Los Angeles Jewish Health: Energizing Senior Life

Meaningful social connections are essential to our well-being, especially as we age. In this lecture, we will discuss the importance of maintaining strong relationships with friends, family, and community members. We will also explore the challenges and opportunities that come with aging and how social connections can help us navigate these changes. Cost: Free Refreshments and Parking Available RSVP to [email protected] or call 818.758.5045   

During a summer filled with exciting coverage of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, there was another, event right here in Los Angeles that brought talented athletes out to shine. This August, Los Angeles Jewish Health hosted its own Senior Olympics, engaging dozens of residents of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center in an afternoon of fun and stimulating activities, enabling them to join in the celebratory spirit inspired by the Paris games.Critical to the success of the Senior Olympics was the outstanding participation of nearly 20  staff members from Bank of America, including Larry Schnaid, past president of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s support group, The Guardians. Led by Judy Friedman-Rudzki, director and senior treasury officer at Bank of America and LAJH’s current board chair, the energetic group were active participants as part of the bank’s long-time dedication to volunteerism and civic engagement. Bank of America encourages its more than 200,000 employees to be active in their local communities, to support the organizations that revitalize their communities. Collectively, bank employees log millions of volunteer hours each year.“Bank of America believes its employees should give back because we are part of the tapestry of the community,” notes Judy Friedman-Rudzki, director and senior treasury officer at the bank and LAJH’s new board chair. “I am thrilled that, through events like the Senior Olympics, I can help bring two fantastic organizations—LAJH and Bank of America— together to make a critical difference for seniors in Los Angeles and beyond.”These types of collaborations help LAJH improve the health and well-being of thousands of seniors each year. “Judy and her dedicated colleagues at Bank of America are wonderful partners with us,” says Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer. “The generosity of groups like theirs helps extend our reach into the community and bolsters our impact as a key health resource for so many seniors citywide.”The Senior Olympics event was classic LAJH—finding creative ways to engage and challenge seniors as they enjoyed the company of fellow residents, staff and especially the new friendships made with the outstanding Bank of America volunteers. LAJH’s staff lead for planning and orchestrating the event was Susan Leitch, director of therapeutic activities. “Programs like this promote socialization, friendly competition, and feelings of self-worth and satisfaction among our residents. They also instill a sense of camaraderie between residents and their peers,” she says. “This Senior Olympics event was fantastically successful: The day after, residents kept asking when we’d be having the next one. We have already started to plan a version of the games for next year!”  Participating residents had six games to test their skills: Tic-Tac-Toe, Giant Dartboard (using cloth balls instead of darts), Basketball, Badminton, Cornhole, and Bowl Chipper, a variation on golf. All games were held indoors, keeping residents nice and cool from the late summer San Fernando Valley heat. The lobby and multipurpose room were decorated in the spirit of the Olympics, including flags from around the world and banners hanging from the ceiling, lending the space an international air.Participants included 101-year-old LAJH resident Sadie Migden and Suzanne Blum, an 86-year-old resident who stopped by to check out the event, which she says was indicative of the level of care LAJH puts into everything it does. “LAJH does so many things well,” she says. “This is the best place in the city for skilled nursing care; you can rest assured that if you need help with something, you can find that help here.”Click here for a full gallery of images from the Resident Olympics with Bank of AmericaFor More Images from the Resident Olympics with Bank of America Click Here

The nursing profession in California is in dire need of reinforcements: Estimates show a statewide shortage of nurses made worse by burnout from the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) continued doing its part to increase the numbers of talented nurses by graduating a new class from its highly regarded Annenberg School of Nursing (ASN).The 18 graduates join a long list of distinguished alumni making a critical difference in the well-being of seniors at LAJH, as well as many other health agencies, hospitals, and care settings  across Los Angeles and beyond.“This year’s class should be incredibly proud of their achievements, not only because they worked hard and distinguished themselves, but also because they are now equipped to go out into the world and help strengthen their local communities,” says Amandeep Kaur, director of the nursing school.It was standing room only for the crowd of more than 400 attendees, who joined the graduates for a moving and meaningful ceremony at LAJH’s Pepp Center Dining Room, located on the Eisenberg Village campus. Executive leadership from LAJH participated in the event, among them Chief Human Resources Officer Alyssa Alderman, who served as master of ceremonies; Rabbi Karen Bender, chief mission officer; Rabbi Ron Goldberg, Eisenberg Village rabbi; and Sheldon Steier, president of the ASN Board of Directors.The graduates represent the best and brightest of a new generation of nurses. Entry into the school is competitive: Out of more than 100 applicants, only 24 make the cut for admission to each class. Many of those individuals—including 16 of this year’s 18 graduates—are the first in their families to have earned a college degree.Student speakers played a prominent role in the ceremony. Class valedictorian Kierra Westbrooks spoke movingly about what motivated her to pursue a career in nursing and enroll at ASN.“During the COVID-19 pandemic, I watched the overwhelming need for nurses and felt helpless sitting at home,” she recalled. “That was the moment I knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference, ensuring I would never be deemed ‘non-essential’ again.”Jake Racimo, vice president of the Class of 2024, offered appreciation on behalf of his fellow graduates for the support they received during their ASN journeys.“I want to extend my thanks to LAJH and the Annenberg Foundation for the generous donations you have given to this program, not only to assist the students financially, but also to make our dreams into a reality,” he said. “And to the board of directors at LAJH and ASN and to [LAJH President and CEO] Dale Surowitz, thank you for navigating us toward a successful nursing career.”Class president Ashley Davis, who received the coveted Florence Nightingale Award, congratulated her peers on reaching such an important milestone.“We finally made it to the finish line,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us.” ASN Graduation Gallery Click Here For More Graduation Pictures Click Here

 Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), a leader in senior care, has launched a dedicated unit equipped to treat seniors suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF)—a condition where the heart is unable to pump blood well enough to the body.The new unit enables patients with CHF to shorten hospital stays by spending a period of time in short-term rehab at LAJH prior to returning home. It also reduces readmissions back to the hospital compared to discharge straight to home.“Nursing facilities don’t usually have deep expertise in acute congestive heart failure, so we’re definitely leading the way here,” says Noah Marco, MD, chief medical officer of Los Angeles Jewish Health. “Working with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and administrators, we have developed a new standard of care, educated our staff, and formed partnerships with local hospitals, letting them know we are an important source of support in this area.”The program features six specialized beds funded by the Office of the Third District of L.A. County’s Board of Supervisors. An additional 26 beds will arrive this fall, thanks in part to generous support from the Ahmanson Foundation. The high-tech beds monitor patients’ body weight, and, along with labs, EKGs, and lung fluid measurements, help inform the most effective course of treatment.“In addition to the clinical team, our social services team helps provide patients with the resources to be successful following their stay with us,” says Charlette Ofrecio, administrator of the Mark Taper Building. “We teach about heart-healthy diets and how to monitor lung fluids at home, demonstrate strengthening exercises, and show patients how to incorporate regular activities into daily routines.”“Prior to discharge, a pharmacist meets with patients to review their medications, and our registered dietician provides dietary recommendations to help manage their conditions at home. We also conduct a post-discharge follow up, ensuring they have a good understanding of what they need to do for their ongoing care,” says Sandy Carrillo, the Mark Taper Building’s director of nursing. “We only graduate residents from the CHF program once they’re stable and showing no signs or symptoms of CHF.”Daniel Manavi, MD, a non-invasive cardiologist at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and director of congestive heart failure at LAJH, says the establishment of a program like this has been years in the making.“Throughout my practice, numerous facilities have entertained the idea of launching a CHF unit, but only Los Angeles Jewish Health recognized the need to invest in this program and actually found the resources to do so,” he says. “LAJH is doing a great job, and I am honored to be collaborating with the organization’s leadership to care for members of our local community.”Going forward, LAJH plans to add additional specialty services based on the CHF program model.“Our CHF Unit is just one of the steps we are taking toward offering personalized care to an aging senior population,” says Dale Surowitz, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to developing innovative approaches that will keep seniors healthy and enhance the quality of their lives.”

A Cherished Relic that survived the Holocaust Comes to Los Angeles Jewish HealthIn addition to the thousands of older adults served by Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) for more than a century, it has been a special honor to provide comfort and care to hundreds of Holocaust survivors who have called LAJH home. Some of these cherished residents have recounted their powerful stories over and over again, in discussion groups, public speaking engagements, recordings for the Shoah Foundation and the Library of Congress. Others, choose not to speak about this dark time in their family’s and the world’s history. Recently, an extraordinary event took place at LAJH when the thirty survivors in residence were given the opportunity to not only touch a sacred piece of history but to join in its rejuvenation, so that it can continue to educate others on the atrocities of the past so that they might never be repeated. This powerful message is brought to life through an ancient Torah scroll that has been severely damaged by time, neglect and war. Jonny Daniels, founder of an international nonprofit, From the Depths, travels the world seeking out survivors of the Holocaust to take part in this restoration project. With a mission of preserving the memory of the Holocaust and using its lessons to shape a better future, Daniels is a scribe specially trained in the art of writing holy texts onto parchment.This story began when a Torah scroll, the holiest book in Judaism, remained hidden for 70 years at a home in a remote Polish village until university students visiting for another project came upon it. While visiting with a local couple the students learned that long ago the family’s neighbors had been religious Jews. Before being deported during the war they had asked their non-Jewish neighbors to keep the Torah scroll safe until they returned from the camps.  This is an example of the critical role so many righteous non-Jews played during this time in history. The Rabbi never returned. Over the years, the scroll’s condition greatly deteriorated. During the past 70 years, out of necessity, half of the Torah had been utilized by the family for items such as rags, and insoles for shoes. Now, the family decided to share the scroll with these students. They lifted cushions from a couch and revealed a brown-paper wrapped Torah scroll hidden there in 1939 when the Jewish population of approximately 280 was deported and murdered. Daniels describes his work this way, “We work extensively in Eastern Europe, where we seek to rediscover hidden Jewish heritage.”  “When we located this Torah, which managed to withstand the ravages of Nazi aggression, we knew the most fitting way to honor it would be for Holocaust survivors to participate in rewriting it. We are dedicated to finding those survivors who are left and to having them help make the Torah whole again.”So, on a recent very special afternoon in the outdoor courtyard and synagogue of Los Angeles Jewish Health, the emotion was palpable, as survivors, who trace their origins to Poland, Russia, Germany and Hungary, gathered.  Then, one by one, they were each given the honor of touching the Torah, then pulling it in closer to them. Each then placed their hands on Daniels’ arm as he carefully inked new letters on fresh parchment to replace the portion of the scroll that had been desecrated. He patiently spoke with each of them (many in their native languages of Russian, Yiddish and Hebrew), explaining that they were fulfilling a Jewish commandment to write the Torah. All who had gathered, the survivors and staff, were overflowing with emotion with many wiping tears from their eyes.Chief Mission Officer for Los Angeles Jewish Health Rabbi Karen Bender, was clearly moved by the gathering and spoke about the significance and honor of having the Torah make its way to LAJH, and the extraordinary resilience of the Jewish people and religion.“Like some of our LAJH residents, this Torah is a survivor of the Holocaust. Bearing witness to our survivors writing letters in a Torah scroll that is being revived, repaired, and completed in honor of them and by them was one of the most meaningful Jewish experiences of my life,” she said. “I felt that they were doing this in honor of the six million Jews who perished during the Holocaust, including and especially their own family members—and, frankly, including even my own family members who died.”In summing up the mission of From the Depths, Daniels describes, “The Torah is what binds us as a people, what connects us as Jews from one generation to the next. To find this Torah scroll, even in its current condition, was completely overwhelming. This is a clear symbol of triumph, showing again the victory of the Jewish spirit over those who try to exterminate us,” he said.After its repair is complete, Daniels intends to donate the scroll to the Knesset (Israeli House of Representatives) in a ceremony attended by politicians and Holocaust survivors from throughout the world.

Friedman-Rudzki brings passion and experience to leading nonprofit focused on senior care (RESEDA, CA – July 5, 2024) Los Angeles Jewish Health has appointed long-time supporter Judy Friedman-Rudzki as chair of its board of directors. Friedman-Rudzki, a prominent Los Angeles-based director and senior treasury officer at Bank of America, will serve a two-year term beginning July 3rd.In her new leadership role, Friedman-Rudzki—only the second woman to occupy the position—will collaborate with senior leaders of the organization as well as colleagues and the broader community to advance the mission of LAJH, one of the nation’s foremost leaders in the provision of care and living options for seniors.“LAJH is a pillar of our community, helping elderly men and women age in comfort and with respect and dignity. I look forward to bringing my professional experience to bear in building on the organization’s incredible vision and ensuring it upholds its fiduciary responsibility to donors,” Friedman-Rudzki said.As board chair, Friedman-Rudzki will spearhead and coordinate the efforts of diverse board professionals whose volunteer service helps strengthen LAJH and ensure its ongoing ability to provide high-quality care for seniors across the Los Angeles area. She will also work in tandem with LAJH executives to meet key strategic objectives such as expanding the organization’s capacity to serve the growing number of older adults  through programs like the Brandman Centers for Senior Care PACE, a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.Friedman-Rudzki has served in a broad array of leadership capacities at LAJH dating back to 2009. Previously a member of the board’s Strategic Planning Committee, she has also chaired its Budget and Finance Committee and in-residence boards for both Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses of LAJH. In addition, she has served on the board of the Annenberg School of Nursing.“As CEO of LAJH, I am delighted to welcome Judy Friedman-Rudzki as our new board chair. Judy’s deep commitment to our mission and her exemplary leadership qualities will undoubtedly continue to steer us towards even greater achievements in senior care and community health. Together, we look forward to continuing our legacy of compassionate service and innovative care for all those we are privileged to serve,” said Dale Surowitz, LAJH’s president and chief executive officer.   ### About Los Angeles Jewish Health: Founded in 1912, Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home) is the largest non-profit, single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. At Los Angeles Jewish Health, thousands of seniors benefit from community-based and in-residence care and services. Programs include independent living; assisted living; senior behavioral health; short-term rehabilitation; skilled nursing; Brandman Centers for Senior Care (PACE); hospice and palliative care; and geriatric and memory care. Los Angeles Jewish Health is also home to the Annenberg School of Nursing