Weekly News & Updates
Caring for Older Adults Since 1907
FLEISCHMAN RESIDENCE
/BLUMBERG PLAZA
ASSISTED LIVING
Suites Starting at $3,900 Per Month!
Contact Jill Bengle 248-661-2999 or jbengle@jslmi.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 23 - Eight Over Eighty
Our biggest event of the year! Help us celebrate our distinguished honorees by becoming a sponsor, purchasing an ad, and learn more about this virtual event at jslmi.org/8over80
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
HERSTORY PART 2
Sharon and Marvin Fleischman
By Jo Strausz Rosen
Sharon Fleischman began her long volunteerism at Borman Hall on 7 Mile Road. At 19 years of age as a bingo caller with husband, Marvin, 25, together with his parents, she found that volunteering for the Jewish Home was something she enjoyed.

After marriage, she taught a class called Reality Orientation for memory care –a daily class for 2 years, weekdays at 9 a.m. She remembers Rabbi Tiliki, Mrs. Zuckerman, Mrs. Levy, and others. Her mother, Esther Benson, worked in the Nosh Nook, her Aunt Ruth Sherman lived on the third floor. She remembers Jacqui Milgrom’s mother who lived there when Chuck Wolf was the Administrative Director and Sylvia Serwin his assistant. Sharon recalls with love the caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Sonniblake, who lived and worked on Petoskey, then moved to help at Borman Hall.

The Volunteer Auxiliary met at a Clubhouse Condo. Sharon served as President twice and once with a co-President, Cynthia Steinberg. She tells a delightful story about meeting Marvin Fleischman.

Marvin was enrolled in Engineering School, studying to be a Petroleum Engineer in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sharon attended UM. Marvin came home and called Sharon, asked her out and she accepted. She was planning on leaving for Atlantic City to visit her grandparents for the summer. Marvin called her and asked to meet in Atlantic City, to show him around for the weekend. She was staying at the Ritz Carlton. He stayed two weeks and then proposed to her. They came back to Detroit and decided that he would go back to school and they planned their June wedding in Detroit. But Marvin could not wait. Sharon’s family belonged to Shaarey Zedek and knew that Rabbi Adler was in Israel all summer. Marvin pressed Sharon to marry earlier than June, so her mother called Israel to urge the Rabbi to come home for Passover. Rabbi Adler said, yes, came home and married them”. On April 3, 2021 they will celebrate 66 years together. Seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren continue their legacy at Jewish Senior Life. Son, Jeffrey sits on the Board of Directors.

Geri Margolis served as President of the Auxiliary, and twice co-chaired as part of a Presidium for two additional terms. Geri and Sharon Fleischman enjoyed volunteering together. Geri’s daughter Andrea volunteers at the Meer Boutique, another daughter, Marci, served on the Auxiliary board for 2 years. All her children are supportive of the agency. Her Mother-in-law Fay Margolis lived at Fleischman Residence. Her grandmother lived at the first Jewish Home for the Aged on Petoskey Street. Her aunt Ida worked at the gift shops at Borman and at Fleischman twice weekly, driving in from Oak Park. Geri says, “volunteer work is as much about getting, as it is about giving. Life is meaningful when you volunteer.” Geri remembers fondly other volunteers – Jean Arkin, Pearl Bez and Rose Cooper.
 
Celebrating International Women's Month, we reflect on a 96-year history of the hundreds of women who provided unfailing service to our older adults. In 1925 the Auxiliary, currently known as Friends of Jewish Senior Life, was formally established as the volunteer arm of the Jewish Home for the Aged. It has continued its sincere dedication and service, supporting a variety of programs, enriching the lives of our residents. Ongoing projects include welcome packages, Chanukah gifts, flowers for the Jewish Holidays, Enrichment Programs, Out Trips, Bingo and Arts and Crafts. Additionally, volunteers lend time and talent whenever there are special needs. The Auxiliary funded a $25,000 purchase of furniture for the lobby of the former Menorah House. A Guardianship Program was kickstarted with a $125,000 contribution, which has now been taken over by Federation and continues for those individuals who need guidance to make decisions. With contributions from a Past President's Dinner, an endowment of $140,000 was established for Jewish Holiday Enhancements for our older adults, named “Frailich Shabbat” where residents are treated to Hors D’oeuvres prior to Services and Dinner. Additionally, during the Design for Dignity Campaign, $100,000 was raised. This is but a sampling of the financial support provided throughout the years by the Auxiliary.
 
Currently FRIENDS of JSL contributed to the enhancement of the Fleischman Residence Salon and work endlessly to fill our wonderful boutiques with volunteers, gifts and clothing and manage the counter at our Bistros under the direction of Leslie Katz, Director of FRIENDS of JSL.
 
Hannah Moss served as a volunteer at Borman Hall in the 80’s. Hannah shared that The Jewish Home found it difficult to attract more volunteers. Because she was asked by a dear friend, Pearlena Bodzin, to consider visiting some of the older population at Borman, Hannah started a wonderful career of volunteer service. Her wish was “to enchant them and bring some joy.” Hannah continued this service at Borman Hall for more than 10 years. Following in Sharon and Geri's footsteps, Hannah represented the younger generation of our community who give back. She fondly remembers bringing a basket with a few trinkets to share and entertain some of the residents to draw them into a lively conversation.

After Borman Hall closed, Hannah served as President of the JHAS Auxiliary 3 times. She entrusted her father and two uncles to JSL. Hannah’s sister, Rise Bienstock-Stein resides at Hechtman, Hannah’s cousin, Barbra Tunick Giles, currently serves in JSL leadership as Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives. Another cousin, Cindy Schwartz served as Assistant Director of Planning in the 1980’s. Hannah’s impact in the Auxiliary has helped our agency incorporate volunteerism and fundraising. Today, she serves as a generous volunteer, an active leader, and a participant in FRIENDS of JSL, and she encourages her friends and business contacts to contribute.

Geri Margolis says, “I am reminded that some things from our past are valued and should never be forgotten. That is how we feel about the women (and men) who have served these past 96 years, never wavering in their dedication to ensure a safe environment for our residents. Volunteers provide our residents with the comfort of Yiddishkeit. The older adults we serve are treasured and their emotional, cultural and spiritual needs are enhanced.”
 
We appreciate our FRIENDS of JSL volunteers and the impact you make will be remembered.
COLOR ME IMPRESSED!
With a spring in their steps, Fleischman residents were excited to show their creativity in watercolor class with these beautiful springtime portraits of flowers and butterflies!
FRIDAY FUNNY
Young David asked his rich grandfather, Moishe, how he had made his money. 

Moishe said, “Well, David, it was 1955, and I was down to my last nickel. I went to the local market and invested that nickel in a large apple. I spent the entire day polishing the apple and, at the end of the day, I sold the apple for a dime. The next morning, I invested the dime in two large apples. I spent the entire day polishing them and I sold them at 5 pm for twenty cents. I continued this system for a month.

Then Grandma’s father died and left us $2 million.
DOROTHY & PETER BROWN MEMORY CARE PAVILLION
Private Suite Rates Reduced To $5,100 For a Limited Time!
Contact Jill Bengle 248-661-2999 or jbengle@jslmi.org
BEHIND THE MASK: Meet our Devoted JSL Family
March is National Social Work Month! Meet JSL Social Worker, Asya.

Asya Raines of Royal Oak serves as Resident Service Coordinator at Prentis Apartments and translates English to Russian for our JSL residents for the past 8 1/2 years. She enjoys her work very much and is proud to connect the Russian speaking residents to the outside world.

She was chosen to receive the Sandra and Alfred I. Sherman award in 2017, in recognition of her good work. Her motto is “never give up.” After these stressful times are over, she looks forward to normalcy, which she says will feel like a vacation.

Asya is married with two grown children. Her daughter, Anna, is a teacher, wife, and mother to 10-year-old Ben. Her son Simon, a computer research scientist, lives and works in Toronto, Canada. She considers her children and stepchildren her greatest joys in life.

Asya likes to stay busy. She studies psychology, enjoys cooking, watching television (The Mentalist), reading (Pachinko), exercising on her stationary bike, knitting, and swimming. She also enjoys listening to music. When the pandemic ends, she plans to purchase a ticket to Riga, Latvia to visit her home. Thank you Asya for all you do on behalf of our JSL residents in Oak Park. 
HAPPY NUTRITION MONTH
Let’s look at our plate for some healthy eating tips:

  • Eat a vegetable and/or fruit, carbohydrate, and protein at every meal.
  • Make half (½) of your plate vegetables and fruits. Remember: “Eat the Rainbow”.
  • Make a quarter (¼) of your plate carbohydrate foods. Make at least half of your grains, whole grains.
  • Make a quarter (¼) of your plate protein foods. Choose a variety of plant based and lean animal proteins.
  • Do not forget to drink water! At least eight (8), 8 ounce glasses each day.

Meet Our Registered Dietitian!
Hi Everyone,
 
My name is Daniella Youhan, I am the Registered Dietitian here at Jewish Senior Life. I received my Master of Public Health in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Michigan and I am a certified Registered Dietitian.

I am available to meet with residents to discuss individual dietary needs, help with nutrition-related medical concerns, and answer nutrition and health related questions.

Some of my other responsibilities include reviewing the menus for each building, holding group educational classes and cooking demonstrations, and providing one-on-one nutrition counseling for residents.

If you are a resident, or have a loved one that is a resident, please reach out to your Resident Service Coordinator or Dining Manager if you would like to speak with me.
SHOP JSL'S ONLINE BOUTIQUE
This cozy black knit top features a hood, drawstrings, and deep open pockets on either side. Perfect for so many occasions! Find this and many other wonderful items at:

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!
Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970

Or call in: 312-626-6799 
Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970
THIS WEEK'S RECIPE
Passover Raspberry Jam Bars

Ingredients
  • 4 cups + 1 cup Gefen Almond Flour, divided
  • 1 and 1/4 cups coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup Gefen Maple Syrup
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar
  • 1 (11.6-ounce) jar Tuscanini Raspberry Fruit Spread

Directions
Yield: 12 bars

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a nine x 13-inch baking dish with Gefen Parchment Paper and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, mix four cups almond flour with coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla sugar.
  3. Pour half the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press in an even layer to form a crust.
  4. Cover with raspberry spread.
  5. Add remaining cup of almond flour to the remaining dough mixture in the food processor. Pulse for one minute to make crumbs. Sprinkle generously over the raspberry spread.
  6. Bake 30 minutes. Let cool before cutting into squares.

This recipe is from kosher.com
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AT HOME WORKOUT
Try this 30 minute connective tissue workout to help your body feel its best!
SHABBAT SHALOM
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, JSL Community Chaplain
The Woman who Was Forever Grateful

My many visits with seniors have enriched my life with inspiration, joy and meaning. Mrs. W. was ninety-four years old. She shared with me that as an infant she was seriously ill. She was told her aunt ran out on the street to search for help. Upon locating a Rabbi, she begged, “Please add a meaningful Hebrew name that would endow my niece with extra blessing toward her hopeful recovery.” Chaya, a Hebrew name meaning life, was added.

Miraculously, she made a full recovery. She married and continued living a healthy, happy life. Upon hearing her story, her husband insisted that when signing her name, she use the letter ‘C’ as her middle initial as a constant reminder of her Creator’s benevolence.

My ears tingled when I heard this moving story from Mrs. W. She and her husband never forgot the goodness bestowed upon them.

Names serve as our conduit for physical and spiritual energy.  

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
Jo Strausz Rosen, Executive Director, Development
Dianne Azzopardi, Executive Director, Human Resources
Ron Colasanti, Executive Director, Dining Services
People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome.
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