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Illuminating Celebration and Pride: Chanukah at Los Angeles Jewish Health
Each year, Chanukah invites us to look back at the courage of the Maccabees, a small band that fought not only for survival, but for the right to live openly and proudly as Jews. Their story reminds us that Jewish pride is not loud or boastful; it is steady, resilient, and deeply rooted in identity and purpose. In every generation, Chanukah lifts that message like a flame, and this year at Los Angeles Jewish Health, that flame of pride glowed especially bright.So many of our residents grew up in times and places where Jewish identity was something to be quiet about or carefully held inside. Not only in countries in a state of danger or upheaval, but even in American cities, in neighborhoods, clubs, parks, and workplaces, where subtle messages made it clear that being Jewish was something to soften or conceal. And yet, they persevered. They built families, communities, and lives of meaning, carrying their Judaism forward with quiet strength.Here, at LAJH, no one needs to tuck that part of themselves away. Being Jewish is safe. Indeed, here pride is not resisted; it is cherished. Our residents gather to celebrate, sing, study, light candles, and tell stories not only of the past, but of the journeys that brought them to this community. They are surrounded by peers, caregivers, and friends who honor their heritage and uplift who they are. The joy of Chanukah becomes not only a memory of courage but a living experience of belonging. The plethora of celebratory foods, entertainment, and spiritual celebration serves to enhance it all.And beyond our own story, Chanukah offers an ethical calling: just as we affirm the dignity of Jewish identity, we affirm the dignity of every person. The Chanukah lights teach that every individual should have the right to be themselves. Every human being should enjoy the freedom to live authentically, to feel proud of who they are, and to shine in the fullness of their own unique light. Images of Chanukah from across Los Angeles Jewish Health:
Embracing Life at Los Angeles Jewish Health Without Missing a Beat
Los Angeles Jewish Health rehabilitation patient Thomas Flynn has led a life full of success and accomplishment. But his most recent achievement may well be his greatest yet: surviving and thriving nearly one year after a high-stakes heart transplant.Tom’s health had been on a steady downward trajectory as doctors tried everything possible to address his ventricular tachycardia, a heart rhythm disorder that disrupted the electrical signals necessary for smooth cardiac functioning. After years of treatment and despite utilizing the latest in state-of-the-art medical advances (including surgical ablations and the placement of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator), doctors told him he had reached the end of the road.“I was basically out of options except for a transplant, and at 73 I was older than usual for that kind of procedure,” Tom says. “But I knew I wouldn’t be able to survive long term without it—I had been in the hospital 266 out of 365 days that year, which gives you an indication of how dire my circumstances were.”But Tom was otherwise healthy, without any comorbidities, and his doctors at Cedars-Sinai put him on the transplant list. Their decision saved his life.“It was a long shot, but they took a chance on me. I was the oldest person at Cedars-Sinai to get a transplant last year, and through what feels like a series of miracles, here I am today having turned 74,” Tom says.Those miracles include his medical team at Cedars-Sinai, a donor heart that matched his profile (“I think of that person every single day”), and the rehabilitation care he is receiving at LAJH.“I’ve been in JEK [the Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer Medical Center] for the past six months, and when I first got here, I was hooked up to so many machines that I couldn’t even leave my room for three months,” Tom recalls. “But the team at LAJH is amazing, from the doctors to the senior nursing staff, all the way to the certified nursing assistants. Now, I’m up and walking around, doing things I never thought I’d have the chance to do again!”Thomas FlynnBesides receiving rigorous occupational and physical therapy, Tom is an active member of the resident community.“The therapeutic activities here are incredible. The staff does so much to make sure our neural networks are firing and cognitive synapses are working—hosting discussion groups and learning activities that have residents reaching deep. It’s so gratifying,” he says.The intellectual stimulation has been critically important to Tom, who spent his career in both government and industry working on big ideas to strengthen the fabric of American society.After graduating from Columbia University and Santa Clara University School of Law, he joined the administration of Governor Jerry Brown in Sacramento, where he worked to open California up to international investment and supported the development of Silicon Valley. From there, he pivoted to the private sector, helping bring the first generation of electricity-generating windmills to Palm Springs and facilitating the acquisition of agricultural technology from Israel. Tom’s multifaceted career also included stints as chief executive officer of one of the nation’s premier public opinion and social research firms—where he managed Times/CNN polling for the 1992 and 1996 presidential election cycles—and time as a government consultant collaborating on impactful studies for the Department of Defense and other agencies.He and his wife, Cari Beauchamp, a prominent writer and journalist, split their time between Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and New York, making their marks professionally while also raising their two sons, Jake and Teo. Cari passed away from cancer in 2023.At LAJH, in addition to recovering his physical stamina and sharpening his mental acuity, Tom has fostered new friendships with other JEK residents.“People are so smart and have such fascinating life stories. All of us are here because of medical infirmities, but we still have so much to offer in terms of our various skills and talents,” he says. “The entire LAJH community keeps me active and stimulated, and I’m so grateful every single day.”
LAJH Pays Tribute to MLK Jr. and Reflects on His Powerful Legacy
A shared focus on the pursuit of justice made the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his contemporaries in the American Jewish community natural allies. This past January, Los Angeles Jewish Health honored their historic collaboration with a special Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event that brought together a diverse audience to celebrate Dr. King and help carry his legacy forward.Overseen by Rabbi Karen Bender, LAJH’s chief mission officer, the gathering featured timeless music blending Jewish songs and themes with gospel sounds rooted in the African American tradition. The program was led by Hazan Mike Stein, who served as cantor of Temple Aliyah—now HaMakom—in West Hills for more than two decades and included contributions from Cantor Jenni Asher, HaMakom’s current cantor; Broadway actress Deborah Sharpe-Taylor; singer Fumani Thomas-Schwartz; pianist David Cohen; and numerous others.“Our goal was to present a fusion of music and ideas about the melding of the two cultures, Jewish and African American,” Stein says. “We sang a song I wrote with Deborah called ‘Shalom, Shalom’; ‘Wade in the Water,’ a traditional African American spiritual that was combined with ‘Mi Chamocha’; ‘We Shall Overcome’; and ‘When the Rain Comes Down,’ which speaks to the universal struggles we all go through, no matter our faith or background. Rabbi Bender also offered a beautiful d’var Torah.”The group performs music which blends songs and themes with gospel sounds rooted in the African American tradition. Rabbi Bender’s words of wisdom helped ground the emotionally uplifting musical tribute, emphasizing how the values of Dr. King align completely with Jewish values.“Our resident community at LAJH intuits the profundity of a message that relates to the principles of justice, equality, and loving-kindness,” she said.A highlight of the event was Sharpe-Taylor’s performance as Harriet Tubman. She offered a first-person portrayal of the iconoclastic activist and brought to life her role in the Underground Railroad.“The residents loved Deborah’s reenactment. She tried to embody Harriet, talking about her life, missing her husband, and bringing people to freedom,” Asher says. “When she was finished, Rabbi Bender got up and said, ‘I almost feel as if I met Harriet Tubman today!’”During the program, Asher, the first Black female cantor to be ordained in the United States, offered insights into her own experience as a Jew of color.“It’s amazing to be visible: I have people come up to me all the time to say they’ve never seen a Black or even a female cantor,” she says. “But Jews and Judaism have moved so far in terms of diversity, and I think it’s impactful for seniors to witness this evolution for themselves. The residents of Los Angeles Jewish Health were so warm and happy to see me, which was wonderful.”Also on hand for the event were William “Mickey” Stevenson and his wife, Michelle. Mickey, a legendary producer at Motown Records and one of the principal architects of the “Motown Sound,” talked about the outstanding partnership at the label between Black artists and its executives, some of whom were Jewish.Cantor Stein says the program was particularly resonant for many of the LAJH residents in the audience.“A lot of the seniors remember the ‘60s and were politically active, some of them playing important roles in advancing civil rights in their local communities,” he says. “In fact, my wife, Kelley, an LAJH resident, was actually at the “I Have a Dream” speech march! When Rabbi Bender talked about how Black and Jewish people are connected by traditions that encompass both being slaves and being free, you could see people nodding along. It’s a powerful link that gives us all common ground to stand up for what’s right.”Cantor Jenni Asher Deborah Sharpe-Taylor as Harriet TubmanWilliam “Mickey” Stevenson
Quality and Compliance Coordinator - PACE West LA
We truly value our employees and are committed to their success! We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, as well as support and encouragement for career growth and advancement. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, 9 Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with company matching, and company-paid Life Insurance. Join our team and experience a workplace culture that fosters teamwork, growth, and support!Los Angeles Jewish Health has been a trusted provider of senior healthcare for over 100 years, offering a wide range of services that prioritize excellence and Jewish values. We serve more than 4,000 seniors across our San Fernando Valley campuses, delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, from independent living to specialized healthcare programs.The Brandman Centers for Senior Care (BCSC), a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), provides high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services. We are a program of Los Angeles Jewish Health, renowned for providing quality care to vulnerable seniors.The responsibilities of the Quality & Compliance Coordinator include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities:Collaborate with the Director of Quality & Compliance to maintain communication with CMS and compile quality data in HPMS/CMS systems.Assist in aggregating, analyzing, and reporting data related to participant risk and care processes for the BCSC Annual Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement Program.Review electronic medical records and identify trends, developing corrective actions/improvement plans in collaboration with Program Directors.Coordinate case reviews, quality improvement processes, and support the development and implementation of the organization’s QI Work Plan.Prepare documents and minutes for quarterly QI meetings and related subcommittee meetings.Conduct annual Family Satisfaction Surveys, aggregate and analyze results, and report findings to management and committees.Ensure compliance with HIPAA and PACE regulations, assist in audits, and track in-service learning for PACE staff.Support participant grievance and appeals processes, track participant data, and manage quality assurance activities related to enrollment and disenrollment.Serve as the BCSC Safety Officer, reporting safety concerns and ensuring a safe environment for all.Participate in continuous improvement efforts, staying updated on best practices and applying knowledge to the QI process.Promote participants’ rights and collaborate effectively with staff, peers, and contractors to meet organizational goals.Experience and Skills:Degree and Diplomas: Bachelor’s Degree in any field or equivalent experience.Certificates & Licenses: Verification of completion of CPR (BLS) and first aid training. TB screening and successful completion of a health examination by a hospital-designated nurse practitioner or physician required for employment.Experience: Minimum of one year of experience in Quality Improvement. Professional experience administering, aggregating, and analyzing data and survey results.Skills & Aptitudes: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Attention to detail, accuracy, and consistent follow-through. Ability to work within an Interdisciplinary Team. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with professionals at all organizational levels. Sensitivity to the health beliefs and needs of a multi-ethnic, aging population. Age-specific competency in working with the elderly. Exceptional organizational and analytical skills, including data collection, survey administration, and reporting. Excellent report writing skills.Join Los Angeles Jewish Health and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors in our community. Become part of our compassionate team, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Apply today and start making a difference!
Speech Language Pathologist
We truly value our employees and are committed to their success! We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, as well as support and encouragement for career growth and advancement. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, 9 Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with company matching, and company-paid Life Insurance. Join our team and experience a workplace culture that fosters teamwork, growth, and support!Los Angeles Jewish Health has been a trusted provider of senior healthcare for over 100 years, offering a wide range of services that prioritize excellence and Jewish values. We serve more than 4,000 seniors across our San Fernando Valley campuses, delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, from independent living to specialized healthcare programs.The responsibilities of the Speech Language Pathologist include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities:Screens and evaluates residents to develop appropriate care plans.Under a physician’s direction, provides direct patient/resident treatment based on an established plan of care.Plans, directs, and conducts rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency for individuals with communication, swallowing, or cognitive disorders.Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.Instructs residents, families, and caregivers on how to monitor speech and practice new skills.Completes required forms and documents in accordance with company policies and state and/or federal regulations.Maintains patient records in an accurate and timely manner.Develops special tools and treatment plans tailored to meet the specific needs of patients.Experience and Skills:Master of Science degree in Speech-Language Pathology.Licensed in Speech-Language Pathology as required by state law.Certification in clinical competency (preferred).At least one year of clinical experience is preferred.Supervisory Responsibilities:May supervise Rehab Aides and other staff involved in the program.Physical Demands and Environment:Shift work may be required.Employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands or fingers, reach with hands and arms, feel, talk, and hear.Employee may occasionally assist with lifting and/or transferring patients weighing between 100 to 250 pounds.Employee may occasionally be exposed to blood or other body fluids, fumes, airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals.In compliance with applicable law, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.Join Los Angeles Jewish Health and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors in our community. Become part of our compassionate team, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Apply today and start making a difference!
Dietary Supervisor
We truly value our employees and are committed to their success! We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, as well as support and encouragement for career growth and advancement. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, 9 Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with company matching, and company-paid Life Insurance. Join our team and experience a workplace culture that fosters teamwork, growth, and support!Los Angeles Jewish Health has been a trusted provider of senior healthcare for over 100 years, offering a wide range of services that prioritize excellence and Jewish values. We serve more than 4,000 seniors across our San Fernando Valley campuses, delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, from independent living to specialized healthcare programs.The responsibilities of the Dietary Supervisor include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities:Supervise department and kitchen personnel to ensure work is performed according to specified standards and in compliance with regulations and requirements.Assist with food preparation and catered functions as needed.Help schedule staff according to department needs and catering functions, ensuring alignment with budgetary guidelines.Orient, evaluate, and assess staff performance as needed.Cook and prepare meals as necessary.Order supplies as needed.Experience and Skills:Requires 2-4 years of supervisory experience, preferably in a nursing home or healthcare setting.Food Handling Certification required.Excellent communication skills.Proficient in computer use and customer service-oriented.Spanish language skills are a plus.Join Los Angeles Jewish Health and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors in our community. Become part of our compassionate team, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Apply today and start making a difference!
Registered Nurse – Geriatric Psychiatry Unit
We truly value our employees and are committed to their success! We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, as well as support and encouragement for career growth and advancement. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, 9 Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with company matching, and company-paid Life Insurance. Join our team and experience a workplace culture that fosters teamwork, growth, and support!Los Angeles Jewish Health has been a trusted provider of senior healthcare for over 100 years, offering a wide range of services that prioritize excellence and Jewish values. We serve more than 4,000 seniors across our San Fernando Valley campuses, delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, from independent living to specialized healthcare programs.The Auerbach Geriatric Psychiatry Unit at LAJH is a leading facility for short-term psychiatric care, offering compassionate, specialized treatment tailored to the unique needs of seniors through a nationally-acclaimed model of high-quality care.The responsibilities of the RN include, but are not limited to: Responsibilities:As assigned, assume the administrative authority, responsibility, and accountability of performing the role and responsibilities of the RN Charge Nurse.Review the daily assignment schedule to ensure each staff member and position is on duty, assigned to appropriate work assignments, and scheduled duty hours. Also, review the supervisory staff assigned for each shift, and check all call-ins for the shift and succeeding shifts. Replace absent personnel in accordance with the department’s staffing policy.Complete CPI certification upon hire and annually thereafter.Ensure a comprehensive assessment is completed upon admission, every 12 hours, and whenever there is a change in behavior, including but not limited to assessing suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation.Ensure that documentation is complete in the medical record, including but not limited to: shift charting, patient/family teaching, individual and group attendances, and MD orders.Communicate with the covering provider and staff regarding changes in patient condition, problems, or clinical concerns. Share necessary information with unit staff.Involve the patient in identifying and effectively utilizing coping skills to maintain safety and improve overall mental and physical well-being.Receive reports from RNs on the prior shift, including changes in condition, scheduled discharges, pending intakes, pending laboratory orders, and safety concerns.Audit and monitor patient reactions to treatment and ensure appropriate documentation of the patient’s condition.Initiate the Patient Care Plans for all assigned patients. Each shift, and as warranted by changes in the patient’s condition, ensure that all care plans are current and reflect individualized patient needs and goals.Observe nursing and therapy personnel to ensure established safety procedures are followed in the use of equipment and supplies.Perform other related duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization and patients.Ability to work a 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. shift.Education and Experience:Must possess a current license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) within the State of California.Experience as a registered nurse (RN) in an acute care, long-term care, or psychiatric facility for a minimum of six (6) months is preferred.A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience in psychiatric care is preferred.Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.Assaultive Behavior Training, CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required upon (3) months of hire.Los Angeles County LPS Authorization required within nine (9) months of hire.Join Los Angeles Jewish Health and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors in our community. Become part of our compassionate team, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Apply today and start making a difference!
Campaign Coordinator
We truly value our employees and are committed to their success! We offer long-term employment opportunities with job stability, as well as support and encouragement for career growth and advancement. Our comprehensive benefits package includes Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, Paid Time Off, 9 Paid Holidays, a 403(b) Retirement Plan with company matching, and company-paid Life Insurance. Join our team and experience a workplace culture that fosters teamwork, growth, and support!Los Angeles Jewish Health has been a trusted provider of senior healthcare for over 100 years, offering a wide range of services that prioritize excellence and Jewish values. We serve more than 4,000 seniors across our San Fernando Valley campuses, delivering personalized care tailored to each individual’s needs, from independent living to specialized healthcare programs.The responsibilities of the Campaign Coordinator include, but are not limited to:Responsibilities:Assist in planning, coordination, and execution of capital and annual campaign activities.Maintain campaign timelines, tracking systems, and task lists to ensure milestones are met.Support donor recognition and stewardship efforts, including acknowledgements, reports, and events.Prepare campaign-related materials, proposals, and presentations for major donor meetings.Manage campaign database entries and ensure accurate donor and prospect information.Provide direct administrative support to the Senior Vice President, including scheduling, calendar management, travel arrangements, and meeting preparation.Draft, proofread, and format correspondence, reports and presentations.Coordinate internal and external meetings, ensuring materials and logistics are prepared.Serve as a key liaison between the SVP, internal leadership, donors, and external partners.Help monitor campaign budgets and expenses, preparing reconciliations as needed.Support gift processing, pledge tracking, and reporting in collaboration with Development Services.Education and Skills:Bachelor's degree required, focus in nonprofit management, business, or r elated field preferred.3-5 years of administrative or development exprience, preferably in a nonprofit or philanthropic environment.Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills.High proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with donor databases (Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, or similar) a plus.Discretion, professionalism, and the ability to handle confidential information.Collaborative teanm player with the ability to work independently.Join Los Angeles Jewish Health and make a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors in our community. Become part of our compassionate team, dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Apply today and start making a difference!