LILLIAN & SAMUEL HECHTMAN II APARTMENTS

Discover Jewish Senior Life!

Contact Jackie Rosender

248-444-2430 jrosender@jslmi.org

LIVING LIVES

OF MEANING

by Jo Strausz Rosen

As we contemplate life in 2024, I hope each of us can lean into making more meaningful moments and take what we’ve learned thus far to make a difference in the world.

To live with meaning, we can begin by recognizing those moments when we are totally engaged in a group activity or with another person doing something we enjoy. Perhaps people who we just met at a concert or at a conference or in synagogue – feel the connection when we are together in the experience. That feeling we share is sometimes referred to as “collective effervescence.”

Another moment is when we lose ourselves while engaged in doing something significant with intention, challenging ourselves. That state of flow is hard to describe, but it’s wonderful and we get things accomplished and it takes our minds off terrifying worries and problems.

FRIENDS

Wow, another wonderful year in the books, the end of my first whole year at JSL. And it’s been a great year. Some of the highlights were Bessie Spector’s^zl Oldest Jewish Americans Celebration, the Meer boutique fashion show, writing, publishing and launching “Don’t Write Me Off!” and a really lovely evening honoring the sponsors and writers at Lives Well Lived: Wrinkles in Time.

Occasionally someone will tell me that they would find my job depressing. I think it depends on how you look at age. Every day, I hang out with people in their nineties (and older!) and, although working with our residents reminds me that our bodies will age, it’s also shown me that whether our spirits dim is largely up to us. I am surrounded by spirits who have not dimmed with age, spirits who have, in fact, become laser focused lights that shine brilliantly.

In addition to our residents, we have such a dedicated corps of volunteers who plan and execute activities and events, run our bistro, café and boutiques, visit with residents, lead discussions, sing-alongs, card games, crafts of all kinds, writing groups, and so much more. There is always something going on at JSL.

One of the most wonderful aspects of working at JSL is the amazing support from the community. We were overwhelmed with the number of people who volunteered for Mitzvah Day this year. Congregations regularly bring in groups of volunteers. Hillel Day School has partnered with us on Dor l’ Dor, bringing students in so older and younger can get to know each other.

Our older adults are in the hearts of this community in a way that is truly special. Having spent time in wonderful Jewish communities around the country, I can still say that Detroit is unique in its closeness, in its support for our congregations, organizations and agencies, and each other. Every day at JSL brings fresh reminders that you who receive and read our newsletter, who live here, who work here, who volunteer here, are bright lights in the world.

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Wishing you all a year of shining brilliantly.

With deep gratitude,

Beth

Director

FRIENDS of Jewish Senior Life

DECEMBER FUN FACT

Professional athletes used to perform in vaudeville during the off-season Before today’s big-league salaries, professional baseball and football players often had to take on jobs during the off-season, The Atlantic reports. Some of them took advantage of their name recognition and hit the vaudeville circuits, doing everything from comedy routines to reciting poems. Babe Ruth even sang - now that's a grand song slam!

FRIDAY FUNNY

MARGOT & WARREN COVILLE

ASSISTED LIVING &

MEMORY CARE

Come see the JSL Difference!

Contact Janet Antin

248-967-4240 jantin@jslmi.org

HECHTMAN

BOOK CLUB

Book Club was held this week in the Fireside Lounge, facilitated by WBL Community Engagement Librarian Emily Tobin. Participants discussed "Code Name Hélène: A Novel" by Ariel Lawhon, based on the thrilling real-life story of a socialite spy who killed a Nazi with her bare hands and went on to become one of the most decorated women in WWII.

Ruthe Levy says, "Emily brings the books to life during our discussions and I love hearing other people’s thoughts and feelings about what they have read."

Tobin chooses the books based on interest, as well as what's available in large print.

"I enjoy engaging the residents and hearing their thoughts, and the discussions are wonderful," Tobin said. Next up is "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus.

Residents are encouraged to come to the meetings, even if they haven’t read or didn’t finish the book.

Watch 1,000 Israeli musicians come together with a musical message to the world to Bring Them Home Now.

CHAIR YOGA IN

OAK PARK

Chair Yoga with Lindsay is a weekly staple at Prentis Apartments in Oak Park. Each week, Lindsay guides residents through gentle stretches and breathing techniques to help reduce stress and pain and provide exercise. Residents enjoy this activity in the dark, promoting relaxation. This week, residents Lloyd and Carol enjoyed it! See below for Workout of the Week for Chair Yoga exercises.

WORKOUT OF

THE WEEK

Gentle Chair Yoga

This Gentle Chair Yoga session, perfect for both beginners and seniors who want to experience the benefits of yoga without getting on the floor, guides you through a series of easy chair-based exercises that improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being. Almost new year 'Namaste'!

WEEKLY RECIPE:

NEW YEAR'S EVE

MENU EDITION

Nosh 'n' Sip Into the New Year

Whether you're hosting or just hanging around, here are some delicious December 31st ideas

(click on any / each picture for the recipe).

First off, toast with:

Manischewitz Champagne Spritzers

Then, enjoy an appetizer

(add some chips/crackers/veggies):

Cheesy Horseradish Bourbon Dip

Later, have a night cap before or as the ball drops:

Bee’s Knees Cocktail

CHEERS!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

9 Predictions for

How We’ll Eat in 2024

Meal-flavored cocktails, premium water and lots of snacks: Here’s what the next year holds for food and drinks.