Mercer Bucks August 4, 2020

® NEW JERSEY
JEWISH NEWS

PRINCETON | MERCER | BUCKS COUNTIES

A PUBLICATION OF THE JEWISH WEEK MEDIA GROUP
Vo l . X X I I I No . 3 | A ug us t 4 , 2 0 2 0 | 1 4 AV 578 0
njjewishnews.com

Dear Princeton Mercer Bucks New Jersey Jewish News New Jersey
Jewish Community, (1946-2020) Jewish News
succumbs at 74
In light of the Jewish Week So long, farewell,
Media Group’s decision to cease shalom, good night ‘Chronicle of the Jewish
publication of the New Jersey community’ ceases publication
Jewish News (effective with this Sending our love, best wishes, and appreciation in
edition), the Jewish Federation NJJN’s finale Johanna Ginsberg
of Princeton Mercer Bucks would
like to ensure that you remain NJJN Senior Writer
directly informed of the news
affecting our Jewish Community. For more than 70 years, the New Jersey
Jewish News (NJJN) has been essential
To accomplish this goal, we Shabbat reading. Its pages have reported
kindly request that you go to the Jewish issues of the day, from the declara-
our website www.jewishpmb.org tion of Israeli statehood and the trial of Adolf
and sign up with your contact Eichmann to the struggle for Soviet Jewry;
information. See page 7 for more from celebrations of early b’not mitzvah to
information. the hiring of female clergy; from upheaval
in late 1960s Newark to Jewish participation
Thank you for your patience in #BlackLivesMatter protests; from the raid
during this transition. on Entebbe to murders in Pittsburgh, Poway,
and Jersey City. While examining controver-
Jerry Neumann, President sies within the Jewish community and pro-
Jewish Federation of Princeton viding an ethnic lens for local and national
Mercer Bucks news, it also spotlighted the area’s people,
places, and general goings-on. It is the chron-
Gabe Kahn board of directors, icle of the Jewish community in this part of
the state.
Garden State and I penned a short
NJJN Editor of Mind This week’s issue marks the final print
letter to you, our read- publication.

One last time!/ Relax, ers, stating that as The As historian Jonathan Sarna points out
have a drink with me/ One New York Jewish Week, our sister in The New York Jewish Week, NJJN’s sis-
last time. — “Hamilton” publication, will go on hiatus while ter publication, on the demise of the printed
it concentrates on developing an all- newspaper — which follows the closure in
April of the Canadian Jewish News and the
digital model, we will do the same. Forward’s 2019 move to digital-only pub-
lication — “Closures, mergers, and digital
As you can see just below this col- As several readers (and adver- makeovers are inevitable.”

Retirement Living umn, Kai Falkenberg, president of tisers and friends) have asked us When NJJN was sold to The Jewish Week
Inside Pages Media Group in 2016, it was perhaps the first
the Jewish Week Media Group’s Continued on page 11 step in this direction. Still, NJJN has had a
storied run with a trajectory mirroring the
Our Towns 4 Dear Readers, fortunes and interests of the community it
Retrospective 11 We would like to take covered.
Agenda/Gallery 15 this opportunity to tory of the New Jersey Jew-
LifeCycle 16 share a significant ish News. The New Jersey Jewish News was founded
Touch of Torah 18 in 1946 as The Jewish News by the Jewish
Exit Ramp 19 Starting in August, the Community Council of Essex County. Con-
ceived as a tool for the 1946 UJA campaign,
development in the long his- weekly print edition of The according to Jill Hershorin, archivist at the
Jewish Historical Society of New Jersey
New York Jewish Week, our (JHS), its potential became clear to commu-
nity leaders within six weeks. That’s when
sister publication, will go on
Continued on page 12
hiatus while it concentrates

on developing an all-digital

model. As a result, following

this issue NJJN’s print edi-

tion will also go on an indef-

inite hiatus, as it and Jewish

Continued on page 12

NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 20202 Our Towns

As race comes to a reckoning in U.S.,
local synagogues look to education

Michele Alperin Wilma Solomon, one of the creators of the Jewish Center’s anti-racism pro- at the 13thAmendment and arguing that
gram, wears a “YWCA Stand against Racism” T-shirt at a May 28 protest in today’s practice of mass incarceration
NJJN Contributing Writer Trenton, organized by the NJ Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confine- operates as an extension of slavery.
ment to call attention to deaths of prisoners from Covid-19.
After signing on to a June 22 Beth El, Geiger said, is starting with
Jewish Center Zoom program, They also offered various statistics selves and to try to understand the im- education to “create the groundswell”
“Why Did George Floyd Have comparing Black and white populations plicit bias we all have.” His expectation of support necessary to “make a com-
to Die for Us to Pay Attention?,” the nationally and in New Jersey that re- is that this program will clarify “where mitment that we can sustain.”
70 participants saw a bright red back- vealed huge disparities: For example, people are … and will help drive future
ground filled with heavy black print the net worth of Blacks in New Jersey is programs to see what we can do as a Congregation Beth Chaim in
traditionally used as in memoriam — $6,100 and for whites $352,000; Blacks community to fight racism.” Princeton Junction has convened a task
all names of African-Americans who — who make up less than 15 percent force with the goal of positioning the
had been killed by police. To person- of the state’s population — comprise Congregation Beth El in Yardley, synagogue “as a place that is explicitly
alize the experience, participants were 62 percent of the prison population, Pa., is starting its exploration of race antiracist,” Rabbi Adena Blum wrote
asked to choose one of the names and compared to whites, who are only 22 with an educational process that will in a July 17 email to NJJN. “We plan
look up the circumstances of that per- percent of the prison population. ultimately lead into “a long-term, sus- to accomplish this goal through intro-
son’s death. tainable, meaningful action we can take spection, conversation, and education.”
All of the numbers they presented as a community,” said Helene Geiger, They will unveil continuing program-
Linda Oppenheim, with the help of were particularly surprising to Joseph. chair of the adult education commit- ming beginning close to the High Holi-
Miki Mendelsohn, Lori Simon, Paget tee. The synagogue initiated its “Racial days and leading up to Juneteenth 2021.
Berger, and Wilma Solomon, created “It’s kind of shocking that it’s still Justice” series on June 30, with work-
the program in response to a request happening,” she said. “I thought in shops for adults and teens facilitated by Beth Chaim is starting with two
by Heidi Joseph, vice president of pro- the ’60s this was all addressed. We Ben Fink, a community organizer with programs facilitated by Billy Planer,
gramming at the Princeton synagogue. shouldn’t be having these issues any- Roadside Theater: Art in a Democracy, founding director of Etgar 36, a Jew-
Joseph was interested in developing more.” whose mission is to “enlist the power ish organization dedicated to explor-
an online event, she told NJJN, that of theater, music, media, education, and ing the connections between Judaism
“would address the issue, get people’s One follow-up activity that grew other arts” to promote social issues, ac- and civil rights in America. The first
attention, and get them to see that we out of the meeting was to study in pairs cording to its website. The technique conversation, on Aug. 13, is titled
should be concerned about this — not and small groups, which began on July he used was “story circles,” where “Jews and Blacks in the Civil Rights
necessarily to provide solutions, but to 28 with the introduction and first chap- congregants shared personal stories in Era and Now: Midrash and Fact,” and
discuss where we are as people.” ter of “Waking Up White, and Find- response to the prompt, “When was the the second, on Aug. 27, “How to Be
ing Myself in the Story of Race,” by first time you realized you were white Comfortable Having Uncomfortable
Oppenheim was familiar with the Debby Irving. and not Black, from a privilege point of Conversations.” They’ve also planned a
issues from her involvement with Not view?” Then Fink drew out common- Zoom tour of African-American artists
in Our Town, an anti-racism group in Other local synagogues have simi- alities in the responses. at the Princeton UniversityArt Museum
Princeton, and from “Examining Rac- larly worked to educate their members on Thursday, Aug. 20, led by docent
ism: Looking Inward First,” a two-ses- on issues of race. On Aug. 4 and 18 “The adults went to experiences Adria Sherman.
sion class she had created with others Adath Israel Congregation in Law- they’ve had where they had privilege
and presented to congregants and reli- renceville will be offering an online and where their Black friends didn’t The board of trustees, Rabbi Stuart
gious school students in 2018 and 2019. version of the “Examining Racism” find it such an easy route,” Geiger said. Pollack, Rabbi Jordan Goldson, and
Its purpose, she said, is “to get people workshop. Cantor Orna Green of Har Sinai Tem-
to not just be listening but thinking On Aug. 13, Beth El plans a discus- ple in Pennington issued a statement on
about how their lives relate to racism “What I’m looking forward to is sion of Ava DuVernay’s documentary, June 20 acknowledging “generations
and what we teach them about white an intimate, interactive program,” said “13th,” which explores the history of of systemic racism, oppression, and in-
supremacy.” Adath Israel’s Rabbi Benjamin Adler. race and our criminal system by looking equity,” and denouncing the senseless
“It will not just be a program for people killings of Black lives “because their
“We framed it as kind of a shiva,” to get information, but to work on our- killers refused to acknowledge their
Oppenheim said of the June 22 pro- humanity.” The congregation also es-
gram, which curated several powerful tablished a committee, said President
video segments as a wake-up call. Lewis Dauer, “to determine how we
can use our influence to bring lasting
One was a short film, “The Look,” change.”
by Procter & Gamble, where a Black
man encountered a number of micro- Goldson told NJJN that he sees this
aggressions, the small experiences that issue “as being an important part of our
Black Americans experience on a daily social action agenda in the coming year
basis: a woman rolling up her windows and as we move on. I think we have
as he and his son walk by her car, the learned that we all have to listen to peo-
white people in an elevator not hold- ple of color and Jews of color and what
ing the door open when they see him they have been dealing with, and find
coming, not being waited on in a café out with them how we move forward.”
until the white people who came in later
are taken care of, and being followed “It is incumbent on us to address
in a store. The clip ends with the same these things, to talk about them, and to
Black man, a judge, calling his court- think about them,” Goldson added. “We
room to order. may be doing it on our own, but I think
it’s important to do as a community.” ■

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Bunked at home, but preserving the camp spirit philosophy help us make NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020
meaningful connections
Among Rabbi Shayna Golkow’s that lead to better, more
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bat-o-grams she received while a Providing hourly and
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into shapes, like hearts, stars,
and the sun — decorated by the
sender. The missives — private,
uplifting messages exchanged Founders of Shabbat-o-Grams, Ben
among campers and staff — were Zauzmer and Rabbi Shayna Golkow.
delivered Friday afternoons.
COURTESY SHAYNA GOLKOW

“It was a way to make everyone feel loved, special, and included
going into Shabbat each week,” Golkow told NJJN in a telephone inter-
view. Golkow, who grew up in Cherry Hill, is second rabbi at Temple
Aliyah in Los Angeles.
When most sleepaway camps announced that they would not open
this summer, Golkow and partner Ben Zauzmer, a former camper at URJ
Camp Harlam who grew up outside of Philadelphia, sought a way to fos-
ter connections and bring the lost magic of camp into families’ homes.
They launched the next gen of Shabbat-o-grams: Shabbat-o-Grams.
com, a website for campers, staff, alumnae, and others to share decora-
tive and personalized good wishes and notes of appreciation (with an
optional photo upload).
Zauzmer, who works in operations for the L.A. Dodgers, applied his
coding and web development skills to create a project “meaningful for
both of us,” he said.
Now in their second month of operations, the messages are due be-
fore 4 p.m. Friday afternoons and are texted, emailed, or posted to Insta-
gram (@shabbat.o.grams). So far, more than 500 people have received a
Shabbat-o-Gram, which is free, and neither Golkow nor Zauzmer make
money from the project. Instead, recipients are sent a link to the sender’s
camp to make an optional donation.
An unintended result of the project is interest beyond camps; the
founders said a few congregational schools and synagogues from across ® PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT
the country have reached out and inquired about using the site. New Jersey Jewish News, an independent
“I think people like this idea of virtually trying to stay connected on Vol. XXIII No. 3 August 4, 2020 14 Av 5780 voice, seeks to inform, engage and inspire its
Shabbat and sort of running with it,” said Zauzmer. — NJJN Managing EDITORIAL readers, covering and helping to build com-
Editor Shira Vickar-Fox Gabe Kahn, Editor munity. The Princeton Mercer Bucks edition
Shira Vickar-Fox, Managing Editor of NJJN (USPS 1227) is published monthly
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NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 20204 Our Towns
Reflections on a lifelong
relationship with NJJN

Lori Silberman Brauner Lori Silberman Brauner on assignment in the birth announcements for my sons. In my family we
Sahara Desert. learned to recognize community “machers” by their
NJJN Deputy Managing Editor Jewish News headshots, portraits of perfectly coiffed
the confines of a closely knit neighborhood. All of volunteers taken by locally renowned photographers
It is not a stretch to say that I cut my teeth on the our family lifecycle events were published, from my such as Eric Wagman.
New Jersey Jewish News, simply known as “The parents’ wedding to my own Hebrew High school
Jewish News” when I was a child growing up in graduation, wedding announcement, and subsequent Still, I never expected that I would spend over 20
suburban Essex County. years of my life (well, on and off) at this community
institution.
My family had strong ties to the community
served by the original Jewish News, which was In 1997, a fresh graduate of Columbia Univer-
Newark and its suburbs. My maternal grandparents sity’s Graduate School of Journalism, I was hired by
lived in the legendary Weequahic section of Newark, the late David Twersky and managing editor Debra
the neighborhood that inspired Philip Roth’s novels Rubin (not to be confused with former NJJN Bureau
(he even referenced my great-aunt, “Mrs. [Hana] Chief Debbie Rubin) as a staff writer at the newly
Duchin,” his elementary school teacher, in one!). I expanded New Jersey Jewish News, which covered
loved summers when my grandmother would come Essex, Morris, and Union counties, and later grew
visit and get together with her siblings in our home, to include Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, and even
hearing stories — both hilarious and tragic — of the Bucks County, Pa. It was the perfect place to hone
Newark streets where everyone knew each other. my newly acquired journalism skills, and David, a
They later moved to Maplewood before relocating storied journalist who had worked for The Forward,
to Florida when my mother was 13. My father’s was an editor who, to say diplomatically, both chal-
parents lived in Orange, where he graduated from lenged and pushed his writers.
high school and where my newly married parents
resided and raised me before moving to Roseland I had some fabulous adventures under his leader-
when I was 7. ship, from fielding phone calls to him from impris-
oned U.S. spy Jonathan Pollard to taking a press trip
For us, the Jewish News was the vehicle to keep to Israel and covering (then former prime minister)
up with the extended Jewish community, which, after Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Joseph Kushner He-
the Newark riots of 1967 and subsequent exodus to brew Academy in 1999.
the suburbs, was no longer bound together within
He even sent me to Palm Beach County, Florida,

Virtual race honors life of
Rabbi Adam Feldman

Michele Alperin Billy Grenis, at left, with Rabbi Adam Feldman ball for Ilan,” Grenis recalled. He also said the
in 2017. rabbi brought his mother a pair of pink boxing
NJJN Contributing Writer gloves after she had been diagnosed with cancer.
who said that Feldman “was always there at im-
A 100-mile virtual race launches this month portant times” for him and his family. The virtual journey will begin in mid-August
to honor the memory of Rabbi Adam Feld- and will end on Feldman’s Hebrew birthday —
man, spiritual leader of The Jewish Center “Rabbi Feldman came to one of my high school and erev Rosh HaShanah — the 29th of Elul
(TJC) in Princeton, who died Dec. 24, 2019, at football games and at the end had me sign a foot- (which falls this year on Sept. 18).
age 55.
Included in the sites along the route is Hebrew
TJC member Billy Grenis, with Feldman’s University in Jerusalem, where Feldman spent
family, wife Sara Bucholtz and their children time after high school and during his junior year
Talia, Dena, and Ilan, created a path that travels of college, and Robinson’s Arch, near the West-
through important places in the rabbi’s life, start- ern Wall, where Jewish Center b’nei mitzvah are
ing in Jerusalem, teleporting to New Jersey, and celebrated.
ending at Citizens Bank Park, home of Feldman’s
beloved Phillies. Grenis plans to run his 100 miles. Those less
athletically inclined are able to form teams.
“We’re going to write explanations about why
we chose these spots along the route and include Bucholtz said she sees the effort as a way of
some photos that go along with them,” Bucholtz “making goals and tracking your progress,” not as
told NJJN. an athletic competition.

The route can be completed by walking, run- “The four in my house are going to be a group,”
ning, or cycling, and the progress will be tracked she said. “I think together we can hit 100 miles.”
on an app, named Tucan, developed by Grenis,
Registration costs $18. Tucan will donate all
proceeds to The Jewish Center. For more informa-
tion, visit thejewishcenter.org. ■

Our Towns 5 NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020

intrigued by what NJ snowbirds were doing with plore and write about other areas outside the Jewish NJ virtual arts
their time down South and how the local federation community, including the United Nations, interna- guide launched
was maintaining ties to this group (and their fund- tional development, and maternal health, topics that
raising dollars). I had a blast renting a car and driving had piqued my interest. Discover JerseyArts, a cosponsored project of the
up and down Interstate 95 speaking to residents and New Jersey State Council on theArts andArtPride
UJA officials; one of the best quotes I obtained was By the fall of 2016, NJJN was sold to The Jew- New Jersey Foundation, is sponsoring Jersey Arts
from a federation staffer in Boca Raton who told me ish Week Media Group, which published the highly at Home, a compilation of virtual experiences from
you have to “pay to play,” i.e., it required big bucks regarded New York Jewish Week and retained me New Jersey-based cultural organizations. Found
to be included in the glamorous fundraisers held in on staff, initially for two days and then eventually at JerseyArts.com/atHome, the curated collection
gated retirement communities such as Boca West. full-time under the leadership of Editor Gabe Kahn, features workshops with local artisans, shows with
who promoted me to deputy managing editor. More international superstars, master classes with sea-
After having my first son in 2000, I scaled back of a peer than a traditional “boss,” he and Manag- soned instructors, interactive jam sessions, creative
professionally and eventually went freelance before ing Editor Shira Vickar-Fox, both fellow Columbia prompts, and classic performances.
rejoining the staff part-time as a copy editor in the fall J-School graduates, encouraged me to continue writ-
of 2005, when my oldest was starting kindergarten. ing about issues I was excited about, such as Jewish “We have an extraordinary creative community,
By then Andrew Silow-Carroll, also a well-respected travel and heritage. They even pretended not to mind and the Council is not at all surprised to see the in-
journalist, had become editor in chief, and the office when I would disappear for a week or more at a time novative ways artists and arts organizations have
was a very family-friendly, supportive place to work. to explore Jewish Morocco, Curacao, Portugal, and quickly adapted to the circumstances,” saidAllison
I officially worked four days a week, including one Israel, confident that I would thoroughly write about Tratner, executive director of the New Jersey State
day a week at home, and found the time to take my my experiences when I returned. Council on the Arts. “With Jersey Arts at Home,
younger son to Music Together classes and even help people of all ages and interests can safely partici-
chaperone occasional school trips. Once they both The coronavirus pandemic obviously put a stop pate in arts experiences that inspire, entertain, and
reached school age (and with a ridiculous amount of to these adventures, and its toll on the newspaper connect us.”
time off from Jewish day school), I could take them — and just about every other industry — has been
to work with me without a hitch, and the boys were nothing short of devastating. While I don’t know Activities and programs listed on the Jersey
well-known fixtures in my office. what the future holds, I’m confident that I will land Arts at Home page are updated regularly by Dis-
on my feet, and that NJJN will continue to be part cover Jersey Arts project staff in an effort to share
Ironically, as my need for child care waned so did of my life, through the friendships I’ve made at the a wide variety of artistic options. Cultural organi-
my hours at NJJN, as it began to absorb the impact newspaper and enough memories — not to mention zations from across New Jersey are welcome to
of the last decade’s print newspaper industry decline. clips — that could fill a dozen recycling bins. ■ submit experiences for consideration.
My schedule was eventually cut to two days a week,
which had its own benefits as it gave me time to ex- [email protected]

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NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 20206 Our Towns

Congregant-led classes
build communities in synagogues

Michele Alperin Barbara Gantwerk, a Jewish Center member, people — why not offer it to be helpful to congregants?”
hosted “A Doll Maker’s Journey” in June, during “It’s really a neat way for people to connect and
NJJN Contributing Writer which she shared her passion and techniques for
creating natural fiber dolls. PHOTO BY LEW GANTWERK share things they love with each other and put a human
W hen Jack Wellerstein was asked to lead a face on the whole situation while we are all cooped up,”
Zoom session on “Starting a Backyard Gar- in East Windsor. “[Members] are inviting people into said Congregation Beth El’s Rabbi Raysh Weiss.
den” for the Share Your Passion series at their houses virtually, and they are learning a lot and
Congregation Beth El in Yardley, Pa., he agreed, but sharing a lot.” To expand the power of these meetings, the Yardley
was skeptical anyone would attend. Turns out, not only synagogue set up opportunities for “incidental social-
did he have a bunch of inquisitive attendees but he also Beth ElYardley congregant Penny Bardfeld, who had izing” before and after online programs. “That is so
ended up facilitating a mitzvah. been offering a weight-loss series at her gym, did a work- important, to have an opportunity to talk to each other,”
shop on food portion size, titled “Portion Distortion.” said Geiger. “We can see each other’s faces.”
One of the participants in the program was a young
woman with medical issues who lived alone. She “These days people are more conscious about what Albert told NJJN that member-hosted Zoom pro-
they want to eat and how they want to eat,” she said. “I grams fill a need. “We missed seeing each other every
wanted to build a raised bed for feel like I do have a skill and have been able to help other week at synagogue and have amazing congregants who
Coronavirus planting but was unable to do have a lot to share,” she said.

so on her own, and during the Congregant-led programs have ranged from teach-
workshop she offered to pay someone to help. Instead, ing Israeli line dancing to baking cheesecake and chal-
participants immediately volunteered their teens. lah, and from exploring the Jewish history of chess to
having a former Beth El family share their experiences
“The community came together to make this lady a of making aliyah.
garden,” said Helene Geiger, adult education committee
chair of Beth El. “People were doing it from their hearts.” “We are getting to know not only the content, but
different things about people’s expertise outside of the
Even as we are facing Zoom weariness, the technol- synagogue,” Albert said.
ogy has offered Mercer Bucks congregations opportu-
nities for community building outside of worship and Anne Berman-Waldorf, director of lifelong educa-
Jewish rituals. With everyone spending more time at tion at Congregation Beth Chaim in Princeton Junction,
home, members are stepping up and leading sessions said, “As people are staying home, we want to be able
on professional interests or hobbies such as art, baking, to offer more programming. People are looking for
Israeli dance, doll making, and more. things to do and for more ways to connect, especially
people living alone.”
“We are in strange times, and I think this is giving
people the opportunity to think outside the box,” said At Beth Chaim, people are teaching classes, ac-
CelesteAlbert, membership chair at Beth El Synagogue cording to Anne Berman-Waldorf, “that grow out of
their professional or artistic expertise,” such as Adria
FROM A PROFESSIONAL Sherman, a textile artist and docent at the Princeton
RACECAR DRIVER TO THE University Art Museum, who led a June workshop on
WHEELS FOR YOUR “Jewish artists in Paris.”
LITTLE SPEED DEMON
Lynne Ross, co-chair of arts and cultural affairs at
We insure them. the Jewish Center, told NJJN about how she and her
co-chair, Helaine Isaacs, came to create a range of pro-
Family-owned for four generations, Borden Perlman has global reach, community grams growing out of hobbies or professional pursuits.
roots. Licensed in 50 states, we work tirelessly to insure what’s important to you. Because both women have jobs, Ross said they wanted
Call Heather Vogel at 609-482-2203 to discuss a personalized solution. programs that were easy to do with either congregants
home . auto . valuables “showing off a little about themselves or letting other
congregants know a little more about them,” she said.
609.896.3434 | 800.932.4476 “It is more like community-building than it is an intel-
BORDENPERLMAN.COM lectual pursuit.”
250 Phillips Blvd., Suite 280, Ewing, NJ 08618
120 Albany St., Tower II, Suite 405, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 The resulting programs reflected people’s passions
— from cooking, raising orchids, doll-making, and de-
signing gardens to yoga, needlepoint, and watercolors
— and gave everyone involved the chance to learn new
things about themselves.

All in all, the programs appear to have had positive
effects on synagogue communities.

“It helps not only when congregants can see each
other, but they get to know something about different
congregants that may help them make a stronger con-
nection with them the next time they see them,” said
Ross. “People become more multidimensional.”

Geiger of Beth El in Yardley told NJJN that while
people are isolating at home they yearn to be together
with others. She said, “I’ve always had the contention
that our congregation was a community, but I think
Covid has really given us an opportunity to prove it.” ■

7

NJ Jewish News ■ Princeton-Mercer-Bucks Edition ■ August 4, 2020

In light of the New Jersey Jewish News’ decision to stop publication,
we thank them for their support and partnership and wish them well.

To continue receiving news, please provide your email address at
www.jewishpmb.org

(“Sign-up for Newsletter” button)

SIGNING UP NOW will keep you informed on what’s happening
locally, nationally, and globally. Keep connected to Jewish events and

issues in the Greater Princeton-Mercer-Bucks area, such as:

• Jewish Programming - Jewish • Jewish Continuity
speakers, fun children’s • Israel
programs, and holiday • Anti-Semitism
celebrations • Security

We are committed to keeping our community informed,
together, and engaged.

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8

NJ Jewish News ■ Princeton-Mercer-Bucks Edition ■ August 4, 2020 ThankYou!
To the 195 donors that supported the Jewish Community
COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund of Greater Mercer

Abe and Bernice Abramovich Bobbi & Barry Freedman Michael Katz & Sandy Kurinsky ** Julius and Marsha Richter
Arlene Abrams Marsha & Eliot Freeman Mindy & Corey Langer Ian Rohin
Beth & Jonathan Frieder Donna Laurie
Barbara & Bernard Abramson Andrea Rona
Adele Agin Donna & David Gabai Karen Brodsky & Donald Leibowitz Emily Rose
Andrea & Benjamin Genek Jeanne & Sher Leiman Abigail Rose & Adam Seiden
Steven Sheriff and Michele Alperin Judy & Michael Leopold Lynne Ross
Marshall & Caryn Alter Felice Ginsberg Joan Levin Martha & Marty Rossman
Gaby Altman Rabbi Elisa Goldberg Judy & Bob Levine Frederick Rothstein
Fran & Assaf Amir James Levy Kenneth Rubin
Karen & Rich Anderson Paul Goldberg Erica Lewanda Renee Leslie Sachs **
Judy Axelrod Abram Goldfinger Barbara Litt Danielle Sadock
Lynne Azarchi Danna Livstone Lois & Jan Safer
Scott Babitz Michelle Goldis Jeffrey Lockman Robyn Safran
Nancy & William Goldstein Curtis Loeb Norma Saks
Dr Karen Cohen and Jeff Bacharach Robert and Ruth Goldston Allen & Judith Lovitch Marcy Samet
Barbara Berg Rebecca & Josh Sarett
Janet Barudin Anne Gordon Amy Becker-Mattes & Jeffrey Mattes Jeri & Scott Schaefer **
Nancy Becker Cheryl & Allen Gorski Ohad Mayblum Robert Schapire
Jane Schuster
Sheila & Gerald Berkelhammer Ira Greenberg Linda and Art Meisel Judy & Martin Schwartz **
John Berkery Jonathan & Susan Gross Lewis Meixler Robert Schwartz
Richard Meyer Jimmy Schwartz
Sheldon Berkman Leslie Grunes Marc Schwarzman
Charles Berkman-Lavine Maxine Gurk Steve & Judy Minsky Harold Shapiro
Diane Guvenis Sally Moses Michelle Shapiro
Laurie Berman Victor & Dena Hammel Donna Sher
Ilanit Bero Natalie Harrington Naomi Richman Neumann Philip Shuman
Martha Friedman & Harold Heft & Jerry Neumann ** Adam Silverberg
Iris & Sanford Bing Seymour Henenberg Linda Oppenheim Robin & Gabe Smolarz
Jen & Jeremy Black Laurie & Daniel Herscovici Stuart Ostrowsky Joanne Snow **
Beatrice & Michael Bloom Arthur Hoenig Jon Parker Jeff and Wendy Soos
Marilyn D. Holtzman Elisa & Cary Spiegel
Allen Bloom Carol & Herbert Horowitz Lauren & Adam Pechter Sally Steinberg-Brent
Camille Bloomberg Jill & Gregg Jaclin Arlene Pedovitch Gene Stern
Harold Borkan ** Curtis Johnson Patti Plittman Hazel Stix **
Charlene & Scott Borsack Emily & Seth Josephson Kenneth Pogrob Sara Stopek
Bruce Kaplan Rita Swirsky
Leah Boustan Stanley Katz Alison & David Politziner Margo Tarasov
Jeffrey Boyarsky Sharyn Keiser Robert Pollack David Taylor
Peter Kenen Lisa Tobias
Julie Brenner Mary Ellen Kessler Carol & Mark Pollard Marissa & Jesse Treu
Daniel Brent Marshall Kizner Daniel Popkin Ernestine Urken
Sara Bucholtz Morton Kobrin Andrea Rabel Tirza Wahrman-Mitlak & Warren Mitlak
Herschel and Leslie Burstyn Stacey Wasserman
Edward Campbell Ari Kolker Steven Rabinowitz Fred Weiner
Lewis Cashman Elliot Kotzker Sandra Rabinowitz Felice Weiner
Helaine Chairnoff Miki & Randy Krakauer ** Susan Weintraub
Brian & Dr Jill Chevlin Renée & Jason Krane Julie Ramirez Martha & Steven Weiss
Janet & Howard Cohen ** Rafi Reguer Patti Wold
Seth Coplin Stanley Reis
Patricia Coplin Jill Wolk
Thanks to your gifts the Fund distributed $165,000 in grants to: Bernard Wright
Pop Dan Deborah Yaffe
Ruth & Robert Davidson Greenwood House Amy & Eran Zacks
JCC / Abrams Camps Anonymous (3)
Jess & Ted Deutsch Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Elizabeth Dickerman Adath Israel Congregation ** This donation was made through a Donor
Beth El Synagogue Advised Fund at the Jewish Community
Richard Dickson Congregation Beth Chaim Foundation of Greater Mercer
Jose DiMatiella
Har SinaiTemple
Tina Dong The Jewish Center
Holli Elias
Myra Epstein Corrected and updated version
Susan & Michael Falcon
Lori & Michael Feldstein **
Kate Fisher
Debra Frank
Roberta & Arthur Frank
Brian Frasco
Deborah Freedman

9

ANNUAL MEETING NJ Jewish News ■ Princeton-Mercer-Bucks Edition ■ August 4, 2020

7.23.20 HIGHLIGHTS

We honored the committee members that
headed up Jewish Community COVID-19
Emergency Response Fund of Greater Mercer
that raised $165,000 from 195 community donors

STEERING COMMITTEE GRANT COMMITTEE

DAN HERSCOVICI - CO-CHAIR DON LEIBOWITZ - CO-CHAIR ELIOT FREEMAN - CO-CHAIR LISATOBIAS - CO-CHAIR

CONTENT FUNDRAISING ADELE AGIN HAROLD HEFT
JEREMY BLACK DAN BRENT JUDY AXELROD DAN HERSCOVICI
ADRIENNE RUBIN HOWARD COHEN SKIP BERMAN DON LEIBOWITZ
MARCY SAMET ROB DAVIDSON DAN BRENT RABBI BEN ADLER
PAUL SCHINDEL MARSHA & ELIOT FREEMAN SUSAN FALCON
WENDY SOOS JERRY NEUMANN
STAFF: LINDA MEISEL & MARK MERKOVITZ

“Thank you to the Jewish community and the Federation for providing “I know that a lot of people have questioned the need for an umbrella
emergency COVID-19 grants, both for nancial assistance to our organization to oversee fundraising in our community when people
members and direct assistance to our synagogues for PPE and enhanced can give directly to agencies and synagogues of their choice, but it is
sanitization.These funds will help ensure that our most vulnerable can in emergency situations like this where the value of a Federation gets
meet their basic needs and that synagogues can safely reopen and once to really show itself.” – LisaTobias, Grant Committee Co-Chair
again serve the spiritual, educational, and social needs of the community.”
– Rabbi Adler, Chair of the Board of Rabbis

We announced our 2020-2021 grants…

INTERNATIONAL & OVERSEAS LOCAL

JEWISH AGENCY FOR ISRAEL (JAFI) GWH - KASHRUT PROGRAM ABRAMS HEBREW ACADEMY
JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE (JDC) GWH - RELIGIOUS PROGAMMING BOARD OF RABBIS
HOLOCAUST CLAIMS COMMITTEE JCC - SUMMER DAY CAMP LASHIR CHOIR
ORT JCC- JEWISH FAMILY PROGRAMS PRINCETON UNIVERSITY - CJL
iREP JCC - GOLDEN AGERS RUTGERS HILLEL
ISRAELTRAUMA COALITION JFCS - KOSHER MEALS ON WHEELS TCNJ HILLEL
SECURE COMMUNITY NETWORK (SCN) JFCS - GESHER LEKESHER RIDER UNIVERSITY HILLEL

We elected our 2020-2021 Board of Directors and Of cers…

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2020-2021 OUR OFFICERS FOR 2020-2021

CONTINUING FOR ONE MOREYEAR NEW MEMBERS
BRANDON ABELSON
ADELE AGIN MARSHA FREEMAN STACEY BIALOW JERRY NEUMANN - PRESIDENT
JUDY AXELROD DAN HERSCOVICI CARLI MASIA STEPHANIE WILL - CO-VP OF CAMPAIGN
JEREMY BLACK JASON KRANE ELLIOT SAMBOL BRIAN CHEVLIN - CO-VP OF CAMPAIGN
DANIEL BRENT DONALD LEIBOWITZ HOWARD COHEN - VP OF ALLOCATIONS
BRIAN CHEVLIN ROBERT LEVINE EX OFFICIO ADELE AGIN - TREASURER
HOWARD COHEN JERY NEUMANN RABBI BEN ADLER JEREMY BLACK - VP OF MARKETING
ROB DAVIDSON CAROL POLLARD MICHAEL FELDSTEIN - VP OF ISRAEL / OVERSEAS
MICHAEL FELDSTEIN MARISSATREU MARISSA TREU - VP OF ADMINISTRATION
ELIOT FREEMAN STEPHANIE WILL DANIEL BRENT - SECRETARY

NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 202010 Editorial Letters to the Editor

Jewish media Black Lives Matter the Palestinian people.” In plain
foster essential is toxic language that is a complete fab-
conversations rication based on pure anti-Semi-
Michael Koplow argues in his tism. The people who support this
W hen rabbis want to re- have become places to reinforce op-ed that Zionists should sup- falsehood and slander — whether
mind us of the power our prejudices. Shammai and Hillel port Black Lives Matter (“Why knowingly or not — are perpetu-
of debate and diversity rarely meet, let alone debate. Zionists should stand with Black ating racism and hatred.
Lives Matter,” July 7). He is
in Jewish life, they cite the famous What is the solution to this cog- mistaken. He, like too many oth- It needs to be clearly under-
ers, have fallen prey to the con- stood that the ultimate end-point
dispute between the schools of nitive isolation? Perhaps immod- cept that anti-Zionism is not the of racism is violence and death,
same as anti-Semitism and that such as we saw with the murder
Shammai and Hillel. In the Talmud, estly, we suggest that the Jewish is the type of “big lie” worthy of George Floyd. I believe that
of the Nazi’s propaganda ma- the concept underlying Black
both schools loudly insist that Jew- media are, or can be, places where chine. It has become a mantra Lives Matter (BLM) is that hu-
so often touted by anti-Semitic man beings of all races and eth-
ish law, halacha, should be inter- Jews can meet across ideological, groups that it has become widely nic groups must be judged as
accepted as genuine by liberal individuals. It is the right of ev-
preted according to their views. In denominational, age, and gender politicians, academics, and far eryone to be treated with justice
too many Jews. and equity, no matter their color,
the story, the Divine Voice inter- lines. Places where you don’t ethnic group, or creed.
Pre-1948 anti-Zionism was op-
rupts their argument, saying “Eilu have to agree with everything you position to the creation (actually, For that reason, as a human
re-establishment) of the Jewish being, and certainly as a Jew, I
v’eilu divrei Elokim Chayim” — read or hear, but can appreciate state in its original borders. Anti- cannot support an organization
Zionism now opposes the very that promotes hatred of my peo-
These and these are the words of the sincerity of those who think existence of the Jewish State of ple. To those who are support-
Israel. Does Black Lives Matter’s ers of the Movement for Black
the Living God — that is, even differently than you do, and even platform address the existence of Lives, you need to know that
any other sovereign state? people of goodwill cannot and
contradictory ideas, learn from their should not support anti-Semitism
The Jewish community has al- or any other racist philosophy,
if expressed in good counter-arguments. ways, and should always, stand even in the name of BLM.
for justice for all. “My Life
faith, can be worth- The best Jewish me- Matters” would be a much bet- Anthony Winston
ter concept for the entire world. East Brunswick
while and holy. Of dia outlets stake out It is inherent in our religion and
teaching. There are many or- Michael Koplow whitewashes
course, there are Shammai this place, which is ganizations, movements, and the anti-Semitic and anti-Zionist
agencies combating racism, dis- sentiment heard in BLM groups,
limits, and often neither “common crimination, and religious intol- considering it “ancillary to their
someone has to be ground” nor the erance that are deserving of our focus.” But the anti-Semitism
support. However, a movement goes beyond words, as I have
right, which is why squishy “middle”; that brands Israel as genocidal seen reports of synagogues van-
and an apartheid state is a move- dalized amid protests and hate-
t h e D i v i n e Vo i c e and Hillel instead, it is a pub- ment born of hatred and undeni- ful shouting at Jews by people
adds, “and the hala- lic forum, where all able anti-Semitism. marching for racial justice. Some
also demonize Israel.
cha is according to people of good faith Koplow’s borscht belt logic
misses the mark. It is not whether If BLM the concept is to mean
Beit Hillel.” rarely meet, and civil bearing are Black Lives Matter should be anything, it must mean respect
The notion of welcome to share considered kosher, it is whether it for others, including Jews. Too
should be considered poisonous. often Jews whitewash attacks on
holy debate is erod- their ideas with- Jews and Israel as just talk and
Marc I. Malberg meaningless. It is not merely that
ing in a culture that let alone out being shouted Princeton we as Jews must stand up for our
prefers partisanship down. rights, but hold accountable the
I strongly disagree with the BLM organization, just as the
to compromise, and A diverse Jew- views expressed by Michael Ko- BLM movement holds white rac-
plow in his op-ed. Indeed, I be- ism accountable. Not only must
insists the middle debate. ish public forum has lieve all human lives are sacred. we stand up, but so must black
ground is for los- always been hard to However, that is also precisely Americans.
why I disagree with his posi-
ers or sellouts. It sustain, as you can tion that Jews should support the I support BLM the move-
Movement for Black Lives. ment, but I denounce BLM the
is compounded by tell by our decision organization and all those Jews
As Koplow points out, one and black and white people who
politicians who to put NJJN on an of the political positions of this won’t denounce them as well.
movement is that Israel is an
would rather win indefinite hiatus. apartheid state and “complicit in Melvin Farber
the genocide taking place against Silver Spring, Md.
than actually solve Some Jewish orga-

the problems they were elected to nizations understand the value of

address, and by the self-righteous a diverse Jewish media, and have

who would rather cancel the Sham- been quietly building support for

mais of the world. new models and funding streams.

Meanwhile, our consumption We have confidence in these

of media becomes an experiential efforts. The alternative is too

feedback loop, with algorithms that grim to consider: a community

reinforce who we are and what we whose members only talk to

believe by mining, and narrowing, people with whom they agree,

our choices and interests. and who stop hearing the Divine

The Jewish world is hardly im- Voice in the other.

mune. Too many of us, as groups No matter what the future holds,

and individuals, retreat into a “fil- on behalf of NJJN and the entire

ter bubble” of like-mindedness. Jewish Week Media Group, please

There are fewer ecumenical fo- accept our appreciation for your

rums for exchanging ideas with loyal support over the last 74 years.

those with whom we might dis- Kol tuv and tizku l’mitzvot: Wish-

agree. Like ideologically narrow ing you all good things and may you
cable outlets, too many synagogues merit to do more mitzvot. ■



NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 202012 Retrospective

Chronicle NJJN staffers taste test varieties of sufganiyot, jelly donuts, and Moroccan which turned up in a government
treats for Chanukah. office in 2017 — were confiscated
Continued from page 1 in 1938. Three of the licenses
dent of Jewish Federation of over the decades. In the JHS files belonged to family members of
the council decided to purchase Greater MetroWest NJ. “It served is a 1963 award the paper received a Livingston resident. Ginsberg
the already existing Jewish Times as our weekly schedule of the from the New Jersey Press As- also finished second in a different
of Essex County (part of a chain of events that graced our communi- sociation (NJPA) for “Hold the category and NJJN received two
papers from New York to Philadel- ty’s synagogues and institutions.” Phone — The Doorbell’s Ring- honorable mentions for other sub-
phia) and incorporate the paper in ing,” its “woman’s page fea- missions. The Rockower Awards
January 1947. Through it all, NJJN has had ture” written by “Mrs. Lester — Jewish journalism’s highest
the role of marking generational Schachter” under the pen name of honor — recognize achievements
The NJJN office, once housed shifts: the move from Newark Marjorie Kind. from the previous calendar year.)
in the Aidekman Jewish Com- to its suburbs, the building of
munity Campus in Whippany synagogues, the embrace of day (Editor’s Note: In July the In 1988, reflecting the demo-
and located in Parsippany since schools, changing priorities of American Jewish Press Associa- graphic changes in a community
2018, has decades of paper edi- federations, and now, the decline tion announced that NJJN Senior that was moving west to the sub-
tions contained in bound tomes. of some beloved institutions, the Writer Johanna Ginsberg received urbs, the paper was renamed Me-
Leafing through the yellowed merging of synagogues, and the a first-place 2020 Simon Rock- troWest Jewish News. In 1997,
pages from one volume contain- demise of this newspaper. ower Award in the category of it acquired The Jewish Horizon
ing issues dated July through De- Excellence in American Jewish of Union and Somerset counties;
cember 1975 takes a reader back Behind-the-scenes discussions History, for “Research on ‘13 driv- a new name, New Jersey Jewish
to big headlines, like the passage at the paper reveal the trigger er’s licenses’ in Germany leads to News; and a new focus on Jew-
of the United Nations resolution points in the community. Accord- New Jersey” (Jan. 24, 2019). The ish issues statewide. Between
that Zionism is racism; local news, ing to archives from JHS, regu- story was about a group of Ba- 1998 and 2005 it added partner-
like a synagogue visit from Moshe larly appearing on the agenda of varian high school students who ships with other federations and
Dayan; and seismic societal shifts, board meetings were conversa- spent nine months tracking down acquired editions, first adding a
like women becoming clergy — tions about non-kosher restaurants descendants of Jewish German paper covering the central Jer-
one of the first three women in- advertising; whether to include in- citizens whose drivers’ licenses — sey federations’ catchment area
vested in the cantorate by the termarriages in wedding listings; of Princeton-Mercer-Bucks, and
Reform movement’s Hebrew and, in the early 1970s, what to Dear Readers later Middlesex and Monmouth
Union College School of Sacred do about delinquent accounts re- counties.
Music was hired by a local New lated to 1967 violence in Newark. Continued from page 1
Jersey synagogue. On the agenda of a 1959 board Although it was once among
meeting: the complaint made by Federation of Greater MetroWest America’s largest Jewish weekly
Small articles and advertise- Temple B’nai Jeshurun’s Rabbi New Jersey examine a viable busi- newspapers, NJJN finishes its
ments offer a reflection of our Ely Pilchik that the paper did ness model that maintains the high run with a circulation of just over
day-to-day lives. For example, not have enough content about standards of Jewish journalism 16,000 subscribers.
while a movie theater in Maple- Judaism. our readers have come to expect.
wood advertised screenings of “What I will miss the most was
“Jaws,” the Y and UJA publicized The paper has been led by The staggering economic ef- its role as the marketplace of ideas
its first joint mission to Israel for six editors: Allen Lesser, Harry fects of the coronavirus epidemic and viewpoints on the momentous
families; the Livingston Division Weingast, David Frank, David have forced our hand; however, news and issues confronting our
of NCJW held a study group on Twersky, Andrew Silow-Carroll, we are committed to seeking part- community, Israel, and the world,”
repealing marijuana laws; and and Gabe Kahn. Whatever their nerships and supporters that will said Kleinman.
Jewish Vocational Service and focus, whether politics or com- allow NJJN to return as a pub-
the YM-YWHA of Metropolitan munity life, hard news or soft lication and as an online pres- He added his wish that “this will
NJ launched the sixth season of features, they set a high bar and ence that will provide the news not be a final farewell, but l’hitraot
“Project Eve,” for women pursu- that’s reflected in the numerous until a different version of the New
ing jobs or volunteer positions awards the paper has received Jersey Jewish News will reappear
so they could see they were “not in the not-too-distant future.” ■
alone in their anxieties about step-
ping ‘outside the home.’” Flanken [email protected]
spareribs were $1.39 a pound at
Seroff ’s Kosher Meat Market in and information our Jewish
Irvington, and Gruning’s in South community, including our read-
Orange advertised a lunch special ers in Princeton Mercer Bucks,
for $1.95. deserves.

No matter what headlines Thank you for your years of
splashed across the front pages, support of NJJN, and may we look
many readers turned first to forward to a brighter future for
NJJN’s listing of lifecycle events: this newspaper, our community,
b’nei mitzvah, weddings, engage- and all who are feeling the effects
ments, and obituaries. of this wide-reaching crisis.

“[NJJN] was our weekly com- Gabe Kahn
panion informing us of the joys Editor
and sadness witnessed by our
friends and neighbors,” said Max Kai Falkenberg
Kleinman, a contributing writer President, Board of Directors
and former executive vice presi- Jewish Week Media Group

A SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE NEW YORK JEWISH WEEK AND NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS | SUMMER 2020

RETIREMENT

Senior living
communities adjust
to the Covid era

Real EstAaltseo::
The search for space

in a pandemic

A socially distanced visit at Crane’s Mill in West Caldwell, N.J.

2

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

SENIOR LIVINGELEVATE YOUR STANDARD OF Hilary Danailova

Welcome to the convergence of luxury residences, WSpecial to The Jewish W
unparalleled hospitality, and world-class care. hen i
for ex
Inspīr’s model apartments now open for touring. Make an appointment with your future today. Crane
646.978.9040 senior
munit
1802 Second Avenue | New York, NY 10128 Caldw
Inspirseniorliving.com/bookatour Nicole Smith dons a mask
a bell in the hallway. Resid
in their doorways, and soo
legs are waving in sync as
out moves on her portable m

“We’ve become very
laughs Smith, director of c
programming at Crane’s M
is operated by Lutheran S
istries of New Jersey. “W
yoga on Zoom, some exe
hallways, one floor at a tim
fresco concerts, Smith stro
mic alongside but socially
from the musicians, anno
lections to an audience wat
individual patios.

Masks, social distancin

RETIREMENT 3Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

Al Fresco Concerts Take control of your
and Yoga on Zoom future—on your terms

Welcome to the Covid era at senior living centers. Choose an extraordinary, wellness-
focused lifestyle and a beautiful new

apartment home at Fountaingate
Gardens, an independent living
Life Plan Community* soon to be

built on Long Island.

Yoga en plein air at Crane’s Mill Hurry, some floor plans
are already sold out!
in Caldwell, N.J.
Fountaingate Gardens is
COURTESY OF CRANE’S MILL already more than 60% reserved
… and breaking ground in 2020!
Hilary Danailova cony concerts: Welcome to the Covid
era at senior living centers. Room *also known as a continuing care
WSpecial to The Jewish Week service has replaced dining rooms; retirement community
hen it’s time groceries and prescriptions are now
for exercise at delivered. While much attention has INFORMATION CENTER
Crane’s Mill, a focused on the particular devasta- 50 Hauppauge Road • Commack, NY 11725
senior living com- tion wrought by outbreaks at nursing
munity in West homes — nearly half of U.S. coronavi- www.FountaingateLI.org
Caldwell, N.J., rus deaths are linked to such facilities
Nicole Smith dons a mask and rings — Smith and her colleagues want you Call today for
a bell in the hallway. Residents gather to know that along with keeping every- pre-construction benefits!
in their doorways, and soon arms and one healthy, communities like Crane’s
legs are waving in sync as Smith calls Mill are also making sure residents re- 631-715-2693
out moves on her portable microphone. main as stimulated as possible within
the confines of the current moment. For a full disclaimer, visit our website.
“We’ve become very creative,”
laughs Smith, director of community At facilities throughout the re- NWD
programming at Crane’s Mill, which gion, adaptations include not only
is operated by Lutheran Social Min- hand sanitizer stations, mask-wearing
istries of New Jersey. “We do some and frequent Covid tests for staff and
yoga on Zoom, some exercise in the residents — but also Facebook Live
hallways, one floor at a time.” For al worship, hallway bingo and outdoor
fresco concerts, Smith strolls with her family visits. “One of the keys that
mic alongside but socially distanced has gotten us through thus far has
from the musicians, announcing se- been to stay positive,” said Maryellen
lections to an audience watching from McKeon, senior vice president of op-
individual patios. erations at The Bristal Assisted Living,
which has 20 communities in West-
Masks, social distancing and bal- chester, New Jersey and Long Island.
Once the pandemic health protocols
Socially were established, “our recreation team
distanced visits immediately began coming up with
at Crane’s Mill. clever ways to keep residents active
and engaged each day.”

There have been silent dance par-
ties, car parades for birthdays and
holidays, personal pizzas and “Mom”-
osas served for Mother’s Day. The
Bristal’s dedicated television channel
broadcasts workout routines and arm-
chair-travel videos. “Zoom became a
staple,” added McKeon — used for
everything from live exercise classes

continued on next page

GUR095_Fountaingate_HalfPage_Ad_4.313x11.75_4C.indd 1 7/27/20 1:52 PM

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 20204 RETIREMENT

A couple enjoys a meal at Crane’s Mill. Senior Centers

COURTESY OF CRANE’S MILL continued from previous page

During these challenging times and always, to cooking demonstrations. But tangible connection
we’re here for you and your loved ones. to the outside world remains important; The Bristal
launched a web page that allows families to send
Our primary focus is always the safety and telegram-style messages, which the staff prints and
well-being of our residents and patients. hand-delivers.

Stein Assisted Living Stein Hospice “We knew we had to continue to connect with
everyone,” said Gloria Walsh, associate executive di-
Personalized and attentive care, with Focused on comfort, support rector at Harrogate in Lakewood, N.J., which has 253
a welcoming sense of community and dignity of the patient independent living apartments and 68 skilled nursing
units. For Cinco de Mayo this year, the independent
Wilf At Home Wilf Transport living and nursing residents of Harrogate enjoyed
music from a mariachi band that strolled the hallway,
Individualized care in the comfort Assisted non-emergency medical, social handing out margaritas and maracas. Other days, resi-
of your own home & quality-of-life transportation dents have painted rocks with inspiring messages that
were then hidden around the campus, “so that when
Wilentz Senior The Education people were doing their exercise walk, they could find
Residence and Resource Center them,” Walsh explained. During the initial lockdown,
staff distributed activity bags full of puzzles and brain
Comfortable, affordable independent Offering health, wellness, educational teasers, “just to keep people active.”
living, with peace of mind and social programs
Harrogate has been lucky, with no Covid deaths
thus far connected to the facility. “I think we fared
well because we were one of the first to shut down,”
in the second week of March, reflected Walsh.
“Those that waited the weekend suffered more
losses. It was a very hard decision, and some people
felt it was overkill. But now they appreciate it.”

Harrogate initially shut down all communal activ-
ities and banned visitors as it dusted off a 2010 state
pandemic plan. Like other facilities, it coordinated
with the State Department of Health, the Centers for
Disease Control and other authorities; Harrogate also
took advantage of resources offered through Life
Care Services, a senior living management company.
“Those first weeks, we were in hourly contact, get-
ting as much information as possible as far as best
practices and protocols,” recalled Walsh. “I think we
were naïve in thinking this would run its course like
a normal virus.”

Even in those facilities spared the virus, the cogni-
tive, emotional and even physical toll of prolonged
isolation can be profoundly deleterious. At Harro-
gate, staff conducted daily wellness checks to assess
not only potential Covid symptoms, but also cogni-
tive changes and physical deconditioning from lack
of movement.

As the tri-state area began reopening in June, Har-
rogate introduced gradual changes in keeping with
its three-phase plan. “They’re baby steps,” Walsh
explained. Weekly housekeeping, sorely missed as

continued on page 26

Gardening at Harrogate
in Lakewood, N.J.

Contact us: 732-649-3502 or [email protected]
www.wilfcampus.org

350-360 DeMott Lane, Somerset, New Jersey

Commitment. Compassion. Community.

5

growing young.Imagine such a thing as Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?

Our Independent Living communities can help you answer that question. Because
the very best version of you is ready to make a debut, and we’re eager to make
acquaintances.

Brookdale Battery Park City Call (212) 256-9248
for more information.
Independent Living
455 North End Avenue ©2020 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and
New York, New York 10282 BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

337205-Battery Park City SC brookdale.com

Bringing New Life to Senior Living®

6

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020 The dining room at Harrogate. RETIREMENT

P HOTOS COU RTESY OF HAR ROWGATE Senior Living

SENIOR LIVING continued from page 24
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
All Chelsea Senior Living communities o er these Services and Amenities: bath tiles gathered grime, was phased back in. Bingo,
music and topical discussion groups resumed in re-
• 24/7 dedicated staff • In-room dining, snacks duced numbers. And gray roots were finally touched
• Emergency response pendants • In-room activities up when the on-site salon re-opened: “That was a big
• Custom Wellness program • Secure Memory Care with one!” Walsh laughed.
including COVID surveillance separate in-room dining and activities
• Nurse on call 24/7 • Cultural, social and spiritual activities In West Palm Beach, MorseLife Health System
held its first-ever virtual Passover seder via Facebook
Live in April; more than 1,000 families around the
world tuned in to break matzah with residents dur-
ing lockdown. “We’re spending nearly $450,000 a
month on new safety protocols and lifestyle enhance-
ments for our residents,” said President and CEO
Keith Myers of the campus, which offers indepen-
dent and assisted living as well as skilled nursing,
memory care and other options. With virtual reality
quickly becoming the “new normal,” MorseLife
introduced technology concierges who assist resi-
dents to connect electronically with family as well
as entertainment.

Zoom is how the many Jewish residents of
Crane’s Mill commune for weekly Shabbat ser-
vices. “The only thing is they’re not able to have

(Certain activities curtailed as pandemic safety measures)

The Chelsea At East Brunswick The Chelsea At Manalapan

732-651-6100 732-972-6200

The Chelsea At Solana Marlboro The Chelsea At Forsgate (Monroe) The serene grounds at Harrogate.
732-536-3000 732-656-1000
their wine and challah,” noted Nicole Smith. In lieu
chelseaseniorliving.com Limited in-person tours of restaurant outings, Crane’s Mill brings takeout
are now available at all from local favorites; garden club members now get
Chelsea communities plantings delivered from the staff horticulturalist.
under strict safety The facility is edging toward a phased re-opening,
protocols. Move-ins though recent Covid spikes in the Sun Belt have
may also take place given pause. Crane’s Mill, like other facilities, has
under the same begun allowing outside visitors with strict protocols
protocols. — 20-minute limits and six-foot social distancing in
outdoor environs.

At The Bristal, staff members have arranged tele-
health visits to limit residents’ contact with outside
people, McKeon said. Electrostatic sprayers and
ionization units purify air and surfaces inside build-
ings. And plexiglass dividers have been installed in
the dining room, for when dinner service is once
again safe. Social activities are slowly resuming,
with masks and social distancing.

Walsh said her goal was to ensure that residents
enjoy a similarly enjoyable lifestyle to the one they left
behind, whether it be pre-Harrogate or pre-pandemic.
“It’s one thing to survive,” she reflected. “It’s another
thing to thrive. We aim for that, every day.” ◆

7Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

THE CORONAVIRUS
WAS NOVEL, BUT WE’RE
READY FOR WHATEVER

COMES NEXT.

That’s because we have been bringing the best and latest medical care, nursing and therapy to
bring life to geriatric care for over a century, and were even caring for New York’s elders during all
three waves of the 1918-19 Spanish Flu. We’ve learned a lot since that time, and that’s why Parker’s
COVID-19 response was quick:
• Monitored the coronavirus’ development from the beginning of 2020, and initiated our defense plan.
• Used our own resources rather than wait for any additional assistance to provide adequate
personal protective equipment (PPE) for all staff.
• Closed our facility to non-essential visitors before being required to do so.
• As a leading academic campus for healthcare professionals, we mandated special training
covering best practices, patient care, infection control protocols and personal safety.
• Early and ongoing testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents, patients and staff
to improve early detection and isolation.
One thing Parker knows that is still true today is that our best science and medical practices are
never enough without the genuine loving and compassionate bonds Parker caregivers form with our
residents and patients.
Short Term Rehabilitation | Long Term Care | Social Adult Day Care | Home Health Care | Hospice | Palliative Care
Inpatient And Outpatient Dialysis | Medical House Calls | Managed Long Term Care | Medicare Advantage Plan

271-11 76th Avenue New Hyde Park, NY 11040 | 877-727-5373 | parkerinstitute.org

8

RETIREMENT
Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020
A house in the leafy The Search
suburbs. PIXABAY for Space in a

A SECURE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE Pandemic
IS IMPORTANT
Whether it’s city or suburb, seniors
Now More buying or young couples renting,
Than Ever!
the crisis is driving real estate
“As a retired nurse, I was always taught • Access to Life Care if decisions.
to anticipate. I wanted to ensure I and when it’s needed
received continuing care in a senior living Hilary Danailova
environment where I could maintain my • Access to on-site
independence and take the worry away medical services WSpecial to The Jewish Week
from my children. I covered all my bases hen Jeremy and Rebecca Wein-
at Harrogate. Now more than ever, with • Built-in socialization traub dreamed of moving back
everything happening in the world, I enjoy opportunities to New York after graduate
the security of knowing I don’t need to do school, neither envisioned
anything, and I have access to • Delicious chef-prepared touring listings from their
meals Somerville, Mass., apartment.
everything I need!” But when Rebecca accepted a position as as-
• And so much more! sistant rabbi at B’nai Jeshurun, a popular non-
– Claire Papp, Resident Since August 2013 denominational shul on the Upper West Side, the
pandemic had engulfed New York City and house
Contact Harrogate to put your senior living plan in place today! hunting had gone virtual. The couple, in their early
30s, realized there were silver linings to the situ-
732-523-0883 | HarrogateLifeCare.org ation. “It meant we didn’t have to come back and
forth to New York, and the online tours made it
400 Locust Street | Lakewood, NJ 08701 easer to weed out the ones we definitely weren’t
interested in,” said Rebecca. Another bonus: A
Experience it for yourself! Partnered with free 13th month was nearly universal.

As renters fled the city, prices softened and the
pair secured a two-bedroom, two-bathroom lease
on Riverside Drive — just blocks from the temple
and with a separate dining area, Rebecca Wein-
traub said, “for hosting Shabbat dinners again

continued on page 30

New York City apartment
buildings along East 57th
Street. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

WE EMBRACE AGING WITH QUALITY CARE, 9
EXPERTISE, RESPECT AND COMPASSION.
rch Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020
in a We are accepting
ic new admissions.

urb, seniors Our rigorous infection control
es renting, procedures ensure the safety
eal estate
and protection of our
residents and staff.

d Rebecca Wein- Senior Healthcare 53 Walter Street, Ewing Township
d of moving back (609) 718-0587
Personalized high quality care, safety, security, expert staf ng,
after graduate kindness and love, all the things our clients, residents, families love 25 Scotch Road, Ste. G, Ewing Township
her envisioned about Greenwood House the most! But don’t take our word for it. (609) 718-0562
ngs from their Here it straight from them. Visit our website and read the many letters
Mass., apartment. of thanks and appreciation @ GreenwoodHouse.org/testimonials. 53 Walter Street, Ewing Township
a position as as- (609) 718-0571
a popular non- • Senior Care & Wellness • Meals on Wheels Home
er West Side, the • Skilled Nursing Delivery Program
k City and house • Short-Term and Long-Term Care
ple, in their early • Rehabilitation & Therapy Services • Home Care / Home
nings to the situ- • LSVT BIG & LOUD Parkinson’s & Health Aides
o come back and
ne tours made it Neurological Rehab Programs • Assisted Living Residences
efinitely weren’t
nother bonus: A • Hospice & Palliative Care
ersal.
softened and the
-bathroom lease
from the temple
Rebecca Wein-
at dinners again

nued on page 30

Greenwood House is a nonpro t, mission-based organization 50 Walter Street, Ewing Township
rooted in cherished Jewish traditions, and an industry leader (609) 883-0593

in providing high quality senior healthcare in the state of 25 Scotch Road, Ste. I, Ewing Township
New Jersey and where seniors of all faiths are welcome. (609) 883-6026

Call us today Senior Healthcare Greenwood House is a bene ciary
(609) 718-0587 agency of the Jewish Federation
[email protected] greenwoodhouse.org of Princeton, Mercer, Bucks.

53 Walter Street
Ewing Township

NJ 08628

(Off Parkway Ave/
Scotch Rd Exit & I-295)

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202010 RETIREMENT

A Westchester County home with a spacious Search for space
back yard. COURTESY OF COMPASS REALTY
continued from page 28
The TubcuT® is the original tub to shower conversion, it improves accessibility to your shower,
reduces accidents & serious injuries and helps people remain in their homes longer. The good someday.” The price had dropped several times to
news is, you will save on average, 90% over replacement costs with TubcuT® as they convert $4,500, said David Bibian of Halstead Real Estate
your tub into a safe walk-in shower in just one day. in Manhattan, who brokered the rental. “We see
a lot of inventory, and higher vacancy rates,” he
IT’S LIKE HAVING A WALK-IN SHOWER WITHOUT THE COST! said. That translates into better deals and more
flexibility for city shoppers.
There is no plumbing or demolition required, and wide it will be and how low.
little disruption. A regular shower curtain is all that The TubcuT® threshold is typically 4” above Around the tri-state area and beyond, realtors
is needed to stop any water overspray concerns report a perhaps-surprising level of activity, given
just like any shower stall. They also install shower the floor, giving you more accessible, safer access, the economic downturn and the limitations of
doors if you prefer but not necessary. TubcuT® the same as a typical shower pan but without contactless showings. “The demand is unprec-
creates an opening that fits your needs. Unlike cap the high cost. TubcuT® follows the same exact edented,” said Arlene Gonnella, a 36-year industry
systems, the TubcuT® adapts to you and what your contour of your tub, Not A bulky plastic insert veteran, who currently leads the Gonnella Team
lifestyle requires. With TubcuT’s® exclusive process, that fails. The TubcuT® is custom fitted to your with Weichert Real Estate in Short Hills, N.J.
you dictate where they create the opening, how tub creating a seamless, waterproof shower with She’s juggling a wave of clients seeking suburban
a professional factory appearance. The TubcuT® Is refuge in towns like Milburn and Short Hills, ex-
Only available through authorized Trained dealers emplifying the best-known real estate narrative of
In the USA. The TubcuT® is the only tub to shower the Covid-19 pandemic.
conversion that can be reversed! If you save the
cut-out section of the tub, they can easily restore “Everyone is getting out of elevator buildings,
your bathtub to its original condition if needed, places where they don’t have control over their
Saving Thousands on resale. For accident victims, airspace” in order to avoid airborne contagion,
anyone in chronic pain, people with knee or hip Gonnella affirmed. With many working from
replacements or any neuromuscular diseases, the home indefinitely and school largely virtual, “ev-
TubcuT® can be a life changing product. To find eryone wants a backyard,” she added. “Covid has
out more, contact them today! turned the suburbs into the place to be. People are
spending so much time at home now, and that’s
likely to continue.”

City or suburb, the wish list is the same: Home
offices, private outdoor space and plenty of room
for the kids or grandkids. “Clients are preparing
for a second wave, and basically upgrading their
living arrangements,” said Bibian. A typical fam-
ily might have spent a typical pre-pandemic day
outside its two-bedroom apartment, coming home
to sleep. “Now they’re all cooking more, so they
need larger kitchens,” he noted. “Buyers right now
are telling me, ‘I don’t want to work from a studio.
I need at least a one-bedroom now — and even if
it’s a small balcony, I want something outdoors
that’s not a common area.”

Many of the youngest renters have given up
their leases and moved back in with their parents
outside the city. Urban dwellers are bidding over
virtual listings in the Catskills, Connecticut, the
Berkshires and other destinations with plenty of
green space. (The Hamptons, a pricey and satu-
rated market, is less popular for those not already
established there, realtors say.) “And seniors want
places with a backyard so their grandkids can
come over and socially distance with them,” said
Bibian of a widely observed trend.

In Westchester, Ellen Schwartz and Cindy
Waxman of Compass Realty are brokering all
manner of life-transition deals for older buyers,
from downsizers taking advantage of the newly
fluid condo scene to second-home shoppers eyeing
a family getaway. Historically low interest rates —
under 3 percent — are another incentive. “Every-
one’s on a sped-up timetable,” reflected Waxman.
“It’s pushed everyone one to two years earlier.”
Empty nesters “are putting their homes up for sale
earlier than expected to get in on this market. And
families who loved the city and wanted to stay

continued on page 32

11

several times to Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020
stead Real Estate
rental. “We see Amazing.
cancy rates,” he
deals and more WHILE THE WORLD MAY HAVE SLOWED, and many businesses have changed their daily
routines, we here at Crane’s Mill begin each day as we always have—by starting something
beyond, realtors amazing. We understand that it may be difficult to know what tomorrow holds. Let us help
of activity, given you see the future clearer—the start of better days for you or your loved ones; the start of
e limitations of something amazing—at Crane’s Mill.
mand is unprec-
36-year industry One Amazing Community, Four Ways to Visit & Learn More:
Gonnella Team
hort Hills, N.J. The Safe Tour The Virtual Tour The Tele-Tour The Home Visit
eeking suburban
Short Hills, ex- Our staff provides a safe, See various apartments and Video call or telephone Sales staff makes personal
state narrative of in-person tour for prospective cottages from the comfort meeting and tour. house calls to your home
residents and their families.
evator buildings, of your home. with gloves and masks.
ontrol over their
orne contagion, 459 Passaic Avenue For full details and more info:
y working from West Caldwell, NJ 07006 Call 973-298-1321 or
gely virtual, “ev-
dded. “Covid has visit cranesmill.org/2020
to be. People are

now, and that’s

the same: Home
d plenty of room
nts are preparing
upgrading their
n. A typical fam-
e-pandemic day
nt, coming home
ng more, so they
Buyers right now
rk from a studio.
w — and even if
ething outdoors

s have given up
with their parents
are bidding over
Connecticut, the

s with plenty of
pricey and satu-
hose not already
And seniors want
r grandkids can
with them,” said
d.
artz and Cindy
re brokering all
or older buyers,
ge of the newly
shoppers eyeing
w interest rates —
centive. “Every-
flected Waxman.
o years earlier.”
omes up for sale
this market. And
d wanted to stay

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202012 less density, more space between you and the both in-town and upstate. One of Bibian’s clients
neighbors,” Schwartz said. “They want their own traded a Chelsea apartment for less-congested
RETIREMENT pool, pond, whatever.” Demand is up, she added, Brooklyn as well as a house in the Hudson area.
now that less-convenient train commutes no lon- “It’s something for the weekend — or just in
Search for space ger matter. case,” he said.

continued from page 30 Even in Manhattan, David Bibian said buyers The city-versus-suburbs dynamic is less stark
are favoring smaller “boutique” buildings with in South Florida, where oceanfront high-rises are
until the children were a little older are making fewer potential encounters. “It’s the trauma from stalling, but everything else is moving steadily.
the move now.” Covid, from when the neighbors were sick and no- “I’m having one of the busiest summers ever,”
body could leave their apartment,” he explained. said Karen Rothstein of Boca Expert Realty. “I
The Westchester market’s sweet spot is around Buyers and renters alike are suddenly uninterested would say it’s definitely leaning toward a sellers’
$1.5 million, with anything under $1 million go- in the communal amenities, like gyms and lounges market, but there’s plenty of opportunity for buy-
ing fast. Schwartz specializes in the tony, rural-ish that developers have lately peddled. “People care ers.” While Rothstein specializes in the higher end
towns of Northern Westchester — Katonah, Bed- more about private space now,” Bibian said. — $500,000 to $1.5 million — the fastest-selling
ford, Pound Ridge — where three- and four-acre properties in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and other
zoning is the ultimate social distancing. “People Some care enough that they’re hedging bets popular Jewish communities go for $300,00 to
are coming up here because they like that there’s $500,000. “Those price points are where the most
buyers are,” Rothstein said.
SENIOR LIVING
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Social distancing is easier in the sprawling
All Chelsea Senior Living communities o er these Services and Amenities: Sun Belt, and Rothstein said overall market dy-
namics haven’t changed much. Retirees from the
• 24/7 dedicated staff • In-room dining, snacks tri-state area still zero in on 55-plus complexes;
young families are making the leap from condo
• Emergency response pendants • In-room activities to house; and single-family homes are hotter than
ever. One trend Rothstein has noticed is an influx
• Custom Wellness program • Secure Memory Care with of young couples from the Northeast, now work-
including COVID surveillance separate in-room dining and activities ing remotely, seeking beach properties to wait out
• Nurse on call 24/7 • Cultural, social and spiritual activities the pandemic.

(Certain activities curtailed as pandemic safety measures) Some sellers are taking their time, waiting for
the right offer while staying in what used to be
The Chelsea At Shrewsbury 732-747-7450 second home. “There’s no rush if you already have
a place,” Waxman noted. “Your office could be
anywhere now.” Conversely, some future down-
sizers are seizing condo deals years before they
expect to retire. “They can move into it when
they’re ready,” said Waxman. And, she added, in
that blissful future when elevators and common
hallways feel safe again. ◆

The Chelsea At Tinton Falls 732-933-4700

chelseaseniorliving.com Limited in-person tours A Park Avenue apartment building.
are now available at all
Chelsea communities WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
under strict safety
protocols. Move-ins
may also take place
under the same
protocols.

13

RETIREMENT Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

For Retirees, Young ‘Buddies’
Help Beat Back Covid Loneliness

Amid pandemic, teens and their senior friends are finding new ways to connect.

Beren Academy student Dina Kirshner and Medallion resident Marcene Renee Ghert-Zand Renzulli said. “As I thought back to
Goldman plant flowers together at a pre-pandemic Better Together event in all the fun times I shared with the
Houston. ARI KELLERMAN WJTA residents, it saddened me to think of
hen the Co- their lack of companionship during
vid-19 pan- this time.”
demic began,
15-year-old Sa- So she and her fellow students
mantha Renzulli at the Merkaz Community High
immediately School for Judaic Studies resolved
thought about how it would affect to find new ways to maintain con-
her elderly friends at Jewish Senior nections to the seniors. Since
Services, a long-term care facility in mid-April, students’ families have
Bridgeport, Conn. paraded in long caravans of deco-
rated cars around the residence
Renzulli had met some of the every Friday as residents and staff
residents through Better Together, look on from balconies. They’ve
a school-based Jewish intergener- also delivered more than 130 bou-
ational program, and she worried quets of donated flowers for resi-
about their isolation. dents, and a trove of books, toys
and toiletries for staff members and
“I was aware of the loneliness their families.
the residents must have been ex-
periencing, as they were unable to On Mother’s Day, Renzulli and
have visitors or leave their rooms,” her young friends shared with the

continued on next page

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Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202014

RETIREMENT

Buddies

continued from previous page

seniors a “musical mitzvah mashup”

video they created especially for

them.

In normal times, Better Together,

a project launched in 2014, pairs to-

gether young Jews and older Jews

for meaningful in-person interac-

tions. Middle- and high-school

students from Jewish day schools,

Hebrew schools and Jewish youth

groups meet with the residents of

senior centers or groups of seniors

from local synagogues.

Faced with the pandemic, stu-

dents have found innovative ways to Samantha Renzulli was among the Jewish students who brought flowers, signs and good cheer to staff appreciation
continue connecting with their elder day at Jewish Senior Services, a long-term care facility in Bridgeport, Connecticut. MARGERY VERLEZZA
“buddies” despite social distancing

protocols. Rather than reducing lum designed for the this summer sessions on Jewish values such as ance counsellor in her hometown

operations because in-person en- of social distancing, when camp, leadership, responsibility, empathy, of Brooklyn. “They have interest-

counters are not possible, Better To- internships and many other Jewish wisdom and wellness. It suggests ing ideas, and I enjoy hearing about

gether ended up expanding its scope summer activities will be cancelled. virtual intergenerational activities, their plans for the future.”

of activities to meet surging interest, Jewish organizations that commit including cooking, fitness and art, Dauber misses hugging and kiss-

introducing a modified version of to implementing the program are with detailed plans on how to im- ing the students as they arrive at The

its program that can be replicated eligible for a grant to cover staffing plement them — synchronously or Medallion but understands that she

in communities across the country. and materials. not — based on the technological can’t meet them in person for the

Called Better Together in a Box, Better Together in a Box in- ability and the teens’ and seniors’ foreseeable future. Adept at using

it’s a free, downloadable curricu- cludes materials for teen learning hardware. Activities include letter her computer and Kindle, she is

writing, Mad Libs, teens creating confident she’ll be able to partici-

short videos to engage with the se- pate in online activities organized

niors, and discussions on health and by Beren Academy students this

New Jersey Life & Casualty community. summer.

“What we mean by ‘in-a-box’ Since the beginning of the pan-

is that it is a ready-to-use curricu- demic, students from the school

lum, and that it is designed for do- have been calling their senior bud-

What can your Life Insurance ing things virtually, or at least not dies to wish them Shabbat Shalom,
in person,” said Bess Adler, Better and created videos for them.

do for you now? Together’s program director. “Some of the residents even

The program’s pandemic-era made selfie videos and sent them

pivot is a sign of how some Jewish back to us in return,” said 17-year-

Potentially, a lot more than you think! initiatives are adapting and innovat- old Natanya Ruben, who will partic-
ing to meet the needs of the times. ipate in Better in a Box this summer

Your policy is an asset and may be sold for a cash settlement greater Organizers are hoping camps, following cancelled plans for a fam-

than the cash surrender value: youth groups, congregational ily trip to South Africa.

schools and Jewish day schools will Not all seniors are able to use

• Fund your retirement utilize the curriculum for youths technology. Rabbi Ari Kellerman,
• Fund your long term care ranging in age from middle school the Judaic studies principal at
• Help with family financial needs during this unusual period to high school. An optional writing Beren Academy’s middle and high
• Fund your dream trip contest offers students prizes and schools, has been trying to come up
the possibility of getting an article with other activities. A consultant to

The choice is yours. published based on their summer Better Together in a Box, he devised

But, DO NOT SURRENDER without knowing experiences. the idea of a Buddy Box, where

Yolande Dauber, 101, is eager teens can send their elderly partners

all of your options. to continue participating in Better fun items such as craft project ma-
Together this summer. A resident terials along with video cards with

Want to learn more? Talk to Jamie: of The Medallion, an assisted liv- filmed clips of themselves offering
ing residence in Houston, she has greetings and project instructions.

Jamie Cohen, MS, MBA enjoyed her conversations with her Until now, students have pro-
young buddy from the Robert M. duced elaborate works based on
NJL&C Beren Academy, a Modern Ortho- their yearlong interactions with

354 Eisenhower Parkway Office: (973) 535-0955 x 127 dox day school in Houston. their senior buddies, such as pho-

Suite 2700, Plaza II Email: [email protected] “It’s nice to mingle with young tography exhibitions, documentary

Livingston, NJ 07039 Cell: (973) 809-4712 people,” said Dauber, who once films, large quilts, and travel scrap-

worked as a middle school guid- books reflecting global destinations

that have played important roles in priorities this summer will be focus- 15
the seniors’ lives. ing on “bringing love and joy” to
residents of Jewish Senior Services, YYYooouuukkknnnooowwwwsswwwhssssWsshhWWhWhhhhehhheheeehehhereeeeereereereem’ephm’elpmh’ml’phrlphrllarialareilakaseiakasteiaktssepnkestspnethspnehlsssponelshsoaealshsoeiwlsasoicwterocatirwoeacetairwoegctntarkgoenstksahglenthlkisaigtannthfalktnsfaihsaohhlstnogtfaigtasehs,rtsonefa,rgtemhmstseeomm,trcgtcososemesmt,roe,coe,ooemsmathodahocde,.oo.srkiraohkoiodeo,ce.oceiriawkihieodowiece.nwnwirskiswoieecee.hnwm.hims,w,ieeeenwa.hamsun,unneen.hacmcdun,dnehhacdunnhcdh Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020
Now, the focus is a bit different. and “showing them and the nurses
“Covid poses such a big chal- at their aid that our community is OmmOOmuouuoorrrrrereeeeexexetxtneenetgnngenasagsngigiavsviiengienvgitgtenrrcacgataiairnrncraeieianinnfgrfgooeiarnarnfngyyododoarucucnrayradrolrloeoeucvvppraeehhdrldioeilloooovpnsnseoheoedp.ip.lhhooyynsloleeep.aahddyttoolebbaeedtttteteorr,, better,
lenge,” Kellerman said. “We need here to support them.”
to shift from thinking so much about SSStttaaarrtrtthhhoomommeececaacrreaertteooddtaaoyyd..ay.
fun activities to making sure our se- Renzulli’s mother, Laurie Ren-
niors are okay.” zulli, said the project has helped h9HSSH9hSH9wooow7ooo77umcuummc3tg33ttgeheh..eh.cw.8.cwO8woO8oOaar1mr1amta0tr1ac0tc/na0/nhsc.hsg.n0goh0oCe.Cgeu0u1a1Ceta1tr1hr1h0ae0e-1-GroGo0eririvaGvaenenirgvrgsseeers 6HPhH6hPwrowr0o0iimncmnc9P6Hgc9gcee.ero..ecw0.cw4it4tomnooaoa9m2ncm2tnetcec/3./3whph4tp.ro.aCr1C1i2inn2tan2accr3c0r0heeeetG.0tG0Co1oiin2vnaveer0rerssG0iveHO7hrOHh7swlwo3lo3ddmcmc22BgBgee..r..rcw5cwi5idodoaOH79agmgmttelo3ce1cd//hm.oho12BllC9dCed.r-aw-a59ibbrdrrear1e9giiGtdGdec1gigivvh.eee1erC9rssa9re1Givers
Devra Aarons, director of the boost her daughter’s spirits during
Contra Costa Midrasha, a commu- this challenging time.
nity-based weekly Jewish educa-
tional program for 8th through 12th “The weekly meetings for plan-
graders in Walnut Creek, Calif., said ning and execution of the activities
the emphasis now must be on main- have helped tremendously during
taining relationships and cultivating this time of home education and
empathy. Her students are partnered limited social interactions,” she
with residents of The Reutlinger, in said. “Each week there have been
nearby Danville. deliverables to accomplish, and
“I find that the teens are very when each weekly mitzvah hits a
good with coming up with ideas for milestone or completion, Samantha
using videos and other tech,” Aar- feels she has made a positive dif-
ons said. “Maybe we’ll just focus on ference in our community and the
teaching the seniors how to use the world.” ◆
technology at first. That could be a
good way to stay connected.” This story was sponsored by and pro-
In Connecticut, Renzulli has
taken the lead in designing inter- duced in collaboration with a founda-
generational activities. With her
planned five-week summer lan- tion that wishes to remain anonymous,
guage-immersion program in Spain
cancelled, she said one of her main and is part of a series titled “On the

Bright Side: Stories of innovation and

resilience from Jewish non-profits.”

This article was produced by JTA’s na-

tive content team.

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Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202016 RETIREMENT SHOWCASE “During this time of uncertainty and
And if you’re looking for a place where all fear of what is happening in our world,
of these seven secrets are built into your with enough PPE. By late spring, we were older Americans who want more than residing here at Crane’s Mill has been a
daily routine, stop by one of our commu- able to test every resident and employee. a one room apartment and three meals blessing. All of the staff and administra-
nities for a visit. We have complied with state regulations a day. Beyond its welcoming lobby and tion are going above and beyond to keep
You can learn more about increasing and CDC guidelines and are gratified to attached bistro, there are assisted living, us safe and informed. While many of my
your longevity and the benefits of a se- report that the vast majority of our resi- memory care and luxury independent friends wait for hours in lines to go food
nior living community by calling 212-791- dents and staff have tested negative. living-style apartments. All have large shopping, our meals are delivered to us.
2500 or visiting Brookdale.com. windows allowing lots of natural light and Although these are extremely stressful
We have been overwhelmed by the generous closet space. times, the care we are getting here has
CHELSEA SENIOR LIVING resiliency and patience of our residents helped to alleviate at least a small part of
and families and the bravery and dedica- The Chelsea’s open and airy dining that stress.There are no words to express
Contact Person:Tom Kranz tion of our employees during this time. room features outdoor seating during how grateful I am to be here and how ap-
908-889-4200 “Thank you” doesn’t seem to quite do pleasant weather, a tavern, art studio and preciative I am for the wonderful staff we
it. Our gratitude has no bounds. Please gallery, beauty salon and movie theater. have!!!” – Cheryl Friedman
Email: [email protected] continue to be safe. Modern furniture and appointments
chelseaseniorliving.com decorate the many common areas and a THE GARDENS AT MONROE
THE CHELSEA cozy fireplace keeps the entryway warm
1-877-CHELSEA AT EAST BRUNSWICK and welcoming during the fall and winter. 189 Applegarth Road
Chelsea Senior Living There’s a beautiful outdoor patio with a MonroeTownship, NJ 08831
THE CHELSEA pergola and picnic area for spring and
Open for Business, AT FORSGATE summer fun. (609) 448-7036
LimitedVisitation Resumes THE CHELSEA www.thegardensatmonroe.com
It’s not over until it’s over, and while AT MANALAPAN The Country Cottage, Chelsea’s signa- The Gardens at Monroe, Healthcare
the Coronavirus pandemic did its worst in THE CHELSEA ture Memory Care program, has its own and Rehabilitation, is committed to creat-
NewYork and New Jersey, the hard work of AT SOLANA MARLBORO dining and specialized activities designed ing an environment that supports health
screening and protecting our residents and to keep those with Alzheimer’s and other and well-being.You will experience this
staff continues day by day and hour by hour. 1-877-CHELSEA memory impairments engaged. not only in the care provided by our great
We are doing regular testing of our chelseaseniorliving.com team using best practices and current
residents and staff and screening all staff Our residents are treated to one of the technologies and equipment, but also in
as they arrive for work each day.While we THE CHELSEA best chefs in the business and his dedi- the life and activity all around you when
continue with the diligent use of masks, AT SHREWSBURY cated kitchen staff, preparing meals of you walk through the door.
gloves, social distancing and screening, unsurpassed quality. All kinds of special- At The Gardens at Monroe, we see ev-
we are able to allow limited visitation by 555 Shrewsbury Avenue, Shrewsbury, ized diets are accommodated including ery day that a strong family support sys-
families under strict safety rules. We’re NJ 07702 low salt and diabetic. Menus are tailored tem enhances healthcare and recovery.
allowing visitors by appointment, and to the desires of our residents as much We have designed additional services as a
limited in-person tours. Move-ins are per- Contact Person: Allison Nappi, Director as possible. part of our Family Focused Care program
mitted under similar, robust safety proto- of Community Relations to help our patients and their families
cols. Our marketing folks are eager to take 732-747-7540 Our 24/7 staff is caring and courteous, maintain strong relationships and sup-
phone, email and social media inquiries Email: [email protected] trained in CPR and first aid and always port one another as a team on the road to
and provide virtual tours. available to help with everyday tasks. achieving health and rehabilitation goals.
We are keeping our strict safety proto- www.chelseaseniorliving.com Residents are on an emergency pendant Transportation services make it easy
cols in place for the foreseeable future.We The Chelsea at Shrewsbury is the state system that ensures their safety. Our for you to visit! We provide a car service
appreciate everyone’s ability to remain of the art in senior living, designed for building has state-of-the-art smoke, fire Monday through Friday for our short-term
flexible. and carbon monoxide detection systems. rehabilitation patients’ family members to
In the early days of the pandemic, we visit.Transportation is complimentary for
recognized the threat to our residents The Chelsea at Shrewsbury is open the first 20 days of your loved one’s stay
and staff and immediately began locating for business.While we are still not accept- and offered at a discounted rate there-
and purchasing thousands of face masks, ing visitors or tours, we are pleased to after.
gloves, face shields and gowns and were offer you a VirtualTour via video and an- Continue to enjoy meals as a family.
able to quickly outfit all of our buildings swer all your questions. Admissions are There is no replacement for the quality
permitted under strict safety protocols. time a family spends together over din-
Call Us Today! Call 732-747-7540 for info or aVirtualTour. ner. We encourage you to join your loved
We are here to meet you where one for a daily meal while you are visiting.
CRANE’S MILL Family and friends can enjoy a meal for a
you feel most comfortable! nominal fee.
459 Passaic Avenue The Gardens at Monroe will give you
(856) 679-4682 West Caldwell, NJ 07006 the care you need, close to home.
Contact us today at (609) 448-7036 or
[email protected] 973-298-1321 visit thegardensatmonroe.com to learn
cranesmill.org more about how our services support the
www.lionsgateccrc.org In times like these, it may be difficult to needs of patients and family alike.
know what tomorrow holds. Let Crane’s
1110 Laurel Oak Road • Voorhees, NJ 08043 Mill help you see the future clearer - the GREENWOOD HOUSE
start of better days for you or your loved
Lions Gate has been GmeardtreupdoesRs.ibSlael,tiznmpaanrtF,othurnoduagtihonth. eLgikeenuesroosnity ones; the start of something amazing. 53Walter Street, Ewing, NJ 08628
of the Raymond and We take responsibility for the health Contact Person:Trish O’Brien,
and wellbeing of our residents. Our External Case Manager
devoted staff members are ready with 609-718-0587
healthy, fresh meal deliveries daily. Mail,
packages and prescriptions are sanitized Email: [email protected]
and delivered straight to our resident’s www.GreenwoodHouse.org
doors. We also ensure our residents are
safely driven to all medical appointments. Greenwood House Senior Healthcare
Safety is always a top priority at is a nonprofit organization rooted in cher-
Crane’s Mill. Our high-quality standards ished Jewish traditions. Services and care
ensure that our residents feel safe, in- include assisted living residences, skilled
formed, and cared for. Staff and ad- nursing facility, wellness care, short-term
ministration regularly check in with our and long-term care, rehab & physical
residents through phone calls or a simple therapy, Parkinson’s & neurological re-
knock at the door. habilitation programs, meals on wheels
Although we are distancing ourselves delivered in-home, home care/home
socially, we are by no means in isolation. health aides, hospice & palliative care.
Our team members are deeply in tune We embrace aging with care, respect,
with our residents’ emotional state and expertise, enrichment and compassion.
strive to create a sense of community in Our rigorous infection control policies &
these times of separation. We have pro- procedures ensure safety & protection for
vided iPads to our residents for games, our residents & staff.
reading and video calls with family and
friends, as well as virtual activities like GURWIN
prayers and spiritual groups. Grab & Go
activities like puzzles, games and books Enjoying Life in a
available to all residents at Crane’s Mill. Life Plan Community
Crane’s Mill is a Life Plan Community. Vibrant…active…secure…social…
We offer a continuum of care including in- maintenance-free…all words that many
dependent living, assisted living, memory seniors today use to describe their ideal
care, and five-star CMS-rated skilled nurs- living situation. But how many options
ing all on the same campus.Your living are there that truly achieve all of those ide-
options may change as your healthcare als? If you’re looking to plan your perfect
needs change, but rest assured, you’ll al- senior living experience, a Life Plan Com-
ways be right here with your family and munity may be the option for you.
friends. Although Life Plan Communities are
The life you want, without limits. Find common outside of NewYork, there are
out why you should start something
amazing too.Visit Cranesmill.org/2020.

LG ad 4.313x5.875.indd 1 6/30/20 2:52 PM

17

RETIREMENT SHOWCASE Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020

currently few such options for Long Is- ting green, and shuffleboard, and arts and Advice for retirement
land seniors looking to secure their fu- crafts studio.
ture. Fountaingate Gardens, set to break The world is constantly changing and it is important to have a plan
ground this fall, is for seniors who want Life Care offers you the predictable that changes with it. It is never a bad time to either make changes
to age successfully in a community built monthly fees throughout all levels of care to an existing financial plan or create a new one. It starts by having
with their lifestyle and future in mind. As and allows you to control your future clarifying conversations to learn what is important for you and the
part of the renowned Gurwin Healthcare health care costs. Plus, our flexible en- people you care about. How do you want to live your life now? How
System, this new independent living com- trance fee options offer you outstanding do you plan to live your life in retirement? What do you want to
munity will be located in the heart of Long estate protection. leave to the people you care about most? Let’s start a conversation.
Island, on the beautiful 34-acre grounds of
the Gurwin campus in Commack. We can even put you in touch with a Seth A. Mitchell
personal relocation manager from “Mov- First Vice President–Wealth Management
Life Plan Communities not only help ing Station” to answer any questions re- 212-626-8588
secure your financial future, but also garding selling your home, downsizing [email protected]
make provisions for your future health- with ongoing support from professional
care needs. Add in a vibrant, active, Real Estate Agents. The Mitchell Wealth Management Group
amenity-rich lifestyle; a beautiful, new, UBS Financial Services Inc.
elegant apartment home; and proximity To learn more about Harrogate and a 1251 Avenue of Americas, 2nd Floor
to everything you want and need, and “Worry Less, Live More” lifestyle, call 732 New York, NY 10020
this retirement living option becomes – in 942 5272 or visit our website at www.Har- 212-626-8588
the words of one Fountaingate Gardens rogatelifecare.org
Founders Club member – a “no-brainer!” ubs.com/team/mitchellwmg
HOMEWATCH CAREGIVERS
Besides a beautiful, customizable resi- PROVIDES BEST-IN-CLASS As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers
dence, Fountaingate Gardens will offer both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and
residents dining options, a fitness cen- SENIOR CARE brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by
ter, an indoor salt-water pool, arts and different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in
cultural education programs and much RENOWNED HOME CARE which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that
more. Maintenance-free living plus the COMPANY MEETING LOCAL we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, please
convenience of activities and amenities DEMAND FOR HIGHER QUALITY review the PDF document at ubs.com/workingwithus. For designation disclosures visit
right on campus make every day an op- ubs.com/us/en/designation-disclosures. © UBS 2020. All rights reserved. UBS  Financial
portunity to do the things you enjoy with- HOME CARE SERVICES Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. CJ-UBS-1773116874 Exp.: 01/31/2021
out being hampered by the chores you Homewatch CareGivers is the premier
don’t. provider of high-quality senior and home aatt MMMooonnnrrroooeee
care in the region, offering both hourly at
As part of the Gurwin Healthcare Sys- and live-in care customized to meet the
tem, Fountaingate Gardens offers priority individual needs of each client. PPoosstt--HHoossppiittaall
access to a full continuum of care should Owned and operated locally, Home- TNLRTTNPNLLRoheooouhheuusnessnnreerrptpsrgssrrgg-iiaiiiaatnHtnnTpTTppeegggyyyoeeeCCarsaarrmpnmmannairrdddteeCaCClaaarrreee
it ever be needed. There are a variety watch CareGivers locations provide Es- Respite Care
of contract options and apartment sizes sex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and
available, and a Senior Lifestyle Consul- Union Counties with the high-quality care CCaalllloouurraaddmmisisssioi6o66nn0s00s9t99te.ea..4a44mm4448t88too.d..7d77a0a00yy333tto6o66sscchheedduullee aa ttoouurr!!
tant is ready to help you determine the necessary for senior aged residents and
best option for you based on your needs others living with chronic illnesses or re- PLPPhLLohhyoonyysnngMisscggMMiiccaTeaaCTTleeedll1eeddaT2riTTl22mrr8c4hiilmmccaP44hh9-eoaaPPehr--eeCRrueePhhrrerRCRCAorraPPeeeraorrs,ooaaeeaapoousslpo,,rsaTMppiuulloorressyrTtgMMdniipeeHyryrttgg-nn••HemiaNlH--••••EoeeiiaaNNHHedlEooiuodidlluRsOguuizooiiuuRRGOOrscsiizzseGerraicscssscseepaeeoAsssccppiaadcSrAssiiniipddccnSSudiitiinntppeRuuddttgsieReaGhprggiitaaGGDpparrttlvDetaoaalliSvveeaaeooRniiEzSSitnnaEzztiicaCttaaaittdoccNCCaaaeiiloddmNaaateelloo-faaatt--sSinOmffrssSfiinOnOomm•rrdffeoota•••eeraa••onoArr,•nnilooA••iilldeKseeTCMKKssTRTCCtnTTaRRottHnneoohHHyeeehhtMeeiosttMriissoeenhrrhooeeeennthhthhnttrodsaOsirrddessaaOssiiaeefpuraaffbppuuribbsNTporriiNiepTpTrciiieerrciiracclyKeRdrrhaallyyKKeRddieeeiieent•i,nnett••OiiatOaaaDttaa&dcDDN&&ccctcctEttettESieehumSSiihhimmeiiJesePoplssPPooeppeeetattenaaee0annnieeaanniilcnallccnne8cleecclliiiitciicattcc8cctaaaaaeoheehhn3nntttpuppiii1TvTTvvtrtt!eeheeehehdeddeeCCCrrraaaaaarrrpppeeeyyy
and preferences. covering from illness or surgery to remain 189 AppTtlHheEeggaGarAtrhdReDRnEosNadStm,AMoTnoMrnoOreoN.ecRo, OmNEJ 08831
independent and healthy within their own 189 AptphleeggaarrdthenRsoaatdm, oMnoronero.ceo,mNJ 08831
Ready to learn more? Apartments are homes. thegardensatmonroe.com
reserving quickly, and with almost 65% Services can include just a few hours
already reserved, plans are moving ahead of care to 24/7 in-home assistance, with all
with a groundbreaking in fall 2020. Call personal care services provided by certi-
631-715-2693 to arrange a personal ap- fied home health aides under the direct
pointment (social distancing observed) supervision of a registered nurse.
or virtual visit today! An international leader in senior care
and assistive in-home care, Homewatch
HARROGATE CareGivers has earned an accolade in
recognition of its exemplary client and
400 Locust Street, Lakewood, NJ 08701 caregiver satisfaction from a third-party
Contact Person: Maria Penna research company that collects data on
732-905-7070 client and caregiver satisfaction scores
Email: [email protected] and feedback.
www.harrogate-lifecare.org To learn more about the following
Homewatch CareGivers locations, please
Harrogate is the premiere Life Plan contact:
Retirement Community in Ocean County, Homewatch CareGivers of South
located on a beautiful 53-acre campus on Orange-Essex and Union County
the border ofToms River and Lakewood. at (973) 810-0110 or visit hwcg.com/
Minutes from the magnificent Jersey
Shore and an hour from NewYork City, south-orange
Philadelphia, and Atlantic City. Homewatch CareGivers of Princeton-

Harrogate was founded in 1988 as a Mercer County
non-profit, 501c3 organization governed at (609) 423-1200 or visit hwcg.com/
by a Board ofTrustees.This year we are
celebrating 32 years of active senior liv- Princeton
ing! Homewatch CareGivers of Old Bridge-

Life Care at Harrogate gives you home Middlesex County
for life, as well as care for life. In addition at (732) 591-1991 or visit hwcg.com/
to your independent living residence
and access to every community service old-bridge
and amenity, you have priority access to
skilled nursing, home health, rehabilita- INSPIR | CARNEGIE HILL
tion, and memory care support services.
1802 Second Avenue,
No more cleaning house, cooking, te- NewYork, NY 10128
dious yardwork or yearly maintenance,
when you live at Harrogate, you could 646.978.9040
find yourself busier than ever.There is so Inspirseniorliving.com/bookatour
much to do under one roof.Your days can Inspir Carnegie Hill elevates the se-
be packed with classes, events, special nior living experience in every sense.
speakers, trips, and concerts.Through our Inside this elegant 23-story architectural
collection of services and amenities, you masterpiece on the Upper East Side of
can do more than simply fill the hours; Manhattan, you’ll find that every detail
you can find fulfillment in each day. has been carefully considered—from its
sun-drenched open spaces to its locally
Services you’ll appreciate are house- sourced dining.
keeping, maintenance, most utilities, We pride ourselves in offering con-
transportation, bank/ATM , beauty barber cierge services that parallel the services
shop and on site physician offices. Ame- of a five-star hotel. Within our residence,
nities include formal and informal dining we have two dining venues, two bar and
venues, pets welcomed, fitness classes, lounges, and two private dining rooms.
parties, trips, and learning opportuni- On the ground floor, the 1802 restaurant
ties.The beautiful community spaces to
enjoy including our indoor pool and hot
tub, fitness center with personal trainers,
woodworking shop, walking trails, dog
park, gardening areas, bocce court, put-

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202018 RETIREMENT SHOWCASE Medical House Calls, Palliati

offers fine dining that speaks to the palate while nourish- Hospice. ANGELA SIEGE
ing the body, mind, and soul. 1802 also offers Sunday
brunch, featuring seasonal dishes with locally sourced den. Support groups provide emotional, educational homeowners, there’s usually an endless list of modifi- INCORPORATING
ingredients. Every meal is an experience, designed to and social support for caregivers. Easily accessible on cations and renovations that we need to make as both
bring residents closer to the people they care about. At Route 22 across from Watchung Mall. we and our homes age. And if you’re like most people, A SECOND HOM
Onyx, our 17th floor bistro, casual dining meets refine- you put off projects that have more to do with your own INTO YOUR ESTATE
ment. Residents can enjoy a seasonal, healthful menu For more information visit our website www.legacy- safety or comfort. But chances are, you or someone you
accented by a variety of light options. Offerings include careclub.com or call us at (908) 540-0500.The best way know has had to deal with everyday aches and pains, By: Angela Siegel,
a colorful continental breakfast, nourishing made-to- to learn about the club is a free one day trial.
order smoothies, and other convenient selections. atTtpbitcaobiwptpmatcbonshhraouabnrauhrarereaacttoeiorteotdttorersmhdoohotethhuWcITYpfjasvueefrvineeeumngattttgohaoiisertreuuaihotedcectnoiot?hkyuesirhvortbbi-etnlsrstpeenTgactpt’laoeed,v.ptc,yaolo.etltamhhocidorwyblaioetuaet,rfmltheitttusomnaiuncslbocohottcplieeccuudehootcaeel,daerobryeeoturbevnnlclatoiiktlghssbeanftinoyoatogbnonibubweheintesaslsfplradbhneuabaytina,dteetartthopteeecrobeehysehracvilowuekranlist.uleralc,nsettfsdapyic,nasoiuinrufntTr,odttlitrtafhtlefsbhfhbsauotiooaenrfbcoewoyleylaaeievbnoab’trmccensnodonotuqeceoddtlmaupheu.dlfduuaueaaoruolirrmttCirrtfaoltTiddroordhurlrylprihkemydoeyne®eoygjetseraoeeluseomdnemo,maeagiin.irchfrnbtuastnctaoiottkuooiepfinpod,g’coiblnlosifiswvbfayeenatreinlogsbarnetorecgtngsiahactpduiendgosdoaesohdtdannercttots,pifuliitouonobitdsaTonsteshrnttchbroeuulhtshgvrlsbaaetaodoielrpabssapeaeecte,butronewsmltcnonrsamabatlsnahwvsuetherynarcubeuoiln’aeeeTesfleoeitelmetlbnnvdrkf,bp®hrs,uihitpy-egtenaoeleyswlaaais’fae.oarduniaupdocvthevsaglmasieu,slttoininaheslarsltcinwhrarsolneiyotheeaniagcneeaoaf.hgo’idoktsldwndnndlcvElccoyr.ywilaohatrydTevaceaomtthtismnareahheehheepgyuoatpddrddneeeeaaesssrf--t.taruimspiwiiavtscistatPtiynnnnnnhoioaeetooetonrsrvaigiNgkeiolosrNmtmunaoouenscathyeaTIsbbenepattpnrrltoieitetseeyonehdsaliiwaolrt.eihwmwosvlsrtooeetstoytotsntaerneeehhYuYhtrrhbsmainttdipagnmnlhsorhoeeseeeaittyyotrnsoieeoueerraearrtaeoootpBskeekycenratwrssnoebnuuelw.feoalotcdeaitdesrnatlIoacrnanrhnyneshehn.sotewsdosttuceaweydeseIeseN.fksufmsaonfxltaitW,rr,dstmseioirsdeoipmdyrelmchoynneeip,latnwneeftothooeicrayetemt,haietprnneouegehonpYutohwts“ero’lseihtsdnhtotenopteosuaas,ohismwdheetnrv,drtenpenttwfeayresk’oeothiotcspsyecr,eflhhroonofiltoapireiortasoawpolenauhiywobntblirfrsunnlradhrtmpioeoclieCdaraFeerNateyslrweee
LIONS GATE LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY avoid the cost, expense and
Inspir believes that family meals require an extra PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR ancillary probate, it is usuall
level of intimacy. Our private dining rooms curate 1110 Laurel Oak Road,Voorhees, NJ 08043 HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION to establish a revocable livi
the perfect atmosphere. Residents have the option (856) 679-4682 Contact Person: Lina Scacco the second home. Creating
to choose between an intimate space within the 1802 is relatively simple and the la
restaurant or in the SkyPark-level dining room, featur- Contact Person: Donna Coonley 718-289-2212 states which have difficult p
ing incredible views of the East River. Here, residents Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] cesses are quite conducive
can gather with family and friends to be wowed by our www.parkerinstitute.org estate planning device.
attentive culinary team catering to their every need. www.lionsgateccrc.org In summary, if you ow
Lions Gate is ready to welcome you home to our Parker Jewish Institute helps older adults home, you should consider
The concierge level of care at Inspir is curated to one-of-a-kind life plan community, featuring indepen- stay healthy amid COVID-19 living trust as an important
an environment that supports a philosophy of holis- dent living for active seniors that seamlessly transi- estate plan. If drafted proper
tic health and wellness. Residents have the peace of tions into a safe, nurturing assisted living, memory New Hyde Park, NewYork, July 6, 2020 – For olderwill avoid the need to go th
mind knowing their needs will be met today, and every care, skilled nursing, or rehab environment as the adults, staying healthy amid COVID-19 presents chal-or more probate processes a
day following. In addition to Inspir’s three care pro- need arises. Lions Gate’s spectacular campus, lo- lenges. Traveling to medical appointments and incor-matters for your heirs.
grams—Sol,Terra, and Oceana—we also partner with cated in scenic Voorhees, nestled in the heart of South porating appropriate exercises into a regular schedule
multiple care providers to ensure that our residents Jersey, boasts beautiful vistas with plenty of walking can be difficult. But Parker Jewish Institute is making it Angela Siegel, Esq
receive a world-class integrated care experience. All trails. Our community is steeped in Jewish culture easy to maintain wellness. Law Office of Angela S
of our partners have exceptional reputations in their and traditions, and many residents take part in weekly Parker AtYour Door’s Medical House Calls provides 1205 Franklin Avenue, Su
respective specialties and are all fully committed to services with our caring Rabbi. Our campus amenities primary and quality medical care for homebound Garden City, NewYork
our philosophy of care.* include a fitness center, art studio, indoor pool, media adults. And Parker’s Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Pro- P: (516) 741-6100
center, and library, and residents enjoy delicious chef- gram offers online resources for fitness classes and F: (516) 741-3133
We’ve recently partnered with Sollis Health, a group prepared kosher meals. Residents stay busy with our webinars.These programs help older adults optimize www.angelasiegel.c
of forward-thinking healthcare professionals and phy- Lions Gate University program, and its daily slate of their health while staying safe, without leaving their
sicians focused on creating the best medical experi- classes, lectures, and movies. We provide door-to- homes.
ence possible—for any issue, at any time. Whether door transportation for doctor visits and shopping Parker At Your Door’s clinicians perform monthly SINAI CHAPEL
it’s a medical emergency or a simple complaint in the trips, or our concierge can do the shopping for you.
middle of the night, Sollis believes you should always Schedule a virtual tour today, and discover the Lions wellness checks and provide prescriptions for needed Contact Person: Andrea
receive the care you deserve. Care that is smart, stress- Gate difference. medications. Clinicians arrange for lab work, EKGs and 718.445.0300
free, sensible, and human. podiatry visits as well as physical and occupational
NEW JERSEY LIFE & CASUALTY therapy. All of this is a benefit to older adults, who Email: sinai@jewishfune
Inspir residents who become Sollis Health mem- remain vulnerable amid the pandemic but require www.jewishfunerals.
bers will enjoy 24/7 VIP access to Sollis Health 354 Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 2700, Livingston, NJ regular medical visits to manage chronic illnesses.
physicians and medical services for urgent and non- 07039 Sinai Chapels Serv
life-threatening emergencies at their beautiful Upper Following strict U.S. Centers for Disease Control and NewYork’s Jewish Com
East Side location. Working directly with our Interdis- Contact Person: Jamie Cohen Prevention and NewYork State Department of Health
ciplinary CareTeam, Sollis Health members can often 973-535-0955 protocols, each nurse practitioner is regularly tested Sinai Chapels, located in F
bypass the hospital emergency department to obtain for COVID-19. ows, Queens, is led by the Re
advanced diagnostic imaging, expedited specialist Email: [email protected] And Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands Program, Park-and is proud of the trust tha
appointments, medical advocacy, no-wait office visits www.njlc.com er’s volunteer arm, provides access to virtual classes,erations of Jewish families h
with staff physicians, VIP hospital amenities, and rou- including chair yoga and low-impact Zumba classes.in us. Sinai’s commitment
tine lab work. LIFE INSURANCE These sessions help older adults avoid sedentarycompassionate understand
Q&A WITH JAMIE COHEN lifestyles that can trigger strokes, heart attacks andservice, and attention to ever
Additionally, residents at Inspir will have access to diabetes. There are engaging online programs suchcontinuous improvements re
a wide range of luxury services. Our location on the Jamie, why should I review my life insurance now? as virtual tours to travel destinations, and educationalditions established by our fa
Upper East Side places us within reach of the infamous Most people do not realize that life insurance poli- and support programs for families coping with demen-century ago.
“Museum Mile” along Fifth Avenue and Central Park. tia. And there are presentations on diet and well-being. Sinai’s licensed staff guid
Inspir’s concierge allows residents to book nearby res- cies are financial assets. Just like any other assets, you “Our programs continue to help older adults inthrough the arrangement p
taurant reservations and theatre tickets. For apartment need to monitor a policy to make sure it holds value, the community stay fit and healthy while they followhelps each family select the
living, our home management and maintenance teams and assess whether the coverage fits your present stay-at-home guidelines,” said Michael N. Rosenblut,best fit their needs and fina
can arrange relocation assistance, interior decorating, needs. Did you buy insurance to protect your children Parker’s President and CEO. “Led by experts in seniorChapels is the only funeral h
dry-cleaning, valet services, and more. And when it when they were young? Did the policy, cover an inter- care, our programs give older adults something to lookarea that provides a staff Dire
comes to personal assistance, from flower delivery to est in a business that you have since retired from? If forward to during these difficult times.” toral Counseling. Rabbi Mic
courier service, gift selection and wrapping, package so, now is a good time to reconsider. About Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care andberg, who is available to he
delivery, or even assistance with invitations and holi- What is a Life Settlement? Rehabilitation through religious counseling a
day cards, our team is ready to help. Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Reha-is our staff Rabbi.
Life Settlement is the sale of a life insurance policy bilitation, which has earned the Center for Medicare Whether Reform, Cons
It’s time to seize your moment and experience the for a lump sum. It is a great alternative to “surrender- & Medicaid 5 Star Quality rating, is headquarteredOrthodox, Sinai provides se
level of care only Inspir can provide.Visit our online form ing” the policy or letting it lapse.The money from the in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leadingare ceremonially correct, app
or give Concierge a call at 646.978.9040 to schedule a sale can be used by the Policy Owner for retirement ex- provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Termdignified. Sinai also offers f
convenient time. penses, long term health care or just about anything! Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centeredchoice of traditional or non-tra
Why might I want to sell my Life Insurance Policy? health care and technology, the Institute is a leader invices. Sinai Chapels offers a
LEGACY CARE CLUB teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institutebroadcast of the service at ou
Often, premiums rise – sometimes sharply! - at features its own medical department, and is nation-family unable to travel. In ad
130 US- 22 E, North Plainfield, NJ 07060 time when a Policy Owner’s need for life insurance ally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well asoffers DVD and flash drive re
Contact Person: Jody Blagrove may have passed, and the cost/benefits of the policy a provider of community-based health care, encom-the service.
908-540-0500 look very different.Thanks to low interest rates, many passing Social Adult Day Care, Home Health Care, Currently, many families
[email protected] policies have not kept up with their original value pro-
Legacycareclub.com jections, and some policies may be on track to lose all
value or expire.
Legacy Care Club is an Adult Day Care with the Jamie, how are you different from those Life Settle-
sole intention of keeping your loved one at home ment companies who advertise onTV?
as long as possible and providing respite to their
Caregivers. Our Adult Day Care is the best alternative I am a local, independent broker at New Jersey Life
to assisted living or homecare. The club is a small, & Casualty. Since 1948, we have been helping clients
intimate, and secure community with customized make optimal decisions -- and the most of their money.
services and individualized activities. We offer a vari- Unlike many others, we have access to a confidential,
ety of activities to stimulate their mind, and physical competitive auction platform to help seniors get the
activities to improve their strength. In addition, we most money for their policies.
provide concierge services including Hair Salon and What should I do now?
Massage Therapy; assist with scheduling onsite po-
diatry, dental, physical and occupational therapy. In Contact us for more information about the process
order to truly engage with our members, our day care and a complimentary policy review. We will help you
is limited to 30 attendees per day. Legacy Care Club understand your options.
is family owned and operated; your loved one is a
part of our family. Our staff are all Certified Dementia ONE DAY BATH
Practitioners, by the NCCDP. They are patient, empa-
thetic, and most important caring. Staff to client ratio Contact Person: Paul Echavarria
is 1-5. Members attend for the social interaction; op- 866-927-8247
portunity to reminisce and share their stories as well
as make new friends. Caregivers drop them off each Email: [email protected]
day knowing they are safe; giving them time to work, www.renewyourbath.com
run errands, or just get some rest. In addition, Legacy Call 877-882-2887 for your local authorized dealer.
Care Club hosts caregiver support group meetings When was the last time you faced the need for a
the first Wednesday of each month. Caregivers face home project that you knew would absolutely solve
special challenges, having an outlet can ease the bur- your problem and also go easy on your wallet? For most

Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and RETIREMENT SHOWCASE 19Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 2020
Hospice. dialysis, doctor’s or other appointments.
to hold services at the graveside due The world is constantly changing Wilf Transport at The Wilf Campus for
ANGELA SIEGEL to safety and health concerns and Si- and it is important to have a plan that Senior Living is available to help and is
nai can manage these special services. changes with it. It is never a bad time focused on keeping our clients safe and
INCORPORATING Sinai’s dedicated staff is available 24 to either make changes to an existing offering peace of mind.
A SECOND HOME hours a day to assist families with all financial plan or create a new one. It
INTO YOUR ESTATE PLAN aspects of planning a funeral service. starts by having clarifying conversa- WilfTransport is a non-profit commu-
By: Angela Siegel, Esq. Since there are so many details to tions to learn what is important for you nity transportation program, providing
It is not uncommon for NewYorkers manage, most families choose to have and the people you care about. How assisted non-medical, social and qual-
to spend a few months in Florida or in Sinai’s staff of trained professionals co- do you want to live your life now? How ity-of-life transportation for seniors and
some other state, especially during the ordinate these services. do you plan to live your life in retire- individuals with special needs who are
winter season. Whether you are head- ment? What do you want to leave to over the age of 18. Our number one prior-
ing to the Berskshires, the Carolinas, or Making funeral arrangements in the people you care about most? Let’s ity is the safety of our clients. With safety
some other destination, there are some advance protects families from unex- start with a conversation. comes frequent revaluation of our proce-
relatively easy steps you should take pected expense and spares them the dures and protocols to ensure that they
in order to ensure that your estate plan burden of making complex choices at AtThe Mitchell Wealth Management are up to date with the current standards.
takes the second home into consider- a most difficult time. Sinai’s staff of ex- Group, our mission, commitment and pro- As a result, we have implemented a num-
ation. perienced pre-planning advisors can cess strives to do the following: to provide ber of precautionary measures guided
The probate of one’s will, or the ad- meet with you privately at the Chapel, quality service, put our clients’ needs first by Centers for Disease Control and NJ
ministration of one’s estate, will occur by Zoom or FaceTime, or in the comfort and view each client relationship as a long Department of Health recommendations
in the state where you reside. If you are of your home, with no cost or obliga- term investment. We tailor our services to relating to the pandemic.
a New York resident, the probate pro- tion. All of Sinai’s pre-plans are FDIC each client’s particular needs and goals; to
cess is usually straightforward and rela- insured. ensure the highest level of personal atten- Current measures in place include:
tively simple. If you own real property tion and responsiveness. We recognize • Limiting rides to one passenger/client
in another state, you will be required to Sinai Memorials specializes in crafting that communication is paramount to the at a time.
probate your will there as well, result- and customizing monuments to match the success of any client/advisor relationship; • Disinfecting high touch areas before
ing in a second, or “ancillary”, probate. needs and wishes of every family. Our staff to coordinate the breath and scope of intel- and after each ride.
Probate in other parts of the country is of specialists, technical and Rabbinic, invest lectual capital of the world’s largest wealth •Weekly deep cleanings of all surfaces in
usually not as simple a process as it is great time and effort to ensure that you will management firm to deliver the optimal all vehicles regardless of use.
in NewYork. In fact, the process can be a receive the finest monument possible. client experience. We succeed by deliv- • Plastic barriers installed between the
very long and expensive one. Moreover, ering the full capabilities of the firm with driver and client to ensure safe distancing
your heirs would need to first complete Sinai Chapels and the Resnick fam- an exemplary level of wealth manage- and comfort for each party involved.
the probate in NewYork and then retain ily are proud sponsors of leading Jewish ment service, customized solutions and • Signs alerting clients to the use of dis-
an attorney admitted to practice in the Community Organizations such as:The the highest ethical standards. infectants on high-touch areas.
state where the second home is located Queens College Center for Jewish Stud- • Drivers wearing masks or face cover-
to commence a new probate there. To ies; Kupferberg Holocaust Center and THE WILF CAMPUS ings at all times.
avoid the cost, expense and delay of an Archives at Queens Community College; FOR SENIOR LIVING
ancillary probate, it is usually advisable Commonpoint Queens; and the United Aside from the new safety measures in
to establish a revocable living trust for Jewish Appeal. 350-360 DeMott Lane, Somerset NJ place, services have not changed!WilfTrans-
the second home. Creating such a trust 732-649-3502 or [email protected] port is still providing transportation to medi-
is relatively simple and the laws of most Please visit JewishFunerals.com or cal appointments, dialysis centers, shopping
states which have difficult probate pro- call 800-446-0406 for more information. www.wilfcampus.org trips, grocery stores and more. For more
cesses are quite conducive to such an WilfTransport isTaking Precautions to information, or to arrange transportation,
estate planning device. SPECIALTY HOSPITAL Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 contact us at 732.649.3502 or email trans-
In summary, if you own a second OF CENTRAL JERSEY As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, [email protected] can also fill out
home, you should consider a revocable you or a loved one may be concerned our online form at www.wilfcampus.org/
living trust as an important part of your 600 River Avenue, 4 & 5 West, about using public transportation to get to transport/arrange-transportation.
estate plan. If drafted properly, the trust Lakewood, NJ 08701
will avoid the need to go through two Contact Person: The Wilf Campus for Senior Living is
or more probate processes and simplify comprised ofWilf At Home, Stein Assisted
matters for your heirs. Maureen Rogers, Chief Clinical Officer Living, Wilentz Senior Residence, Stein
Angela Siegel, Esq. 1-877-573-5822 Hospice andWilfTransport.
Law Office of Angela Siegel
1205 Franklin Avenue, Suite 330 Email: [email protected] DLAAEYDGCUAALCTRYE
Garden City, NewYork 11530 www.specialtyhospitalcj.com
Legacy Care Club is an
P: (516) 741-6100 Located within the campus of a med- exclusive club for seniors
F: (516) 741-3133 ical center (Monmouth Medical Center
www.angelasiegel.com Southern Campus), Specialty Hospital to enjoy activities
of Central Jersey is a small, integrated tailored to their needs
SINAI CHAPELS “hospital-within-a-hospital” with the
sole focus of caring for medically com- IS ADULT DAY CARE RIGHT BENEFITS OF ADULT DAY CARE?
Contact Person: Andrea Resnick plex patients directly discharged from FOR YOUR LOVED ONE?
718.445.0300 the ICU. Under the direction of its chief • Socialization: Our members attend each
medical officer, Howard Lebowitz,M.D., Is your loved one antisocial, day to make new friends, reminisce,
Email: [email protected] a team of highly skilled clinicians work sleeping all day, or not eating well? and share stories
www.jewishfunerals.com together with specialists to design and
Sinai Chapels Serves implement a therapeutic plan for each Does your loved one show signs of • Physical Activity: We host chair exercises
patient. On the campus of a larger medi- memory loss? to accommodate all physical levels
NewYork’s Jewish Community cal center (Monmouth Medical Center
Sinai Chapels, located in Fresh Mead- Southern Campus), Specialty Hospital Are you worried about the isolation • Safety: To prevent wandering, our club
ows, Queens, is led by the Resnick family of Central Jersey is able to draw from or safety of your loved one? is fully secure, including a private patio
and is proud of the trust that four gen- the vast resources of a full-service hos-
erations of Jewish families have placed pital, while staying singularly focused Are you overwhelmed? Neglecting • Caregiver’s Mental and Physical Health:
in us. Sinai’s commitment starts with on the care of particular patients. Spe- your health? Caregivers trust us to care for their
compassionate understanding, quality cialty Hospital of Central Jersey is an loved ones giving them time to take
service, and attention to every detail. Our independent entity, offering the benefits Do you need a break from care of themselves
continuous improvements reflect the tra- of a more individualized hospital set- caregiving? Even for a few days?
ditions established by our family over a ting, combined with such life-support WHAT MAKES LEGACY CARE
century ago. services as ventilator weaning, com- FOR MORE INFORMATION CLUB UNIQUE?
Sinai’s licensed staff guides families plex wound care, parenteral nutrition,
through the arrangement process and respiratory and cardiac monitoring, and Email: [email protected] • We are open Monday-Sunday
helps each family select the options that dialysis. Visit our website at www.spe- Phone: (908) 540-0500 • Our focus is on Memory Care
best fit their needs and finances. Sinai cialtyhospitalcj.com for more informa- • We are a small intimate community, max
Chapels is the only funeral home in the tion about Specialty Hospital of Central Website: www.legacycareclub.com
area that provides a staff Director of Pas- Jersey’s Programs and Services. 130 US-22 E of 30 members daily
toral Counseling. Rabbi Michael Stras- • We form a partnership with our caregivers,
berg, who is available to help families LTAC Specialty Hospital of Central North Plainfield, NJ 07060
through religious counseling and support, Jersey receives patients from: NJ and providing much needed support
is our staff Rabbi. tri-State area. LTAC Specialty Hospi- • Onsite Concierge Services: Hair Salon,
Whether Reform, Conservative, or tal of Central Jersey is an affiliate of
Orthodox, Sinai provides services that AcuteCare Health System.The hospital Shower Services, Podiatry, Physical/
are ceremonially correct, appropriate and is located at 600 River Avenue, 4 & 5 Occupational Therapy
dignified. Sinai also offers families the West, Lakewood, NJ 08701 P: 877.573.
choice of traditional or non-traditional ser- LTAC (5822) –Toll Free
vices. Sinai Chapels offers a live Internet
broadcast of the service at our chapel, for UBS SETH MITCHELL
family unable to travel. In addition, Sinai
offers DVD and flash drive replications of The MitchellWealth
the service. Management Group
Currently, many families are electing 1251 Avenue of the Americas 2nd Fl.,
NewYork, NY. 10020-1080

212-626-8588
Contact Person: Seth A. Mitchell
Email: [email protected]
www.ubs.com/team/mitchellwmg

Retirement Living ■ The Jewish Week & NJJN ■ Summer 202020

THE SECRET
TO PATIENT
CARE...
IS CARING
FOR THE
PATIENT.

As a Long Term Acute Care
Hospital (LTACH), Specialty

Hospital of Central Jersey
o ers a specialized level of

care to patients.
Our mission is to provide
high-quality, comprehensive

health services to the
medically complex patient,

in order to achieve a
maximum level of wellness,
while maintaining a strong
sense of patient satisfaction.

600 RIVER AVENUE, 4 & 5 WEST
LAKEWOOD, NJ 08701
P: 877.573.LTAC 5822
W W W. S P E C I A LT Y H O S P I TA L C J . C O M

DR. HOWARD LEBOWITZ, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER

Our Towns13 NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020

Education Everyone is different
and that’s a good thing!
MARKETPL ACE

Adath Israel Congregation rienced, and caring teach- Har Sinai Temple who find meaning and pride in
1958 Lawrenceville Road ing staff; Rabbi Benjamin 2421 Pennington Road Jewish living.
Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648 Adler; and Hazzan Arthur Pennington, N.J. 08534
609-896-4977 Katlin “Zoomed” in beyond 609-730-8100 Our new, visionary model
adathisraelnj.org the regular school hours harsinai.org offers young families a Jewish
through Kahoot (a game- education without requiring
At Har Sinai Religious School in temple membership. We pro-
Wow! What a year! The Adath based classroom response Pennington we provide a reli- vide welcoming opportunities to
gious education that welcomes gather, forge new relationships,
Israel Religious School was up system played by the whole children from traditional, inter- and ease into the latter years of
faith, and other families. We Jewish learning (grades 4+) with
and running and then March class in real time). The kids embrace the differences that other like-minded families in our
make Jewish life and learning Reform congregation.
arrived! loved it. today a delightful, diverse, and
vibrant experience. Back in March 2020, the Har
To summarize, after inter- Adath Israel will get back Sinai Religious School quickly
At the Religious School we adapted to the challenges of
viewing various school par- to a regular school situation help our students appreciate the Covid-19 pandemic, with-
the relevance of Jewish teach- out missing a beat. Our plans
ents, “The school handled the as soon as possible with all ings, practice, and ethics in for the 2020-21 school year are
today’s changing world. To that flexible to accommodate both
transition exuberantly well” programming resuming based end, we study prayers, learn the changing realities facing us
Hebrew, and celebrate Jewish and the safety and health of our
and “They didn’t miss a beat.” on the safety and comfort lev- and Israeli history, culture, and students, our teachers, and our
traditions. Building on our rich community.
Another parent says she was els of parents, teachers, and Reform tradition, each student’s
voice is honored, resulting in a For more information, please
thrilled that even during this the kids. September 2020 diverse community of learners call 609-730-8100 or email
[email protected] or
time of using Zoom instruc- may bring in-person, virtual [email protected].

tion new programming was instruction, or a combination

developed that will continue of both.

as the September 2020 school However, recognition of

year begins. individual talents, music and

Adath Israel Religious art programs, and the study of

School is a nationally award- Jewish values, holidays, rituals,

winning school dedicated prayer, and Israel will contin-

to enriching and educating ue. Call the synagogue at 609-

students about Jewish val- 896-4977 for more information

ues, holidays, rituals, prayer, and to register your child. Ask

and Israel, from pre-K (Tot to speak with Rabbi Adler or

Fundays) through high school. contact him at rabbiadler@ Har Sinai Har Sinai Temple
Temple wP2(wH2P64e4we0w2na2n9w1nrw1n)i.7nPi.ShnPhg3eageiant0nrntorns-oan8sniinnniii1,nn,ag0NTagNit0.eiJoto.Joomnr0nr0g8Rgp8R5d5ld3.e34. 4
It is a multi-year recipient adathisraelnj.org. Religious
School
of the Solomon Schechter Enjoy the summer, be well,

Gold and Silver Awards and stay safe from the Adath

and Torah Aura Curriculum Israel family.

Award.

This year, from 609 730-8100

the beginning to Adath Israel Congregation 2020-2021
1958 Lawrenceville Rd.
the end of school in Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
June, every Sunday 2018-2019• Our Religious School is exciting and fun!
and Tuesday class,
• We meet on Sunday mornings.
Havdalah, and the
•R CElasGsesISareTtRaugAhTt bIyOexpNerieNnceOd tWeacheOrs.PEN!
“asafa” (full school Welcomes YOU to the Wonderful World
assemblies) were • Enjoy vibrant youth programs & services.

maintained. Even of Jewish Education

during Zoom class- Open to Non-Temple Members.

es, individual class- CSCFOcaaOhnlRletoodRrruTelOeOMmrananaiOlRaoGpEuRrpreGoEeDinniIr,tIeSmfNcoTteronFmErt,OooRvfrierR:EtdiunMuafolcaorAmtrioiaTnntiI,poOenr.sNon,

es would break off Focus on Excellence to meet our new Rabbi, Jordan Goldson.
to continue instruc-
with pride in our understanding (60(690)97)37030-1-8510000 wwwww.hwa.rjseincani.oj.rogrg
tion at each appro-
[email protected]
priate level. In addi- of each individual student!

tion, resource/spe-

cial needs through Friendship Community
IEPs (Individualized Tradition Evolving
Education Plans)

were maintained.

Private b’nei mitz-

vah lessons were Contact us at: 609 896 4977

seamless. www.adathisraelnj.org

Recognizing the

extraordinary need A School for Every Jewish Family

for connection dur-

ing the quarantine,

our invested, expe-

NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 202014Our Towns

Charity is set in stones

Hamilton Jewelers raised $40,000 to aid local businesses

Michele Alperin The flagship Hamilton Jewelers store on Nassau would do something to support them. “Princeton
Street in Princeton. is a unique community, and we felt strongly that
NJJN Contributing Writer the character of the town is reflective of the inde-
pendent businesses that operate here, and when we
T he Siegel family has been involved with the reopen, we wanted to make sure all our neighbors
Mercer County Jewish and business com- would be able to reopen as well,” he told NJJN.
munities for four generations. In 1927, Irving
Siegel purchased Hamilton Jewelers, a business While Hank was quarantined in Florida, he
founded 15 years earlier in Trenton, and a commit- and his son Andrew conceived, developed, and
ment to helping others has been a bulwark of the launched — with several team members from Ham-
family business throughout its long history. ilton — an online auction, which ran from April 20
through May 20.
“It was instilled in us growing up that you own
a business in a community,” said Hank Siegel, Ir- The Princeton Community Auction was “an
ving’s grandson and president and CEO of Hamil- opportunity for the entire community to band to-
ton Jewelers. “That community has allowed your gether so community members and businesses
business to grow and thrive for 108 years, so it was could donate items, services, or experiences, and
important to give back.” others could bid on them, and all of those proceeds
would go at the end directly to our neighbors,” An-
So when Siegel, who now lives in Florida, saw drew told NJJN. He is director of business strategy
“how quickly and drastically” the shutdowns re- and operations.
lated to Covid-19 were affecting small businesses
in Princeton, he decided that Hamilton Jewelers Continued on page 18

Synagogue Connection their home, so all could partake of the
holiday.
MARKETPL ACE
Zoom Shabbat services, Havdalah,
Adath Israel Congregation egalitarian, welcoming congregation serv- Monday and Thursday minyans, and popu-
1958 Lawrenceville Road ing Mercer and Bucks counties. The con- lar and pertinent events like “Ripped from
Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648 gregation is fully handicapped accessible the Headlines,” led by Rabbi Adler, and our
609-896-4977 and special headphones for the hearing Healing Service, led by Evette Katlin, con-
adathisraelnj.org impaired are available in the sanctuary. Our tinue over Zoom.
building is beautiful and secure, with all
Adath Israel is guided by tradition and con- necessary facilities available ... and when New programs such as Rabbi Adler’s
temporary Conservative Judaism, recogniz- we’re able to fully open again, we hope “Tales of the Rabbis” and Hazzan Arthur
ing different levels of observance. We are an you will join us at the synagogue and enjoy Katlin’s “Adath’s Got Talent” are interesting
with us. and fun. “Adath’s Got Talent” has member
participation from ages 5 through 95 with an
As most in the area know, Adath Israel audience full of smiles and applause.
is home to The Mosaic Program, a Center
for the Arts and Culture. This past year Women’s League and Men’s Club remain
before the quarantine, The Mosaic Program active, having presented through Zoom,
presented Deadbeats and Hustlers; Bruce “The Story of the AT&T Pole Farm.” In
Warren from WXPN; Rachel Wainer Apter, July, Women’s League presented “Get Your
director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Kicks on Route 206,” about the twists and
Rights; Gary Kraut, an award-winning travel turns and ups and downs of the 400-year
writer who presented an Illustrated Tour of history of Lawrence Township’s main thor-
Jewish Paris; and a Musical Performance: oughfare. Both programs were with historian
One Community/Many Voices. Then came Dennis Waters.
Covid-19, so we missed a Lecture in Song
by Fred Miller featuring Composers of Bucks Going forward, committees are hard at
County: Hammerstein and Sondheim, and we work developing a reopening plan according
missed a special opportunity to see the hid- to state guidelines. Live streaming for adult
den places on Ellis Island on a private Hard and separately for kids’ High Holiday services
Hat Tour. are in the works, along with some in-person
participation and attendance, depending
That said, we look forward to Zoom Mosaic upon the safety and comfort concerns of our
presenting Fred Miller’s Lecture in Song, a vir- members and clergy. Activities will also be
tual interactive cooking demonstration, and planned on our beautiful outdoor campus.
the chief photo archivist for the New York City
Parks Department giving us a virtual tour of Watch for our flyers and news articles, or
the archives. call the synagogue office for information, so
you can join in on these great programs. This
We are pleased to say that our August we’ll have a drive-by loop around to
rabbi, Benjamin Adler, and his fam- say ‘hi’ to Rabbi Adler, Hazzan Katlin, and
ily Zoomed their Passover seder from some of our lay leaders, and take a bit of
sweets home for the New Year. Hope to see
you soon.

Agenda 15

Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, most syna- will continue on Fridays,Aug. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 5:30-6:30 it will air one of its award-winning documentaries high- NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020
gogues and organizations have cancelled all in-person p.m. To follow the Kabbalat Shabbat and Shabbat Eve- lighting the Righteous Gentiles who saved Jews during
activities for the time being. Some are offering online ning Service in the Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals, the Holocaust.
learning opportunities or plan to reschedule. go to rabbinicalassembly.org/form-download-e-siddur-0.
The free films premiered July 27 as Facebook “Watch
THURSDAY, Aug. 6 Shabbat morning services will continue on Saturdays, Parties” on the JFR’s page, and continue on Monday
Aug. 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 10 a.m. evenings at 8 p.m. through Aug. 24. They focus on the
“Tastes of Shabbat.” Interactive progressive Shabbat heroism of rescuers Melpomeni Gianopoulou (Greece);
dinner discussion on Friday night meal courses spon- HavdallahTogether will be held Saturdays,Aug. 8, at Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds (Knoxville, Tenn.);
sored by Beth El Synagogue of East Windsor at 7 p.m. 8:50 p.m.; Aug. 15, 8:40 p.m.; Aug. 22, 8:30 p.m.; Aug. Krystyna Jakubowska (Poland); and HelenaWeglowska
via Zoom. Go to zoom.us/j/9729253056; password: 1234. 29, 8:20 p.m. (Poland).The page will also screen the documentary cel-
ebrating the life of Roman Kent, the Holocaust survivor
FRIDAY, Aug. 14 MOSAIC: “A Land That’s Free for You and Me,” a and JFR president, onAug. 24.
live virtual event with pianist/singer Fred Miller, will be
Outdoor Shabbat Service. Beth El Synagogue of East held Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The free event is a Go to facebook.com/JewishFoundationForThe
Windsor, 6 p.m. Bring chairs and wear masks. Call 609- musical and anecdotal overview of Jewish songwriters Righteous.
443-4454 or go to bethel.net. giving voice to theAmerican Dream. Register at crowd-
cast.io/e/fred-millers-lecture-in. The Orthodox Union will begin Project Resilience, a
Adath Shalom Congregation, Lawrenceville, will hold series of six free virtual courses that aim to strengthen
the following events this month via Zoom: Making Sense of COVID Statistics will be discussed individual and family well-being by providing coping
with Howard Wainer on Thursday,Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. strategies and tools during these times of crisis, on Mon-
“Examining Racism: Looking Inward First” will be day,Aug. 10. Visit ou.org/resilience to register.
held on Tuesdays, Aug. 4 and 18, at 7 p.m. Registration Adath Summer StoryTime will be held Sunday,Aug.
is required. 30, at 10:30 a.m. Jewish Women’s Archive will hold an online history
course, “Jewish Women You Thought You Knew (or
“Ripped from the Headlines,” a discussion of current For Zoom links and to register, call 609-896-4977. Never Knew!) on Thursdays,Aug. 6, 13, 20, and 27, at 8
events and Judaism with Rabbi BenjaminAdler, will be p.m. There is a suggested $36 minimum donation. Visit
held Thursday,Aug. 6, at 10:30 a.m. The following national and international organizations jwa.org/events.
are offering various online resources:
Sharing Shabbat: Adath’s Interactive Call-in service,
Jewish Foundation forthe Righteous (JFR) is launch-
ing a Monday night movie event online where each week

Gallery

Personal Mention

Rabbi Aaron Gaber, Candidate program

spiritual leader of and then after ordi-

Congregation Brothers nation transferred to

of Israel (CBOI) in the Maryland Army

Newtown, Pa., has National Guard when

joined the Pennsylvania he served Adat Chaim

Army National Guard in Reisterstown, Md.,

as a chaplain. Rabbi Aaron Gaber until 2000.
A public swearing-in Due to increased

ceremony has been delayed due to responsibilities at his previ-

the coronavirus. ous congregation, Beth Judah in

Gaber begins his seventh year Ventnor, he was discharged from

with CBOI and said he is excited the National Guard in 2001 as a

by this new opportunity to serve the captain. He recently reenlisted, rec-

greater community and ensure the ognizing the need for chaplains in

religious and spiritual needs of our the Pennsylvania National Guard.

military. “I am looking forward to Gaber is currently assigned to

returning to important spiritual and the 228th Transportation Battalion

pastoral work which I had to stop based out of Fort Indiantown Gap,

doing in 2001 due to congregational Pa. He joined his unit for annual

MOBILE FOOD PANTRY — Staff from the Paul Robeson Charter School and familial obligations,” he said. “I training during July and will pro-
for the Humanities in Trenton help staff from Jewish Family & Children’s
Service of Greater Mercer County (JFCS) unload a delivery of pre-packed hope to support the young men and vide ongoing religious and spiritual
bags of groceries to be distributed to their students. The JFCS Mobile Food
Pantry makes three distribution stops per week across Mercer County. For women who have chosen to serve support to the soldiers as they com-
more information, visit jfcsonline.org.
and protect their state and country.” plete their training and conduct mis-

While a rabbinical student, sions assisting the Commonwealth

Gaber joined the Army Chaplain of Pennsylvania.

NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 202016 LifeCycle

Engagements Albert Bernstein, he is survived by his wife Newtown, where she resided. Her charitable
of 60 years, Sybil (Friedlander); two daugh- contributions supported organizations for the
GRAZI-ORLAND ters, Laurie Ann (Eric) Sherby and Debra benefit of women, hunger, justice, health, the
(Mark) Gardner; his son, Louis (Patricia); six environment, and wildlife.
Jaimie Grazi and Max Orland grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Jaimie Grazi, daughter of Fern Gross of Predeceased by her husband, Martin, in
Brick Township and Edward Grazi of Ocean Services were held June 28 with arrange- 2010, she is survived by two sons, Andrew
Township, is engaged to Max Orland, son of ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, L. (Karen Ingalls) of Newton, Mass., and
Marilyn and Joel Orland of Pennington. Ewing. Memorial contributions may be made Santa Fe, N.M., and Eric W. (Karyn Gilvarg)
to Congregation Sons of Israel or American of New Haven, Conn., and New Orleans; his
Ms. Grazi earned her B.A. from the Cancer Society. daughter, Robin Epstein (Richard) Wyman of
University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2011 Wolfeboro, N.H.; and six grandchildren.
and her M.S.W. from the University of Chicago Carl Krause
in 2014. She is an early-childhood research Private services were held with arrange-
analyst at Mathematica Policy Research in Carl Krause, 74, of Trenton died July 8, ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel,
Princeton. 2020. He was born in Trenton. Ewing. A memorial service will be held at a
later date. Memorial contributions may be
Mr. Orland earned his B.A. from New York Mr. Krause had a lifelong career in the made to Planned Parenthood (plannedparent-
University in 2012 and his degree in mortu- music industry. He began as owner of Trenton hood.org) or Heifer International (heifer.org).
ary science from the American Academy Music Center and went on to business ven-
of Funeral Service in 2014. He is a funeral tures specializing in band and later in string Robert Rich
director at Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, instruments.
where he works with his father. Robert L. Rich, 86, of Baltimore died July
He was a graduate of Trenton Central 16, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, he was formerly
An October wedding is planned at the High School and attended Mercer County of East Windsor.
couple’s Lambertville home, with Rabbi Community College.
Adena Blum of Congregation Beth Chaim Mr. Rich was an accountant, working
officiating. He was a Navy veteran of the Vietnam at City Stores Company, The Wiz, and
War. Jamesway. After retiring, he began working
Obituaries at Wegman’s and spending time at the East
He was a member of Masonic Lodge 38 Windsor Senior Center.
Edward Bernstein and Har Sinai Temple in Pennington.
A lover of the arts, classical music, and
Edward R. Bernstein, 82, of Cherry Hill died He enjoyed cooking for his family and opera, he was a longtime member of the
June 28, 2020. He was born in Trenton and hosting large gatherings. He also had a Congregation Beth Chaim Choir and New
lived in Cherry Hill for 40 years. passion for boating. He was also an accom- Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus.
plished guitar player, playing as a Navy
Mr. Bernstein was a quality control man- musician, in jazz bands in San Diego, and Predeceased by his wife, Susan, in 2015,
ager and chemist for several pharmaceutical later in Trenton-area local bands. he is survived by his son, Seth (Melinda); his
companies. daughter, Wendy Rich-Orloff (David); and a
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, brother, Errol Rich.
He graduated from Trenton Central High Lois; two daughters, Kayla and Jenna; and
School and St. Francis College, and attended two sisters, Doris and Diane. A private burial was held with arrange-
Temple University Graduate School. ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel,
Private services were held with arrange- Ewing. Memorial contributions may be made
He was a member of Congregation Sons of ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, to National Multiple Sclerosis Society or
Israel in Cherry Hill. Ewing; a memorial service celebrating his Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research
life will be held at a future date. Memorial Foundation.
Predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Alison contributions may be made to Har Sinai
Temple Music Fund, 2421 Pennington Road, Elayne Scheiner
Pennington, N.J. 08534.
Elayne Scheiner, 84, of Monroe Township
Maxine Epstein died July 21, 2020. She was born in New
York City.
Maxine (“Mackey”) Epstein (Pincus), 98, of
Newtown, Pa., died July 9, 2020. She was Ms. Scheiner worked as a social worker
born in Philadelphia and lived in Yardley, for the New Jersey Department of Vocational
Pa., from 1950 to 2002, when she moved to Rehabilitation Services.
Newtown.
She was a graduate of Douglass College,
Mrs. Epstein graduated from Friend’s Rutgers University.
Select School in Philadelphia, attended
Albright College for two years, and gradu- She was a longtime fighter for equal rights
ated from University of Pennsylvania. for women and loved animals.

As a child, she was involved in art and Predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Robin
became a Registered Maine Guide at Highland Scheiner, she is survived by two sons, Adam
Nature Camp on Sebago Lake in Maine. She (Lana Taradash) and Jeffrey Scheiner; a sis-
studied art; typed books into Braille for the ter, Barbara Schenfeld; and five grandchil-
Bucks County Association for the Blind; was dren.
active in women’s organizations, ORT, and
Adath Israel Congregation; and contributed Private services were held with arrange-
to the community at Pennswood Village in ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel,
Ewing. Memorial contributions may be made

LifeCycle 17 NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020

to American Society for the Prevention of 89 to Albuquerque. Yardley for the past 54 years.
Cruelty to Animals. Mrs. Leavitt was a case worker for the Her first career was working as a recep-

Jeanne Leavitt State of New Jersey Department of Social tionist and bookkeeper with her first hus-
Services in Trenton until her retirement. band, Barry Rabinowitz, at his pediatric
Jeanne Ruth Leavitt (Swern), 100, of dental practice in Trenton. She was also a
Albuquerque, N.M., died July 19, 2020. She She graduated from Trenton High School real estate agent earlier in life and for the
was born and raised in Trenton and relocated in 1938, and from Beaver College (Arcadia past 21 years was a partner, with her daugh-
to Florida in the 1980s before moving at age College) in Glenside, Pa., in 1942. ter Rachel, at the fashion boutique Hedy
Shepard LTD in Princeton.
NJY Camps announces In Florida she was an active member and vol-
unteer of her temple, teaching Hebrew to adults. As a younger woman, she was interested
new leadership in the arts and loved the ballet. She enjoyed
Predeceased by her husband, Leo, whom tennis, swimming, daily morning walks, gar-
THE NJY she married in 1967, she is survived by her dening, and travel.
CAMPS board son, Arthur E. Brown (Jo Frances) of New
of directors has York City; her daughter, Charlotte Roybal of She is survived by her husband, Robert
named Michael Santa Fe, N.M.; two grandchildren; and three Beckelman; her son, David (Kathy)
Schlank to the great-grandchildren. Rabinowitz; her daughter, Rachel (Adam)
newly created Reiss; four grandchildren; and her second
position of chief Private services were held with arrange- husband’s family, John Beckelman, Barbara
executive officer. ments by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel, Beckelman, and Linda Beckelman, and their
In that role, Sch- Ewing. Memorial contributions be made to children and grandchildren.
lank will lead the the Jewish Federation or Anti-Defamation
professional staff League. A private memorial service was held July
and oversee all of Michael Schlank 27 with arrangements by Orland’s Ewing
NJY Camps’ operations. Lynn Rabinowitz Memorial Chapel, Ewing. Memorial con-
tributions may be made to Capital Health
“For 100 years, our NJY camps have Lynn Rabinowitz (Lennard), 75, of Yardley, Cancer Center and directed to Capital Health
been creating lasting friendships, posi- Pa., died July 22, 2020. She was born in New Development Office at Two Capital Way,
tive Jewish experiences, and summers Orleans and lived all across the United States Suite 361, Pennington, N.J. 08534.
of fun,” said board president Stephen as a child and young woman. She resided in
Seiden in an email to camp families,
alumnae, and donors. Be assured

NJY Camps is part of the Jewish when our family
Community Center movement and is is called to serve yours.
the umbrella organization for numer-
ous overnight and family camps, and What was true for Orland’s more than 50 1534 Pennington Road
year-round programs for senior adults. years ago when it was started by our father Trenton, NJ 08618
and grandfather remains true for us today... 609.883.1400
Schlank, a former teacher, has been
an executive at Oasis Children Ser- Our task is chosen. OrlandsMemorialChapel.com
vices, a provider of camp, enrichment, Our commitment is strong.
and after-school programs in the New It is our family’s honor to take care of yours. Member of KAVOD:
York area. He is on the board of Hofs- Independent Jewish Funeral Chapels
tra Hillel, president of Midway Jewish AT-HOME CONSULTATIONS | SERVING ALL COMMUNITIES
Center in Syosset, N.Y., and a member
of AIPAC Long Island Council. Joel E. Orland, Senior Director | NJ License No. 3091
Max J. Orland, Director | NJ License. 5064
In his letter, Seiden cited the can-
cellation of in-person camps for the
2020 season due to the “realities of
the pandemic.” Looking to the future,
he called Schlank “a passionate be-
liever in camping” and said his back-
ground “gives us confidence that he
will lead us through the challenges
ahead.”

Schlank will assume his new role
Sept. 1. He replaces interim executive
director Janet Warm Fliegelman, who
took the helm of the organization fol-
lowing the forced resignation in 2018
of Leonard “Len” Robinson, who
faced multiple accusations of sexual
harassment.

NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 202018

| SHABBAT CANDLELIGHTING | Aug. 7: 7:46 p.m.

Discipline and personal growth

Ekev the child has accomplished the task, even if not As usual, there is an even deeper message in
totally successfully, give him or her feedback the word that the Torah uses for discipline. The
Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 and recognition, whether in the form of a verbal root “YSR” is the root of both “discipline” and
compliment or a nonverbal gesture. It is about “suffering.”
Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb extending a challenge, with the implicit confi-
dence that sends that child the message, “You Judaism teaches us that there is a meaning to
A s a parent, grandparent, and psycholo- can do it!” our suffering. Sometimes that meaning is obvi-
gist, I am often considered to be some- ous to us; more typically though, the meaning
thing of an expert on parenting and This, to me, is the essence of discipline. It is eludes us, and we desperately search for it.
child-rearing. In that capacity, I have not synonymous with punishment. It is synony-
frequently been asked to review or give an opin- mous with learning and personal growth. But one thing is clear. We learn through disci-
ion about any of the plethora of books on the pline, and we also learn through suffering.
subject of raising one’s children. And this is what I think is meant by the pas-
sage in this week’s Torah reading, Ekev, “Bear in The words of Victor Frankl, the psychologist
Like in any genre, there are better books and mind that the Lord your God disciplines you just and Auschwitz survivor, who certainly knew a
worse books in this category. What I have no- as a man disciplines his son.” (Deuteronomy 8:5) thing or two about suffering, are very instructive
ticed is that many of them fail to include a chap- here. “... On the biological plane, as we know,
ter on one of the most important components of The Torah has much to say, even if the par- pain is a meaningful watcher and warder. In the
child rearing: discipline. With few exceptions, enting books don’t, about discipline. It takes for psycho-spiritual realm it has a similar function.
the most that these books contain on the subject granted that parents will discipline their children, Suffering is intended to guard man from apathy,
of discipline is a chapter on “setting limits.” and that teachers will discipline their students. from psychic rigor mortis. As long as we suffer
After all, that is why students are called disciples. we remain psychically alive. In fact, we mature
In my opinion, and certainly in my experi- in suffering, grow because of it — it makes us
ence, discipline is an essential component of all The Torah insists, moreover, that the Al- richer and stronger.”
parenting and teaching relationships. And disci- mighty, too, disciplines us. And He does so in
pline is not just about “setting limits.” It is also much the same way as successful parents do. He It is through the processes of discipline and
about “setting goals.” sets clear expectations for us, and He shows us suffering that we develop and are transformed.
His favor when we meet those expectations and Both processes are painful, sometimes pro-
My experience as a parent myself, as a teacher His disfavor when we fail to do so. The Lord re- foundly so. But through both, we widen our ho-
for many years, and as a psychotherapist for ally is a Father in this sense. rizons, enhance our spirits, and attain a deeper
much of my adult life has borne out the wisdom understanding of our life’s purpose.
of these two steps: Firstly, lay out the expecta- It is no wonder then, that the Book of Proverbs
tions that you have of the child and clearly define cautions us to “heed the discipline of your father, Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb is executive vice
the nature of the task at hand. Secondly, when and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.”
Notice: first discipline, and then instruction. president emeritus of the Orthodox Union.

Our Towns

Charity Members of the Siegel family include, from left, federation, our Jewish agencies, and community
Andrew, Hank, Lisette, and Benjamin. synagogues have also benefitted from the generosity
Continued from page 14 of Hamilton Jewelers,” said Mark Merkovitz, federa-
there also.” They moved to Princeton from New tion’s executive director. “We are very appreciative
In the end the auction raised $40,000, which was York City. of the past and ongoing support we receive via beau-
distributed among 23 local businesses that applied tiful gift donations we use in our fund-raising raffles
for funds. The money was to be used to pay salaries, He remembers when he was a child bringing “our at our events.”
rent, bills, and other expenses. service dog” to Greenwood residents. He credited his
grandparents with “instilling in the younger Siegel Hank’s grandparents, Irving and Alice Siegel,
“We asked that all funds go directly to getting that generation about giving back and to Jewish organi- built the business one customer at a time, nursing it
business and its employees through the shutdown zations.” through the depression and fires in 1947 and 1957.
period, whatever that meant for the business,” wrote “Business was done on a handshake many times,”
Andrew in an email to NJJN. “All we asked was that The business has also been supportive of Jew- said Hank. “They were very involved and passionate
the funds not be used specifically for investments ish Federation of Princeton Mercer Bucks. “The about the work they did in their business and their
and improvements, which the businesses felt they community.”
needed to make.”
In 1955, Hank’s father, Martin, joined the busi-
Citing the Torah verse, “Love your neighbor ness, followed in 1982 by Hank, then Andrew in
as thyself,” Andrew told NJJN, “This is what we 2017. In 1986 they opened Hamilton Jewelers in
wanted to get done around here.” Princeton, now their flagship store, at the intersection
of Nassau and Witherspoon streets. Other ventures
Hamilton Jewelers has always been philan- include a vintage jewelry store, H1912; and two
thropic; the business supports over 100 charities, Florida locations.
both Jewish and secular. Greenwood House, a Jew-
ish community nursing home in Ewing, has been a Hank belongs to Har Sinai Temple in Pennington
long-time family favorite. Hank’s parents, Martin and Andrew attends Reform services at the Center
and Denise Siegel, were honored at the 2003 and for Jewish Life-Princeton Hillel.
2019 Greenwood House galas. Hank served on the
organization’s board. Hank said the business’s core values of “relation-
ship, responsibility, and integrity” reflect those of
“It is a Greenwood House world for the Siegels,” several generations of the Siegel family.
Andrew said. “My wife, Betsey, and I, now that we
are here full time, are looking forward to giving back “I think our family’s values mirror those of our
brand, and vice versa.” ■

ExitRamp 19

Longing for a better normal NJ Jewish News ■ njjewishnews.com ■ August 4, 2020

Merri Ukraincik to be able to gather without social distanc- prayers keep the ancient wall pulsing with
ing, their chirping unfiltered by masks. I life, even in our modern era.
NJJN Contributing told them, “This is the closest we’ve come
Writer to cooking for a crowd since February.” I had plans to travel to Israel in March, to
I resolved to leave the birds some chal- visit our son and pray at the Kotel, a small
Ihave always been lah next Shabbat, elevating the sanctity of lost opportunity in the scheme of things. And
an early riser, their meal. yet, I have taken particular comfort from our
which grants New Jersey birds during the Three Weeks,
me first dibs on the When they flew off into the limbs of our the period of mourning for the Temple that
regal maple tree and the far-off corners of culminates on Tisha b’Av — the Ninth of
morning coffee. our yard, it hit me how deeply I long for a Av, the saddest day on the Jewish calendar,
return to normal. To gathering with friends which was held on July 30 this year.
It also gives me a Close to Home around our Shabbat table. To hugging people
chance to enjoy the hello. To overcoming my hesitation about This season is often referred to as the
permitted activities, like getting a profes- narrow straits, a description taken from the
silence before the sional haircut in order to tame what looks Book of Lamentations, which we chant on
like a hastily constructed nest on my head. the Ninth of Av. It is a space in which we
tumult of the day kicks in, especially five It’s not that I fear these things won’t happen permit ourselves to feel vulnerable, where we
again. It’s just that, for the moment, they feel experience our communal losses as though
months into the pandemic, when so many of as elusive as catching a moonbeam. they were deeply personal ones, a time when
the wounds of thousands of years of Jewish
us are in the house at the same time. Meanwhile, the birds arrive each morning history as well as the pains of the present are
at their regular hour, as if no one had sent laid raw and bare.
At that pre-dawn hour, though, it’s just them the corona memo. During the months
of lockdown, and still now, when I have Yet hope awaits us on the other side
the birds and I. Years ago, my husband yet to venture far afield, they seem to bring of this dark period of mourning, along
messages from the outside world with their with comfort, healing, and the possibility of
hung a feeder on a tree right outside the chittering and flitting from bough to bough. returning to normal. But a new normal that is
I am grateful for their constancy. better than what came before, one in which
kitchen window, so I’d have something nice we are all more loving and accepting of one
If you’ve had the opportunity to visit another. This, now, is our chance to join the
to look at while unloading the dishwasher. Jerusalem and see the Kotel, the last segment legions of birds in singing a new song — to
of the Temple’s retaining wall, you know all light the way forward, and to find joy and
It took time for me to become interested. about its birds. The swifts that have been promise in the spaces they have been nesting
nesting in the crevices between the massive for too long out of view. ■
But I now greet the birds with open arms, blocks for thousands of years. The spar-
rows. The cooing turtledoves. All of them Merri Ukraincik of Edison is a regular contribu-
wondering what mazel (mine) and avian mentioned by the prophet Jeremiah for their
steady migration back to the Old City on an tor to NJJN. Follow her at merriukraincik.com.
memory (theirs) draw them back to our annual schedule. Their constancy and our
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yard and where they go when they aren’t

with me.

My husband replenishes the gourmet seed

assortment regularly, attracting a wide vari-

ety of birds in groups of two or three. Yet on

a recent morning, I noticed that a larger num-

ber than usual had congregated around the

feeder, dining as if at a smorgasbord. There

were eight of them, mostly finches — one on

each pin of the feeder and two more on top.

A blue bird and two cardinals waited in the

maple branches for their turn at the buffet.

At first, I thought how lucky they were

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