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.

September marks National PACE Month, an opportunity to celebrate Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its ability to keep seniors living in their own homes as long as possible. Here in our community, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program is making a tangible difference in improving local seniors’ health by giving them the critical resources and support they need to thrive.BCSC PACE helps coordinate care for seniors by providing them with all-inclusive primary care services, specialty healthcare services, adult day healthcare, transportation and meals. It’s a total gamechanger for program participants, says Paige Yaffe, director of rehabilitation at BCSC PACE.“It can be a challenge for anybody, but especially for older adults, to navigate the current healthcare system, and at BCSC PACE, we take care of all of that for them—making their appointments, driving them to the doctor, and ensuring they receive proper nutrition and medical management,” Paige says. “Our program is wonderful because it removes seniors’ stress about having to take care of their basic needs and allows them instead to start enjoying this phase of their lives.”A central component of BCSC PACE is offering seniors essential tools to help them live independently. This hands-on, in-home service distinguishes BCSC PACE from most other healthcare programs.“We do home safety assessments—something Medicare and HMOs typically don’t do—evaluating people in their own environments and figuring out what will help keep them safe and independent,” Paige says. “That could mean installing grab bars in their showers, putting ramps on their steps so they can get in and out of their homes with the use of a wheelchair or walker, or putting in adaptive equipment to make it easier for them to turn on the stove or open their doors. It’s very gratifying for me as an occupational therapist because I get to see what’s important to our seniors and then figure out how to help them accomplish it.”BCSC PACE has been an indispensable ally and advocate for so many seniors across Los Angeles, including:Guadalupe, an 88-year-old woman who fell in her apartment and broke her hip. After weeks in the hospital, where she underwent both complex hip repair and heart surgery, she was unable to walk or stand for several months. The BCSC PACE team provided vital therapy, and with patience and hard work, Guadalupe can now walk for short distances with a walker and use the bathroom instead of being bedbound for her self-care. She is also able to come to BCSC PACE to participate in activities and socialize with friends.Daniel, a 63-year-old man who built a celebrated career as a chef. He suffered a severe stroke but received very little after care, which left him unable to walk, speak or take care of his basic needs. With extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies at BCSC PACE, Daniel can now walk with a cane and uses a white board to express his thoughts and desires. Today, he is even starting to participate in cooking activities at BCSC PACE, which allows him to reconnect with a core part of his identity.“BCSC PACE does so much good for so many people that it’s hard to capture it all in just a couple of stories,” Paige says. “I think what makes it so successful is that we evaluate seniors from top to bottom, not just treating one diagnosis or issue, but instead trying to figure out holistically how we can help secure their safety and improve their quality of life.”In honor of National PACE Month, this September BCSC PACE will host special events at its Reseda and West Los Angeles locations featuring musical entertainment, games, dancing, and a special menu.“We’re so excited to celebrate our program, the people who make it possible, and the seniors who benefit every day,” Paige says. “BCSC PACE is a place where people can come to be connected with services that help them find joy. Everybody deserves to find happiness, no matter their age!”

August 24th is National Waffle Day, though if you ask Los Angeles Jewish Health resident Joe Levoff, 95, every day is a great day for waffles. Joe, who opened iconic San Fernando Valley restaurant More Than Waffles 50 years ago, was in attendance this past August 24th as LAJH hosted a special event to celebrate the beloved breakfast food and toast to Joe’s enduring L.A. legacy.When Joe first opened the restaurant’s doors in 1975 in the Encino Town Center—the first shopping center on Ventura Boulevard— it was known as Belgian Waffle Chalet. The name was changed a decade later, and More Than Waffles became a Valley institution and must-visit breakfast destination. In 1998, Joe sold More Than Waffles to his long-time waitress and manager, Ika Taft, and her husband, Greg, who met at the restaurant and began their lives together there.Joe LevoffWith proceeds from the sale, Joe moved to Israel, where he had lived during his late teen years and 20s working as a farmer and serving in the country’s army. He stayed there for about 10 years before returning to the U.S. and retiring to LAJH’s Eisenberg Village in 2013.“I loved living at Eisenberg!” Joe recalls. “It’s such an amazing place.”Today, Joe and his partner, Marilyn Poliskin, live in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, located on LAJH’s Grancell Village campus. It was there that LAJH decided to honor Joe—and to share a little breakfast love with his fellow residents—by throwing its National Waffle Day celebration.The event was part of LAJH’s Achieve a Dream program—an opportunity for residents to find joy and fulfillment and make new memories.“We brought Ika to LAJH for a reunion with Joe, so she could catch him up on the latest More Than Waffles news and share with him how his beloved restaurant is still having an impact after half a century,” says Stacy Orbach, LAJH’s director of volunteer services. “It was wonderful: They were able to reminisce, and Joe got a chance to speak to the assembled residents about his life as a restaurant entrepreneur.”LAJH residents at the celebration also learned about how More Than Waffles continues to make a difference in people’s lives.“It’s still such a popular place. If you go during the weekend, you’ll have to wait for an hour!” Joe exclaims. They come for the food, the atmosphere—and perhaps for bit of More Than Waffles’ matchmaking magic: Ika and Greg’s daughter, Henny, helps them run the restaurant, and she met her husband there, too.Ika brought 50 jars of More Than Waffles’ homemade strawberry jam to the event, and LAJH’s Dietary Department brought out waffles for everyone in attendance.“It was a fantastic celebration with a delicious ending,” Stacy says. “At LAJH, we endeavor to make every day that sweet for the incredible seniors in our care.”

For new Los Angeles Jewish Health rabbi Marc Kraus, there’s something special about working in a residential community.“So many rabbis only have a chance to engage with their communities weekly, monthly, or even annually when they come to synagogue. But, at Los Angeles Jewish Health, I get to see people every day and to develop deep pastoral connections with them,” he says. “Finding this job was a dream come true.”Rabbi Kraus arrived at LAJH this summer as campus rabbi for Eisenberg Village, joining Rabbi Karen Bender, who serves as the organization’s chief mission officer. In his brief tenure, he has already gotten the flavor of what makes LAJH’s community unique.“It’s so wonderful to be part of this huge village in the middle of Reseda,” he says. “I’ve been breaking bread with residents at every meal, getting to know them and seeing just how beautiful Jewish life here really is. I feel so incredibly welcomed.”Rabbi Marc KrausA native of London, Rabbi Kraus has been in the U.S. since 2010. After completing his undergraduate degree in Hebrew literature at Oxford, he received his rabbinic ordination from American Jewish University and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William & Mary. Over the course of his professional career, Rabbi Kraus has served as both a pulpit rabbi and a licensed marriage and family therapist.“I’m a spiritual seeker, an academic, and a therapist,” he says. “I believe my diverse experience—whether it was facilitating Orthodox Jewish holiday services in England as a teenager, spending time at an egalitarian yeshiva in Jerusalem, tending to a Conservative synagogue congregation in Virginia, or logging thousands of hours as a marriage and family counselor—has prepared me well to provide LAJH residents with pastoral services that help them find meaning in their everyday lives.”Avoiding denominational labels is central to Rabbi Kraus’ rabbinic approach. “I see myself as a facilitator of people’s Jewish journeys, no matter where they’re coming from,” he says. “I think there is a lot of wisdom in every denomination, and my goal is to meet LAJH residents where they are—recognizing where they’re coming from and adapting accordingly. Ultimately, I want to help people connect with their spirituality in whatever way is most resonant for them.”Singing is another of Rabbi Kraus’ key areas of focus. “Music is such a powerful way to bring people together. As a vocalist, I feel being able to sing is a gift—and being able to share that gift with others is blessing,” he says.Rabbi Bender notes that the many blessings Rabbi Kraus brings are being felt by LAJH residents far and wide. “It is a mitzvah to ‘find yourself a rabbi,’ and we feel truly blessed to have found Rabbi Kraus—and even more so that he has chosen to join the LAJH family,” she says. “He is a gifted scholar, a soulful singer, and a deeply compassionate pastoral presence. In just his first month, he has already inspired minds and touched hearts across our community. We are profoundly grateful to welcome him as the rabbi for both Eisenberg Village and Fountainview at Eisenberg Village.”In the coming weeks and months, Rabbi Kraus looks forward to meeting as many members of the LAJH family as possible. His energy and enthusiasm are nothing short of infectious.“I was overjoyed on the day I started at LAJH,” he says, “and my excitement has only grown every day since.”Rabbi Kraus speaks to residents of the Newman Building 

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.

September marks National PACE Month, an opportunity to celebrate Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and its ability to keep seniors living in their own homes as long as possible. Here in our community, Los Angeles Jewish Health’s Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC) PACE program is making a tangible difference in improving local seniors’ health by giving them the critical resources and support they need to thrive.BCSC PACE helps coordinate care for seniors by providing them with all-inclusive primary care services, specialty healthcare services, adult day healthcare, transportation and meals. It’s a total gamechanger for program participants, says Paige Yaffe, director of rehabilitation at BCSC PACE.“It can be a challenge for anybody, but especially for older adults, to navigate the current healthcare system, and at BCSC PACE, we take care of all of that for them—making their appointments, driving them to the doctor, and ensuring they receive proper nutrition and medical management,” Paige says. “Our program is wonderful because it removes seniors’ stress about having to take care of their basic needs and allows them instead to start enjoying this phase of their lives.”A central component of BCSC PACE is offering seniors essential tools to help them live independently. This hands-on, in-home service distinguishes BCSC PACE from most other healthcare programs.“We do home safety assessments—something Medicare and HMOs typically don’t do—evaluating people in their own environments and figuring out what will help keep them safe and independent,” Paige says. “That could mean installing grab bars in their showers, putting ramps on their steps so they can get in and out of their homes with the use of a wheelchair or walker, or putting in adaptive equipment to make it easier for them to turn on the stove or open their doors. It’s very gratifying for me as an occupational therapist because I get to see what’s important to our seniors and then figure out how to help them accomplish it.”BCSC PACE has been an indispensable ally and advocate for so many seniors across Los Angeles, including:Guadalupe, an 88-year-old woman who fell in her apartment and broke her hip. After weeks in the hospital, where she underwent both complex hip repair and heart surgery, she was unable to walk or stand for several months. The BCSC PACE team provided vital therapy, and with patience and hard work, Guadalupe can now walk for short distances with a walker and use the bathroom instead of being bedbound for her self-care. She is also able to come to BCSC PACE to participate in activities and socialize with friends.Daniel, a 63-year-old man who built a celebrated career as a chef. He suffered a severe stroke but received very little after care, which left him unable to walk, speak or take care of his basic needs. With extensive physical, occupational, and speech therapies at BCSC PACE, Daniel can now walk with a cane and uses a white board to express his thoughts and desires. Today, he is even starting to participate in cooking activities at BCSC PACE, which allows him to reconnect with a core part of his identity.“BCSC PACE does so much good for so many people that it’s hard to capture it all in just a couple of stories,” Paige says. “I think what makes it so successful is that we evaluate seniors from top to bottom, not just treating one diagnosis or issue, but instead trying to figure out holistically how we can help secure their safety and improve their quality of life.”In honor of National PACE Month, this September BCSC PACE will host special events at its Reseda and West Los Angeles locations featuring musical entertainment, games, dancing, and a special menu.“We’re so excited to celebrate our program, the people who make it possible, and the seniors who benefit every day,” Paige says. “BCSC PACE is a place where people can come to be connected with services that help them find joy. Everybody deserves to find happiness, no matter their age!”

August 24th is National Waffle Day, though if you ask Los Angeles Jewish Health resident Joe Levoff, 95, every day is a great day for waffles. Joe, who opened iconic San Fernando Valley restaurant More Than Waffles 50 years ago, was in attendance this past August 24th as LAJH hosted a special event to celebrate the beloved breakfast food and toast to Joe’s enduring L.A. legacy.When Joe first opened the restaurant’s doors in 1975 in the Encino Town Center—the first shopping center on Ventura Boulevard— it was known as Belgian Waffle Chalet. The name was changed a decade later, and More Than Waffles became a Valley institution and must-visit breakfast destination. In 1998, Joe sold More Than Waffles to his long-time waitress and manager, Ika Taft, and her husband, Greg, who met at the restaurant and began their lives together there.Joe LevoffWith proceeds from the sale, Joe moved to Israel, where he had lived during his late teen years and 20s working as a farmer and serving in the country’s army. He stayed there for about 10 years before returning to the U.S. and retiring to LAJH’s Eisenberg Village in 2013.“I loved living at Eisenberg!” Joe recalls. “It’s such an amazing place.”Today, Joe and his partner, Marilyn Poliskin, live in the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center, located on LAJH’s Grancell Village campus. It was there that LAJH decided to honor Joe—and to share a little breakfast love with his fellow residents—by throwing its National Waffle Day celebration.The event was part of LAJH’s Achieve a Dream program—an opportunity for residents to find joy and fulfillment and make new memories.“We brought Ika to LAJH for a reunion with Joe, so she could catch him up on the latest More Than Waffles news and share with him how his beloved restaurant is still having an impact after half a century,” says Stacy Orbach, LAJH’s director of volunteer services. “It was wonderful: They were able to reminisce, and Joe got a chance to speak to the assembled residents about his life as a restaurant entrepreneur.”LAJH residents at the celebration also learned about how More Than Waffles continues to make a difference in people’s lives.“It’s still such a popular place. If you go during the weekend, you’ll have to wait for an hour!” Joe exclaims. They come for the food, the atmosphere—and perhaps for bit of More Than Waffles’ matchmaking magic: Ika and Greg’s daughter, Henny, helps them run the restaurant, and she met her husband there, too.Ika brought 50 jars of More Than Waffles’ homemade strawberry jam to the event, and LAJH’s Dietary Department brought out waffles for everyone in attendance.“It was a fantastic celebration with a delicious ending,” Stacy says. “At LAJH, we endeavor to make every day that sweet for the incredible seniors in our care.”

For new Los Angeles Jewish Health rabbi Marc Kraus, there’s something special about working in a residential community.“So many rabbis only have a chance to engage with their communities weekly, monthly, or even annually when they come to synagogue. But, at Los Angeles Jewish Health, I get to see people every day and to develop deep pastoral connections with them,” he says. “Finding this job was a dream come true.”Rabbi Kraus arrived at LAJH this summer as campus rabbi for Eisenberg Village, joining Rabbi Karen Bender, who serves as the organization’s chief mission officer. In his brief tenure, he has already gotten the flavor of what makes LAJH’s community unique.“It’s so wonderful to be part of this huge village in the middle of Reseda,” he says. “I’ve been breaking bread with residents at every meal, getting to know them and seeing just how beautiful Jewish life here really is. I feel so incredibly welcomed.”Rabbi Marc KrausA native of London, Rabbi Kraus has been in the U.S. since 2010. After completing his undergraduate degree in Hebrew literature at Oxford, he received his rabbinic ordination from American Jewish University and a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from William & Mary. Over the course of his professional career, Rabbi Kraus has served as both a pulpit rabbi and a licensed marriage and family therapist.“I’m a spiritual seeker, an academic, and a therapist,” he says. “I believe my diverse experience—whether it was facilitating Orthodox Jewish holiday services in England as a teenager, spending time at an egalitarian yeshiva in Jerusalem, tending to a Conservative synagogue congregation in Virginia, or logging thousands of hours as a marriage and family counselor—has prepared me well to provide LAJH residents with pastoral services that help them find meaning in their everyday lives.”Avoiding denominational labels is central to Rabbi Kraus’ rabbinic approach. “I see myself as a facilitator of people’s Jewish journeys, no matter where they’re coming from,” he says. “I think there is a lot of wisdom in every denomination, and my goal is to meet LAJH residents where they are—recognizing where they’re coming from and adapting accordingly. Ultimately, I want to help people connect with their spirituality in whatever way is most resonant for them.”Singing is another of Rabbi Kraus’ key areas of focus. “Music is such a powerful way to bring people together. As a vocalist, I feel being able to sing is a gift—and being able to share that gift with others is blessing,” he says.Rabbi Bender notes that the many blessings Rabbi Kraus brings are being felt by LAJH residents far and wide. “It is a mitzvah to ‘find yourself a rabbi,’ and we feel truly blessed to have found Rabbi Kraus—and even more so that he has chosen to join the LAJH family,” she says. “He is a gifted scholar, a soulful singer, and a deeply compassionate pastoral presence. In just his first month, he has already inspired minds and touched hearts across our community. We are profoundly grateful to welcome him as the rabbi for both Eisenberg Village and Fountainview at Eisenberg Village.”In the coming weeks and months, Rabbi Kraus looks forward to meeting as many members of the LAJH family as possible. His energy and enthusiasm are nothing short of infectious.“I was overjoyed on the day I started at LAJH,” he says, “and my excitement has only grown every day since.”Rabbi Kraus speaks to residents of the Newman Building 

Each year, millions of people in this country are helped by psychotropic medications—drugs that affect the mind, emotions, and behavior and that can play an important positive role in regulating mental health. These medications can be life-changing. They also carry serious risks and dangerous consequences, particularly for older adults.Despite their potential danger, psychotropic drugs (including a class known as anti-psychotics) are often prescribed for older adults, including those residing in long-term care facilities and especially those with dementia. Government and other health regulators require nursing homes to report data on the number of residents they serve that are on anti-psychotics, and the numbers in many facilities across the county show widespread use.An important initiative at Los Angeles Jewish Health is addressing this issue head-on and is implementing innovative ways to reduce seniors on psychotropic drugs while improving their overall health. Thanks to a close collaboration between doctors with expertise in geriatrics, nurses, pharmacists, and social workers at LAJH, residents are increasingly showing dramatic health improvements—and even thriving—without these risky medications.“The use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes in the U.S. is a significant problem,” says Noah Marco, MD, CMD, LAJH’s chief medical officer. “For residents with dementia, the instinct to prescribe the drugs is perhaps understandable: They often exhibit behaviors that are difficult to manage with non-medication treatments, a challenge complicated by the lack of FDA- and insurance-approved medications for the agitation caused by Alzheimer’s dementia.”Aida Oganesyan. Dr. Noah Marco, Ilana SpringerTo address this challenge, LAJH has created a new process, bringing an interdisciplinary team together on a monthly basis to review the cases of residents who are on psychotropics and to identify safe and effective ways to reduce or eliminate the use of the drugs for those individuals.  The protocol is yielding impressive results.“Thanks to the dedicated and compassionate clinicians and staff at LAJH, we’ve achieved a 49% reduction of anti-psychotic medication use from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the second quarter of 2025,” Dr. Marco says. “The new numbers put us well below the state average for usage rates—and we accomplished this without increasing prescriptions of other psychotropic medications.”The LAJH teams’ strategy has been driven by a focus on seeking alternate treatments tailored to the individual needs of each specific resident.“We’re working to put gradual dose reductions in place, prioritizing non-pharmacological interventions to support residents’ wellbeing instead of medications,” says Ilana Springer, LAJH’s senior vice president of In-Residence Services. “Often, that translates to learning what kind of activities might prove triggering to a resident and then finding other, more soothing activities to help them feel better.”According to Aida Oganesyan, director of the LAJH pharmacy, this kind of customized care has been critical to the new initiative’s success.“We reduce anti-psychotic medications on a case-by-case basis—and we only do it in concert with providing substantial support for each resident,” Aida says. “By being extremely measured in our approach and providing patient-centered care, we ensure that we’re only tapering residents from these drugs when they truly don’t need them.”Of course, this level of individualized care comes at a cost—one that is made manageable thanks to support from LAJH’s generous donor community.“We could not be doing this without help from our donors, whose contributions allow us to have a higher nurse-to-resident ratio than many nursing homes,” Dr. Marco says. “The additional staff—as well as the many volunteers, residents’ paid companions, and family members who sit with our dementia residents and keep them safe and calm—are far more effective than any medication.” 

Rey Lopez brings experience and community commitment to improving local seniorsʼ lives (RESEDA, CA – July 8, 2025) Los Angeles Jewish Health announced the appointment of Rey Lopez as its chief information officer. Lopez arrives at LAJH with two decades of experience strengthening information technology (IT) infrastructure in the medical field to enhance the delivery of high-quality patient care. Central to Lopezʼs portfolio at LAJH is building technology and business solutions to help the organization grow, to assist its employees to be more efficient in their jobs, and to safeguard residentsʼ health and wellbeing by protecting their sensitive personal health information and data.“Whether itʼs securing electronic health records, streamlining our payroll systems, or reducing cost and boosting the performance of our data reporting systems, there are so many ways we can harness technology to be more nimble and to provide LAJH stakeholders with new pathways to success,” Lopez said. LAJH Chief Information Officer Rey LopezLopez joins the LAJH leadership team at a critical time in the healthcare industry, as emerging technologies play a growing role in the provision of vital care and as concerns around protecting data privacy continue to require best practices in the field. His knowledge and expertise will help drive LAJHʼs strategic approach to effective data management. “We are pleased to welcome Rey as a member of the LAJH family,” said Dale Surowitz, LAJH CEO and president. “His commitment to safeguarding the health and privacy of our residents makes him a perfect addition to our leadership team.” Lopez arrives at LAJH after a long tenure as CIO at Kern Medical in Bakersfield and, before that, as Director of Information Systems, St. Joseph Medical Center at Providence Health & Services in Burbank. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, he attended California State University, Northridge, graduating with a degree in business administration and management information systems. It was as a small business owner in the late 1990s—based in Encino, he consulted on issues related to workerʼs compensation—that Lopez developed an interest in pursuing a healthcare career. His new position at LAJH further deepens his connection to the San Fernando Valley, where he currently resides. “Iʼm so happy to be working in the Valley again, contributing to the community that I love,” Rey says. “Through LAJH, I look forward to helping make it an even better—and healthier—place to live.”