Weekly News & Updates
Caring for Older Adults Since 1907
LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN II APARTMENTS
Take a virtual tour!
Call to learn about our move-in specials!
Contact Jackie Rosender
248-444-2430 or jrosender@jslmi.org
NORMA JEAN & EDWARD MEER APARTMENTS
View our virtual tour below!
Accepting Applications for 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments!
Contact Jackie Rosender
248-444-2430 or jrosender@jslmi.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 23 - Eight Over Eighty
As seen in this week’s edition of the The Detroit Jewish News, (page 18) staff writer, Danny Schwartz profiles our much-anticipated 8 over 80 Annual Event. And…you will be delighted to meet emcee Ned Specktor, who has been in the thick of our JSL community, schmoozing with the residents and staff and learning all he can about life behind the scenes in West Bloomfield and Oak Park. Ned spent the first six years of his career working at Creative Arts, a talent agency in Beverly Hills CA. He then went on to help manage the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato and worked with clients like the Grammys, Ellen, Facebook, and SoulCycle. He produced yearly concerts for the Salvation Army with top artists like Shawn Mendes and many others that focused on promoting the importance of volunteering to teens across the nation. Ned most recently founded Happy Monday, a company focused on helping you thrive, where he shares life and business tools, tips and strategies through social media, and one on one coaching.

Learn more about our 28th Annual virtual event at jslmi.org/8over80
May 21 - Oldest Americans Brunch
Join us virtually and help us honor our community treasures who are 95 and older! RSVP deadline is this Sunday. Register here: jslmi.org/oab
May 9-15 - "If You See My Mother" - Detroit Jewish Film Festival

Laugh and enjoy this JSL sponsored film! Tickets will be available for purchase starting May 9 and are only good for 24 hours from the time of purchase, no advanced ticket sales.
THRIVING
By Jo Strausz Rosen
“I’ve come to believe that each of us has a personal calling that’s as unique as a fingerprint - and that the best way to succeed is to discover what you love and then find a way to offer it to others in the form of service, working hard, and also allowing the energy of the universe to lead you.” Oprah Winfrey

At JSL, our residents and staff have done a pretty great job of surviving life these past 15 months. We’ve had generous help from the community. And we’ve helped and supported each other. While doing so, we’ve realized that having a full life is so much more than just surviving. Our “personal calling” is to thrive. Life is all about fulfillment and finding the best within us and in the world around us.

Some of us have looked within. We started yoga. We changed our diets. We baked pies and cakes. We tried new recipes. We learned new dance steps. We started a journal. We meditated. We prayed. We rekindled our faith and our hope. Our loneliness, isolation, and sorrow over our current condition sometimes brought us down. Some of us slept more. Some of us couldn’t sleep. Some of us found our true passion. Others kept looking harder. The stirring in our hearts continued and the yearning still existed and then by some miracle, through the tragedy of this absurd and horrible world pandemic, an opening in our collective souls has begun to appear. Something stirred us and gave us a renewed sense of hope that despite its challenges, life can indeed change for the better.

Some of us have explored outside of ourselves. We searched the internet, trying to find what feels missing. We learned to Zoom. We binged on Netflix. We signed up for podcasts. We subscribed to newsletters. We followed friends and strangers on social media. We read more books. We watched TV. Or we turned off the TV and took a nature walk. We called our families.
For those who have come closer to discovering our “personal calling,” everything feels a little bit lighter. We get closer to finding our true north. Our hearts are lifted by our journeys within ourselves and beyond ourselves. Like Dorothy on the yellow brick road, we seek to come home. And this COVID-19 journey we’ve been taking together, despite all the doubts, worries, fears and heartache, has offered us new ways to see the potential within ourselves and in the world beyond ourselves. Let’s remember that we’ve always had it within us. Let’s cheer each other on and up. Let’s stand up for the good. Let’s speak out against the bad. Let’s continue to support our friends and loved ones while we find the hidden strengths in ourselves. Let’s try to find some joy in every passing day and remember that this moment is all there is. How will you make the most of it?
OLDEST JEWISH AMERICANS BRUNCH FEATURED IN JN
The Zussman Family
By Shelli Liebman Dorfman

Be it in-person or virtually, honoring senior members of our Jewish community is what the annual Bessie Spector Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch is all about. This year, like in those preceding it, the more the merrier, with individuals 95 or older invited to be a part of the revised but perpetually fun celebration.
ENJOY PHSF'S ANNUAL FUNDRAISER!
On April 29, survivors and donors enjoyed a musical virtual event benefiting the Annual Fundraiser for the Program for Holocaust Survivors. To contribute and support our survivors and their families, visit: jslmi.org/phsf 

Click the link below to enjoy the Michigan Board of Cantors' performance!
HOME WORKOUT
Take a few minutes for yourself to try chair yoga! These stretches can help with pain relief, relaxation, joint health, and flexibility.
LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN I APARTMENTS
Income Based Affordable Housing
Call us at 248-661-5220
BEHIND THE MASK: Meet our Devoted JSL Family
Amanda Martlock resides in Commerce Township. For the past 3 years she has been the JSL Database, Development and Communications Specialist. She creates the newsletter each week, runs the JSL website and social media, photographs, films and editing for various JSL projects, helps oversee donations to JSL, and assists with fundraising events. Amanda is an important part of our JSL team.

She is inspired by the people. “The residents are vibrant and full of life! They prove that life does not end when you move to senior living, it is simply the next great chapter. The staff is so caring and compassionate. They all strive to make JSL special for our residents. And the volunteers, who believe in the mission, are so generous with their time and energy. It is inspiring to work in a place that brings joy to so many people.”
 
Amanda says, “There is never a dull moment at JSL.” She recalls some good times playing balloon volleyball with the Fleischman residents and the day we brought in and interacted with exotic animals.
 
Amanda advises other staff and residents who are coping with the pandemic “to just take it one day at a time. Listen to your body and what it is saying it can handle that day. Also, therapy is a great way to make sure you are taking care of yourself during these uncertain times.”
 
Amanda has a seven-year-old cat named Lucy. “She has loved having me home more this past year. I’m also very close with my dad, and we make sure we see each other for dinner twice weekly. I have many wonderful friends and coworkers that are like family!”
 
Amanda loves food! From a good corned beef sandwich to Sushi, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, or other ethnic foods. She enjoys films, television, and music. “Some favorite tv shows are Schitt’s Creek, New Girl, and Bob’s Burgers. My two favorite music artists right now are Taylor Swift and Haim. I love traveling! I’ve missed it so much this past year. I usually try to go to a different country each year. I’ve been to Australia, Canada, England, France, Thailand, South Korea, Greece, United Arab Emirates, and the Bahamas.” 
 
After the Pandemic ends, I plan to go with my travel friends to a new country. Our next one will be Germany, Ireland, Iceland, or Japan. I am happiest spending time with my kitty, and with friends and family, traveling, redecorating my house, checking out a new restaurant, enjoying art, and shopping.”

We are so grateful to her for her skills and hard work.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MY GRANDMOTHER
In honor of Mother's Day, take a few minutes to watch this special video of Shemika Fox interviewing her 101- year old Grandmother, where they discuss her biggest regret in life, what she would like for the future, and to hear her words of wisdom.
BAGELS, SCHMEAR, AND VOLUNTEERS
If you’re a JSL volunteer or want to be one, please join Leslie Katz on Mondays at 11:00 AM where she will lead a discussion on the latest JSL news with opportunities to volunteer in new and exciting ways.
Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970

Or call in: 312-626-6799 
Meeting ID: 949 2936 8991
Passcode: 257970
SHOP JSL'S ONLINE BOUTIQUE
Stay dry and fashionable this spring with our green and pink rain jackets! Find these and more fabulous items at:

THIS WEEK'S RECIPE
Seven Species Salad

Salad
 1/2 – 1 cup pomegranate seeds
 1 head of romaine lettuce
 6 to 8 figs, quartered
 1 and 1/2 cups seedless (or deseeded) grapes, halved or quartered
 4-6 dates, sliced
 olive oil, to taste
 Tuscanini Balsamic Vinegar, to taste
 1 cup homemade croutons
 1 cup goat cheese (Feta or Israeli Bulgarit)

Dressing
 1/4 cup bee or date honey, such as Galilee's Delicacy Silan Date Syrup 
 1/4 cup Israeli olive oil (such as Zeta)
 4 tablespoons Tuscanini Balsamic Vinegar or lemon juice

Optional
 1 cup bulgur, quinoa, or barley
 1 cup walnuts or seeds of your choice

Directions
1) Combine all the above-mentioned ingredients and drizzle the dressing on top.
Note: To check figs: After slicing, check the inside of the fig for webbing or obvious signs of insect damage. According to the OU, if none is seen the fig may be used.

To Make Homemade Croutons
1) Cut bread into bite-sized pieces and toss into a large bowl.
2) In a separate container, combine olive oil and some favorite spices, such as oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, and of course salt. Shake/stir really well to get all the flavors combined.
3) Pour dressing over the bread cubes and shake up to evenly distribute the flavor. Spread out the croutons on a baking tray or casserole dish. Bake at 200–225 degrees Celsius (400–450 degrees Fahrenheit).
4) After about seven to 10 minutes, shake the tray to make sure croutons are evenly cooked. Feel free to drizzle another bit of olive oil on them!
5) Bake another seven to 10 minutes, until they reach the color and crispness that you prefer.

This recipe is from kosher.com
FRIDAY FUNNY
FOLLOW US!
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SHABBAT SHALOM
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter, JSL Community Chaplain
To Celebrate Together 


Mazel tov!
Our greater Detroit community is once again celebrating its spectacular Annual Bessie Spector z’l” Oldest Jewish Americans Brunch. It will be held virtually on Friday, May 21st.

This heartwarming and beautiful event grows richer each year. The number 95 is a healthy and happy number. It marks a perfect oxygen level. This event serves as the oxygen and the lifeline of our great community. Additionally, 95 is the numerical value of two feminine Hebrew names, Yaffa and Malkah.

Yaffa means beautiful and Malkah symbolizes royalty.

Truly, beauty and royalty accompany the esteemed senior members in attendance.

Seniors, thank you for helping us maintain our oxygen level.
 
Enjoy some inspiration - Shabbat Shalom by Phone
Dial Toll free: 605-313-4107 Access code: 270368#
(Reference number not needed)
Dial # to hear the most recent recorded message.
Rabbi Dovid S. Polter Jewish Community Chaplaincy Program Jewish Senior Life
248-592-5039 • dpolter@jslmi.org
This newsletter was created by Jo Rosen and Amanda Martlock

We’re human, prone to mistakes, so if we erred in our newsletter, please forgive us!
Shabbat Shalom
Nancy Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer
Jennie Klepinger, Chief Financial Officer
Barbra Giles, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives
Jo Strausz Rosen, Executive Director, Development
Dianne Azzopardi, Executive Director, Human Resources
Ron Colasanti, Executive Director, Dining Services
People of all faiths and beliefs are welcome.
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