoy the whole spectrum of senior living. JSL has true compassion for older adults. It is inspiring to work for an agency who values the residents. I love that every day I come to work, I can make a difference. What a blessing!”
“The residents and staff in Oak Park are very welcoming. The best part of this experience so far is meeting the residents and I have been able to do that through the vaccine clinics. The pandemic has shocked us all. At first it was like, ‘is this really happening?’ After gripping the reality of it, my best advice is to stay safe. We have become stronger and closer.” Jennifer says, “Embrace the blessings you have and make every day count. We are all in this together.”
At home, Jennifer likes to cook, enjoy a glass of wine with chicken pesto, and she orders from Home Chef, a grocery delivery service, to make things simple. After the pandemic, she says she will invite her family and friends over for a pool party! “I miss seeing all of them. Especially my grandmother who has 9 children and is a grandmother of 50. I’m the oldest grandchild.”
Joy to Jennifer is taking walks on nature trails, traveling, and learning new things. She said she is always signing up for a class. One of the best trips she took was with her daughter. “We packed our bags and headed up north and went to at least 15 waterfalls. It was just beautiful!”
Thank you for joining Team JSL, Jennifer. We are happy you are here with us!
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MADAME PRESIDENT
DEBORAH ROSENTHAL
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Deb is currently the President of the Board of Directors of Jewish Senior Life, having served on the board since 2014 as well as contributing as an active volunteer and donor since 2008.
After participating in the Grosfeld Leadership Mission through Federation, she learned about JSL’s mission to enrich the lives of older adults and wanted to get involved. She was particularly taken with The Program for Holocaust Survivors and Families. She says, “There have been many special moments, but I think my time interviewing local Holocaust survivors for the Portraits of Honor program definitely stands out. People welcomed me into their homes and shared their experiences that are now permanently documented and available to the world."
"Contemplating our current pandemic, I hope for everyone’s good health. I think I took public health and safety for granted before. Now, every day I hope our amazing health care professionals and scientists remain successful in this battle to end COVID-19. We must stay connected in whatever way is safe and helpful to the residents and still personally meaningful to each of us. Our volunteer network, FRIENDS of JSL, has been amazing and we are so grateful to our dedicated community who reached out and supported us.”
Deb and her husband Steve live in Franklin and have been married for almost 28 years. They have three kids. Their oldest son, Ryan, is 24 and a 2nd year law student, also pursuing a master’s in international Affairs, at GW in Washington, DC. Their daughter, Tess, is 20 and a sophomore at the University of Michigan. Ben is 16 and a Junior at Groves High School. She shares, “We only have Ben at home now, but one silver lining of the pandemic was having everyone back home together for several months.”
Of course, we asked her about food. Deb admits to loving almost all foods and said “I eat anything. I am not a sophisticated chef by any means, more of a decent preparer, but my mom has handed down some delicious recipes."
"Unfortunately, most have no actual measurements to follow, but I have managed to master her chicken soup recipe and my family loves a good bowl of matzo ball soup. I also love my charosets recipe and use almonds instead of walnuts. It’s delicious.”
One of her favorite movies of all time is The Princess Bride. More currently, she enjoyed the series, Ted Lasso, and said it ranks at the top for her pandemic watching. “It’s hilarious and positive and so needed right now.” As for books, she cites Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles which she read in high school and always knew she wanted to name her daughter Tess. Two of her favorite pastimes are on hold - traveling abroad and practicing hot yoga in a studio. After the pandemic ceases to be problematic, she says she will invite her huge extended family over and enjoy a great meal together. “Our home is definitely the gathering place and we really miss the chaos and the fun of having a full house.” Her family is her greatest joy, but after them she jokes that all she needs is her dog and Netflix. And she adds that giving back to her community truly makes her happy. Additionally, she loves the mountains and hiking, listening to podcasts on long walks, visiting contemporary art museums and galleries, and spending time with family and friends.
Nancy Heinrich, CEO, says, “Deb is a phenomenal partner. She makes herself available to talk through issues as they arise, and her good sense and insight always help to clarify next steps for me. I can rely on her guidance to make good decisions and knowing that she has my back and the Agency’s and residents’ best interests at heart means the world to me, personally, and a world of good for Jewish Senior Life.”
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PASSOVER RECIPES FOR EVERYONE |
By Jamie Geller
Growing up, Passover was one of those big holidays where my whole family got together and made our old favorite recipes (my potato kugel is a total homage to my grandfather). Those Seders are some of my most treasured childhood memories.
Today, I’m the host; making the dishes my kids love, and creating memories that they will cherish for years to come. And while I’m totally up for the challenge of entertaining 30 plus people, when you mix in everyone’s wants, needs and can’t haves it can make you a little crazy. That’s why I’m dedicating this book as a Passover for Everyone. It’s my gotta-impress collection of recipes sure to please vegans, health enthusiasts, foodies and those who love the classics.
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Follow JSL on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for the most up to date and inspiring JSL content. Leave a like while you're there too! |
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Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, JSL Community Chaplain
A Woman’s Gratitude
Esther was a very prominent and dynamic woman who overcame many trials and tribulations in life. She dedicated herself to spreading healing and inspiration. She served as a columnist for a well-known newspaper and she was a prolific author and articulate orator.
After hip surgery, she began her therapy of walking down the hallway. The nurses loved and admired her as they began cheering. One of the nurses called out, “You’re our Ballerina!”
“Ballerina? Some ballerina I am, with this robe and a turban on my head. What kind of ballerina looks like this?” Yet she continued repeating the word over and over to herself: “ballerina, ballerina…”
And then she suddenly uttered the word in a whole different way, emphasizing it from another angle. “Baal rinah, baal rinah.” (Meaning in Hebrew, Master of (your own) happiness.)
She was suddenly triumphant, seizing the silver lining in a dim situation, as she had done throughout her life.
Life is most enjoyed and appreciated when we are grateful and express our deep gratitude as this woman teaches us – “I am a baal rinah.”
Adapted from The Rebbetzin. Author Rabbi Nachman Seltzer
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
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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!
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L’Chaim!
We are so grateful for your financial contributions.
Please continue your engAGEment with JSL.
Your support enhances the lives of our residents.
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Nancy Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer
Jennie Klepinger, 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
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People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome. |
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