Los Angeles Jewish Health Celebrates Largest Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Skilled Nursing Residents in Its History
Los Angeles Jewish Health Celebrates Largest Bar and Bat Mitzvah of Skilled Nursing Residents in Its History
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.”