EIGHT OVER 80: HONORING SERVICE IN DETROIT’S JEWISH COMMUNITY

As December draws to a close and the many menorahs of Hanukkah are gently cleaned of last year’s wax, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable moments of this year while eagerly anticipating the fulfilling work ahead at Jewish Senior Life (JSL). Our campuses are alive with holiday joy, and plans are already underway to bring even more enriching activities and programs to the grateful residents.

Looking forward to 2025, I’m excited to share that JSL will unveil a new website, designed to spotlight our heart and soul while offering a more seamless experience to connect with our services. It’s one of the many ways we’re striving to strengthen our bond with the community we serve.

Among these, the spotlight shines brightest on our 32nd Annual Eight Over 80 Gala Fundraiser, set for Sunday, May 18, 2025. Please save the date! I imagine a perfectly sunny spring morning, as the entire Jewish community gathers at Congregation Shaarey Zedek in sparkling anticipation of celebrating 8 extraordinary honorees along with eight bright Frankel Jewish Academy student partners.

This cherished tradition brings together friends, family, and community to honor individuals whose dedication to Tikkun Olam—repairing the world—has profoundly shaped lives across generations. Each honoree carries a treasure trove of stories, their contributions spanning decades. They embody resilience, compassion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to Jewish values. Together, these eight lives represent a legacy of impactful “roll up your sleeves” social action and justice, grounded in the belief that we all share the responsibility to improve and sustain the world for future generations.

The concept of Tikkun Olam, rooted in Jewish mysticism, has evolved over time. For many, it inspires charitable acts, social justice initiatives, and advocacy for ethical and environmental causes. This year, JSL was fortunate to receive an outpouring of nominations for the Eight Over 80 Gala, reflecting the breadth of incredible individuals in our community. We see you and we appreciate all of you.

We are immensely proud to announce the 2025 Class of Eight over 80 Honorees:

Deede Auster, Nancy Jacobson, Barbara Kratchman, Michael Maddin, Neil Satovsky, Mark Schlussel, Michael Serling and Rachel Yoskowitz

Each of the distinguished individuals with their Frankel Academy student partners, Sydney Michaelson, Jessica Tracht, Zoey Kellman, Zeev Main, Louis Kowalsky, Mia Schlussel, Ryan Reinstein and Paige Murav-Radner will be featured in this column throughout the year as we share their inspiring stories and the many ways they’ve contributed in our Detroit community. Their dedication is a beacon for all of us, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have on the world. We wish all of these distinguished participants a hearty Mazel tov!

Cheers to you and your families and friends in 2025 and sending our JSL best wishes for a warm, joy-filled Hanukkah holiday and New Year. Raise your coffee cup and toast with me to continued celebrations and to Living the Chai Life at JSL!

Shabbat Shalom.