Los Angeles Jewish Health: Energizing Senior Life

Central to Los Angeles Jewish Health’s commitment to caring for seniors is ensuring residents feel heard, respected, socially engaged, and intellectually challenged. With his lively We the Seniors club, resident Jerry Davis accomplishes all this and more, providing his peers with weekly opportunities for social enrichment and dynamic topics for learning, conversation, and even healthy debate.We the Seniors began as a men’s club—a weekly gathering for male LAJH residents to share ideas and opinions about issues relevant to them and their lives. However, it quickly evolved into something larger and more inclusive.“We started with about two or three guys, but within the first two weeks, it wasn’t just a men’s club, it was for everybody!” Jerry says. “Today, we get more like 35 people, and there are twice as many women as men who participate, which I think is wonderful.”A Meeting of the We the Seniors ClubThe club, which meets weekly on Saturdays in the main dining room of the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, engages participants in discussions focused on a wide range of topics that interest or affect them personally.“The idea is to have a forum for seniors, led by seniors, that covers subjects they want to explore,” Jerry says. “So, for instance, we spent about four weeks talking about antisemitism and the way it’s impacting all of us in the world.”For Jerry, who turns 84 this month, the group has been a highlight of his time at LAJH, where he has spent the past two years. He and his wife of nearly six decades had been living in their home in Westlake Village when Jerry became ill and required a skilled level of daily care.“I moved into LAJH, and my wife stayed at our house, but she comes and visits just about every day,” Jerry says.The move was a positive one for Jerry, who credits the people at LAJH for making it such a hospitable environment.“Living here is great: The staff is incredibly supportive, and the other residents are very social,” he says. “I especially like the activities and the fact that, with clubs like We the Seniors, the staff is so open to helping residents turn their ideas into reality.”Jerry and his fellow club members have channeled their natural curiosity about the world into activism with impact beyond LAJH’s walls. Recently, We the Seniors invited Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield to come speak at a club meeting.A Conversation with Councilmember Bob Blumenfield Hosted by the We the Seniors club“We’re excited to take action and feel like we are contributing to our community,” Jerry says. “It feels extremely rewarding to hear from people like Councilmember Blumenfield—for them to know we’re here, we have a voice, and that our opinions can help make a difference.”At the meeting, Councilmember Blumenfield answered questions on a range of national, state, and local issues and discussed a recent grant from the California Department of Health Care Services that will support the expansion of inpatient behavior health facilities at LAJH. He also presented Jerry with a certificate of recognition for his outstanding leadership in establishing We the Seniors and advocating for older adults in the community.In addition to special guest speakers, We the Seniors welcomes other visitors to its gatherings, including family members of LAJH residents.“We want everyone to know they can contribute to our discussions,” Jerry says. “We believe that, in our community, everyone should be heard.” A Meeting of the We the Seniors clubSenior Vice President of In-Residence Services Ilana Springer, Jerry Davis, founder of the resident-led We the Seniors club, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, LAJH President and CEO Dale SurowitzA Meeting of the We the Seniors clubMembers of the We the Seniors club attend a special visit by Councilmember Bob Blumenfield 

Reflections Following My First High Holy Days at Los Angeles Jewish Healthby Rabbi Marc Kraus, LMFT - Campus Rabbi, Eisenberg VillageThis year, I stood on the bimah for the High Holy Days at Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Eisenberg Village campus for the very first time. In some ways it was new—new place, new faces, new customs to absorb. Yet the holidays didn’t feel like an introduction. Like the rest of my time at LAJH, they felt like being gathered in by a family.As Campus Rabbi, I move between three very different sacred communities that share one campus and one beating heart. I was assisted by our Chief Mission Officer, Rabbi Karen Bender, Joel Stern, and Ben Tzion Kogan.In the Newman Building, our assisted living community, we honored the familiar structure of the traditional prayers—the same Hebrew words, the same moments of whispered private prayer—while making space for each person’s unique needs and story.At Fountainview, where residents can live independently, we were able to gather for these holidays as a shared adventure. Together rabbis and residents experimented with new melodies, reflective intentions, and gentle pauses for back-and-forth conversation. Residents asked probing questions, shared memories, and helped shape services that felt both rooted and fresh.In Goldman Ziman Special Care Center, our memory care community, the High Holy Days felt the most profound. We centered on the core melodies that live on even when so much else feels uncertain: “Avinu Malkeinu,” “Unetaneh Tokef,” “Oseh Shalom.” I watched faces soften, eyes fill with tears, and lips move along to words that sometimes could no longer be spoken in everyday conversation—but were still there, held safely in the music. After Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur came the joy of Sukkot. We gathered staff in the Eisenberg Village sukkah for a staff appreciation celebration, recognizing how much we all give to make these holidays meaningful for our residents. To rejoice there—surrounded by greenery, laughter, and so many caregivers who pour their hearts into the Home—felt like stepping into the heart of this community.At Fountainview, sitting in the sukkah with residents around the dinner table, I heard stories of Sukkot from long ago, of childhood backyards and synagogue courtyards in other cities. We passed platters, made blessings, and felt the fragile walls of the sukkah holding something very strong: our shared Jewish time.What has stayed with me most from this first High Holy Day season is how fully I was welcomed—by residents and by staff across every department. To lead the Days of Awe and Sukkot here is to be reminded that holiness is not confined to a sanctuary or a sermon. It is found in a whispered “amen,” a hand gently held, a melody that unlocks a lifetime of memory, and a simple meal shared under branches open to the sky. For that privilege, and for the embrace of this community, I am deeply grateful. MORE IMAGES OF HIGH HOLY DAYS ACROSS LAJH CAMPUSES: 

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30, 2025 -- AltaMed Health Services, in a partnership with Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) and the Annenberg School of Nursing, recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to announce the creation of the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing. The school is located at AltaMed's East Los Angeles Campus. The program is designed to help meet the ongoing staffing needs for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).AltaMed Health Services, in a partnership with Los Angeles Jewish Health and the Annenberg School of Nursing, recently launched the AltaMed Health Services School of Nursing. The program is designed to help meet the ongoing staffing needs for Licensed Vocational Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants.A nursing class of the Annenberg School of Nursing on AltaMed's East LA Campus"From the very beginning, our vision has been to build a nursing workforce from within, one that reflects the communities we serve and carries forward the AltaMed mission," said AltaMed President and CEO Cástulo de la Rocha. "Over the years, we have worked towards this vision. We aim to address the shortage of bilingual, culturally responsive nurses, and today with our partners from Los Angeles Jewish Health and the Annenberg School of Nursing, that dream has become a reality."The school's new location opened last month with plans to graduate more than 24 nurses during its first year. Serving more than 700,000 people across 60 sites in Los Angeles and Orange counties, AltaMed continues to expand access to high quality health services in the Southern California region."We are delighted to be bringing our state-of-the art nursing school to the team at AltaMed and look forward to expanding the program offerings as their needs evolve," said Dale Surowitz, President and CEO of Los Angeles Jewish Health. "Perhaps most important, this program helps to create a culture where nurses in training learn to better understand the backgrounds, language, and lived experiences of their patients and the critical role that should play in the care experience."With more than 5,700 employees, AltaMed is one of the region's largest employers, providing services to approximately 8% of the Los Angeles population. AltaMed provides comprehensive primary care, pediatrics, dental services, HIV/AIDS care, senior care, behavioral health services, pharmacy services, health education, and more."For more than five decades, AltaMed has remained steadfast in its mission to provide access to high quality health services, regardless of the ability to pay," said de la Rocha. "Our new school of nursing underscores AltaMed's commitment to improve health outcomes in the communities we serve."About Los Angeles Jewish Health: Founded in 1912, non-profit Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJHealth) is the largest single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. 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; PACE; Hospice & Palliative Care; Geriatric Health; Memory Care. In addition, LAJHealth is home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.About AltaMed Health Services:AltaMed understands that when people receive care that considers their individual health needs and respects their cultural preferences; they grow healthy—and help their families do the same. Since 1969, we have delivered complete medical services to communities across Southern California. Our team of qualified multicultural and bilingual professionals—from these same communities— is focused on eliminating barriers to primary care services, senior care programs, and essential community services. With more than 60 accredited health centers and service facilities, we remain committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age. 

Providing residents with robust opportunities for enrichment is a hallmark of life at Los Angeles Jewish Health. From music appreciation to bingo to arts and crafts and beyond, our activities empower seniors to find joy in community and to make the most of every day. Among the most popular pastimes at LAJH is participating in our Pet Therapy Program—a chance for residents to love, hug, and play with the dogs that regularly visit both our Grancell Village and Eisenberg Village campuses. Generously sponsored by the Steven Ohren Foundation, the Pet Therapy Program is the largest of its kind in Los Angeles. Each week, trained dog handlers and their highly-trained therapy dogs stroll the halls of LAJH buildings, offering residents a chance to receive canine cuddles as they reminisce about their own cherished former pets and animal experiences. It is, notes LAJH’s Director of Volunteer Services Stacy Orbach, a program that delights residents and has important therapeutic benefits, as well. “There’s data out there about the positive health impact of programs like ours, including lowering blood pressure and anxiety,” Stacy says. “In addition, seeing the therapy dogs reminds residents about beloved pets from their childhood—activating their memories and getting them telling stories, which is hugely beneficial, especially for people experiencing memory loss.” Steven Zonis, a certified therapy dog handler, has been volunteering weekly at LAJH for years. He and his dogs, standard poodles Rudy and Ella, work together to engage residents and fill their days with joy. “The residents brighten up and smile when Rudy and Ella walk into a room. What they’re responding to is how genuine the dogs are; they just love to give love and get love with no ulterior motives or underlying agendas,” he says. “It’s wonderful to watch.” Rudy and Ella are pros at their work: Both have certifications through the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Los Angeles Police Department, and Rudy is the winner of AKC’s 15 th annual Award for Canine Excellence and a semi-finalist for the American Humane Society’s 2025 Hero Dog Award. They are celebrated members of LAJH’s pet therapy team. With stars like Rudy, Ella, and many others, LAJH’s Pet Therapy Program has a dedicated fan base of residents who look forward to the visits and even prepare for them. One resident has a special bond with a therapy dog named Andrew; she has graham crackers waiting for him when he arrives every Wednesday. On the days she is not there, Andrew goes into her room and waits for her to return. This year, for the fourth year running, LAJH will produce a pet therapy calendar featuring all the dogs from the program. Also made possible by the Steven Ohren Foundation, the calendar is a highly anticipated publication that adorns many residents’ walls and staff work stations.“We’re grateful to the Steven Ohren Foundation for its support, which this year is enabling us to provide copies of the calendar not just to residents and staff, but also to any interested member of the community,” says Corey Slavin, senior vice president of the Los Angeles Jewish Health Foundation. “By sustaining our Pet Therapy Program, as well as our intergenerational music programming, the Steven Ohren Foundation brings meaning, liveliness, and fun to our residents on a daily basis, and we’re thrilled to have their ongoing partnership.” Included in the calendar are photos of the therapy dogs visiting LAJH residents and selected quotes from residents expressing gratitude for their canine friends. “They make us feel alive and useful,” one resident quote says. “They make a lot of people happy and are such a blessing. I can’t get enough of the therapy dogs.” We hope you are as inspired by the Ohren Foundation’s support as we are! If you are interested in receiving a calendar or are interested in supporting LAJH, please email Corey Slavin at [email protected].

A bar or bat mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage—a coming-of-age ceremony that welcomes young Jews into adulthood and signifies their commitment to taking on new responsibilities. Last month, a joyous and meaningful group adult b’nai mitzvah at Los Angeles Jewish Health marked a different kind of passage, celebrating the wisdom, tenacity, and resilience of 10 seniors as they embrace opportunities for learning and growth in older age. Held at LAJH’s Grancell Village campus, the b’nai mitzvah event, the largest bar and bat mitzvah of skilled nursing residents in LAJH’s history, drew a capacity crowd of several hundred people—friends, relatives, loved ones, and staff who came to support the seniors as they chanted in Hebrew and reflected on their Jewish roots. The residents, who ranged in age from 76-98, were Lois Schindel, Selma Schwartz, Cherie Goodman, Harriet Golden, David Lander, Phyllis Gottlieb, Robert Orgen, Richard Zelle, Jack Schlaifer, and Ilene Cohen. In addition to reading from the Torah, the b’nai mitzvah spoke about their Jewish journeys and about the meaning of their lives over the decades. “I was born into a family that had very conservative Jewish ideas, and girls could not be bat mitzvahed,” Cherie said. “I am proud of who I am and glad today I could enjoy that experience.” Phyllis concurred. “My grandfather was a rabbi in Russia, and my father was quite religious, too,” she said. “Judaism has always been central to my upbringing and family identity. My children were bar and bat mitzvahed, and I thought, ‘Why shouldn’t I do it, too?’ They’re all proud of me, and being a bat mitzvah feels very special.” For Robert, having a bar mitzvah required overcoming significant obstacles. “Judaism means the world to me, but after my stroke, nobody had the time or patience to try to teach me Hebrew until I met with LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Bender,” he said. “I’ve wanted this more and more every day, and it has fulfilled my dream.” The residents studied with Rabbi Bender for a full year to prepare for the bar and bat mitzvah ceremony. Under her tutelage, they learned to read sacred text, lead prayers, and gain a deeper understanding regarding the significance of the day. “For most of these residents, this was their first time being called to the Torah,” Rabbi Bender said. “At LAJH, not only do we cultivate physical health, we also inspire residents to pursue their dreams and lives filled with purpose and meaning.” Once the residents had read from the Torah and completed their remarks, Ilana Springer, LAJH’s senior vice president of in-residence services, commended them on their extraordinary achievement. “Thank you for inspiring us, and for showing us that there are goals and dreams we all can reach for in our own lives,” she said. “Mazel tov, and we wish you luck in fulfilling your next dream!” Also on hand at the event was LAJH Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki, who presented the new bar and bat mitzvahs with an engraved kiddush cup. The residents received photographs of themselves and a special certificate to commemorate the day, as well. Following the ceremony, residents and guests were treated to a festive reception. But before they broke bread, LAJH CEO and President Dale Surowitz expressed his admiration of the bar and bat mitzvahs’ strength and positivity. “What you have accomplished is absolutely amazing and demonstrates to all of us that age is only a number,” he said. “You are an inspiration to all of us.”

Ceremony enables 10 elderly residents to explore their Jewish tradition.(RESEDA, CA – September 19, 2025) This September, 10 Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH) residents celebrated their bar and bat mitzvah, the largest cohort of skilled nursing residents in LAJH history to do so. The seniors, ranging in age from 76 to 98, participated in the centuries- old tradition, which is typically celebrated by 12- or 13-year-olds.Held at LAJH’s Grancell Village campus, the event drew a capacity crowd of several hundred people—friends, relatives, loved ones, and staff who came to support the seniors as they chanted in Hebrew and reflected on their Jewish roots. In addition to reading from the Torah, the residents spoke about their Jewish journeys and about the meaning of their lives over the decades.“I was born into a family that had very conservative Jewish ideas, and girls could not be batmitzvahed,” said Cherie Goodman, one of the participants. “I am proud of who I am and glad today I could enjoy that experience.” Phyllis Gottlieb, another participant, concurred. “My grandfather was a rabbi in Russia, and my father was quite religious, too,” she said. “Judaism has always been central to my upbringing and family identity. My children were bar and bat mitzvahed, and I thought, ‘Why shouldn’t I do it, too?’ They’re all proud of me, and being a bat mitzvah feels very special.”For Robert Orgen, having a bar mitzvah required overcoming significant obstacles. “Judaism means the world to me, but after my stroke, nobody had the time or patience to try to teach me Hebrew until I met with LAJH Chief Mission Officer Rabbi Bender,” he said. “I’ve wanted this more and more every day, and it has fulfilled my dream.”The residents studied with Rabbi Bender for a full year to prepare for the bar and bat mitzvah ceremony. Under her tutelage, they learned to read sacred text, lead prayers, and gain a deeper understanding regarding the significance of the day.“For most of these residents, this was their first time being called to the Torah,” Rabbi Bender said. “At LAJH, not only do we cultivate physical health, we also inspire residents to pursue their dreams and lives filled with purpose and meaning.”Once the residents had read from the Torah and completed their remarks, Ilana Springer, LAJH’s senior vice president of in-residence services, commended them on their extraordinary achievement. “Thank you for inspiring us, and for showing us that there are goals and dreams we all can reach for in our own lives,” she said. “Mazel tov, and we wish you luck in fulfilling your next dream!” Also on hand at the event was LAJH Board Chair Judy Friedman-Rudzki, who presented the new bar and bat mitzvahs with an engraved kiddush cup. The residents received photographs of themselves and a special certificate to commemorate the day, as well. Following the ceremony, residents and guests were treated to a festive reception. But before they broke bread, LAJH CEO and President Dale Surowitz expressed his admiration of the bar and bat mitzvahs’ resilience, strength, and positivity.“What you have accomplished is absolutely amazing and demonstrates to all of us that age is only a number,” he said. “You are an inspiration to all of us.”###About Los Angeles Jewish Health: Founded in 1912, non-profit Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJHealth) is the largest single-source provider of comprehensive senior healthcare services in the Los Angeles area, serving nearly 4,000 people each year. Thousands of seniors benefit from our community-based and in- residence care and services. Programs include: Independent Living; Assisted Living; Senior Behavioral Health; Short-Term Rehabilitation; Skilled Nursing; PACE; Hospice & Palliative Care; Geriatric Health; Memory Care. In addition, LAJHealth is home to the Annenberg School of Nursing.