NORMA JEAN & EDWARD MEER APARTMENTS

Discover Jewish Senior Life!

Contact Jackie Rosender

248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org

THE LONG GOODBYE

by Jo Strausz Rosen

After our beloved family member, Brenda, passed away this week, we began the process of mourning her beautiful life. Brenda was devoted to her family. She used her caring people skills to help her clients overcome emotional and psychological roadblocks. At the time of her dementia diagnosis 6 years ago, this amazing woman gradually began to leave us. We sought help from professionals at Jewish Senior Life and the Alzheimer’s Association. We brought Brenda to the Dorothy and Peter Brown Adult Day Program, which allows participants to enjoy the benefits of art, music, cooking, and exercise in a safe and sunny space with the caring people who work there, while giving their caregivers some needed time off. Brenda enjoyed this wonderful program until her heightened anxiety made it difficult for her to participate. 

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, May 19, 2024

Recently, some of our distinguished 8 Over Eighty honorees were interviewed at JSL. Delightful stories were shared as they regaled us with memories of growing up, attending college, volunteering in the community and so much more.

We are so thrilled to continue to plan our event that will take place at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. You won’t want to miss the fanfare as we share all the accomplishments and tales of the lives of our honorees.

FRIENDS

I lost a friend last week. She was 92 and she’s been a part of my family and my life for as long as I can remember. She was one of the best people I’ve ever known. The worst thing I ever heard her say about anyone was “ugh,” and she’d leave it at that.

She lived in track suits and walked daily until her balance started giving out. We used to talk about books. She loved to read. She worked hard. She was modest. She and my mother made the world’s best gefilte fish together every holiday. She used to invite my children over for pancakes with all the toppings. I loved that they had a bonus grandma.

Her condo was full of chicken figurines of all sizes and materials – wood, recycled plastic bags, ceramic, tin, ranging from tiny plastic chickens to a life-sized rooster in the foyer. One of the kids said something to her about loving chickens and she laughed and said she didn’t, that someone had bought her one once and then it became a thing. I mean, they were everywhere. A couple of those chickens are on top of my piano now. Great memories.

The funeral was Sunday. The weather was bleak. It was so hard to say goodbye to her. On my drive home, I was thinking for the umpteenth time that I wished I had called her for dinner the week before. I had been thinking about it, but the week got away from me.

Then, the sun came out and I felt her smile filling me up. She had a wonderful smile, with a bright and distinct warmth. Even as dementia dimmed her thoughts, it never dimmed the delight in her smile. And now, I felt, she had something to really smile about – she was with all the people she had loved and lost and there were many of them.

In the recent JSL book “Don’t Write Me Off!” so many of the stories are about loss. Getting older involves loss - loss of those we cherish, loss of health, loss of abilities, but with those losses often comes a greater appreciation for what remains. And that was what the book was about too. There is a real beauty to winnowing what we pay attention to, down to the dearest and most vital, distilling ourselves down to our most essential spirits.

As we’re coming up on a day when many of us focus on what’s most vital – our hearts and those we share them with, it’s a wonderful time to show our love.

One perfect way to celebrate is by coming to JSL to visit, to grab lunch, to help out with an activity or pay a visit to a resident. And if you want to express your affection with a lovely gift, we put our whole hearts into stocking up the boutiques with heart-festooned gifts, chocolates, cards, etc.

On June 21, our community will show some very big love to those who are 95 and older at the Bessie Spector ^z”l Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration. Please sign up those you know who will be 95 or older by December 31, 2024, so we can send them an invitation to this wonderful event.

Come visit us at JSL and share the love.

With love and FRIENDship,

Beth Robinson

Director

FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life

248-592-5062

brobinson@jslmi.org

FEBRUARY FUN FACT

LEAP into 2024 even more - this year is a leap year! Each leap year, the month of February has 29 days instead of 28. Adding one extra day in the calendar every four years compensates for the fact that a period of 365 days is shorter than a tropical year by almost six hours.

BONUS leap year fun fact: Leap year babies are called “leapers” or “leaplings.” You’d get a special name, too, if you had to wait four years to celebrate your birthday.

EDWARD I. & FREDA FLEISCHMAN RESIDENCE

Come see the JSL Difference!

Contact Janet Antin

248-967-4240 jantin@jslmi.org

TAKE WINTER

IN STRIDE

Staying active in winter is one of the best things you can do to maintain your health. Frigid temperatures and slippery roads can make you think twice about driving to the gym or walking outside. For winter health guidance, join Molly Petreanu from Powerback Rehabilitation for expert advice on:



• How to stay active in winter

• How to prevent falls

• How to get up safely if you experience a fall

Tuesday, February 13, 1:00pm Jewish Senior Life

Meer Apartments

6760 W. Maple Rd.

West Bloomfield, MI 48322

Seating is limited, call Beth now to reserve your space!

248-592-5026

info@jslmi.org

or

REGISTER HERE:

jslmi.org/events/rsvp/

A TIME TO GIVE

Top Photo from Left to Right: Itay Nussbaum, Shahaf Harari, Ofri Lellouche, Erela Sabag, and Itamar Grife. 

Following the attack in Israel on October 7, the Meer Resident Council collected donations for Jewish Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund. In just three days, more than $4000 was raised. The check was presented to the Shinshiniot, a group of Israeli high school graduates who deferred their army service for one year to volunteer in our Detroit Jewish community. The group introduced themselves and shared where they were from and how they are making a difference at Hillel Day School, Frankel Jewish Academy, Jewish Federation, Adat Shalom and Temple Israel. The residents were quite moved to donate this money to the teens who graciously appreciated the residents' generosity.

SING AND

DANCE ALONG

Second and third-floor Coville residents sang and danced, accompanied by Julie on the guitar and violin. They even got down with some Motown tunes!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Chicken Schnitzel Wrap with Everything Bagel Ranch

Holy schnitzel, this Chicken Schnitzel Wrap sounds delicious! Go 'meshugenah' with the toppings, but Israel salad-inspired cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions are suggested.

AT HOME WORKOUT

Chair Yoga

This Gentle Chair Yoga session is perfect for both beginners and seniors who want to experience the benefits of yoga without getting on the floor. This calming and accessible yoga practice guides you through a series of easy chair-based exercises that improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.

FRIDAY FUNNY

"Well, I've got good gnus and I've got bad gnus."