Resources & News

Recent Articles

Uncomfortable Conversations

Jo Strausz Rosen November 7, 2025 No Comments

In a world where dialogue so often turns into arguments, Emmanuel Acho, former professional football player and sports analyst, has chosen a different path. Instead of stepping back from difficult topics, he steps toward them, creating his YouTube series Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. His purpose is simple and profound: to open a space where people can speak honestly, without shame, and with genuine curiosity. Recently, Acho extended this work through a collaboration with Israeli American author and advocate, Noa Tishby. Their new book, Uncomfortable Conversations

A Nation of Refuge: America’s Long Tradition of Welcoming the Displaced

Jo Strausz Rosen October 31, 2025 No Comments

This week I attended part 2 of a Live & Learn class at Meer Apartments. It was taught by Rachel Yoskowitz, 2025 Eight Over 80 Honoree, a longtime refugee advocate and former Director of Resettlement at JFS. Guest speakers Stacy Bahri, Community

When We Marched for Meaning

Jo Strausz Rosen October 23, 2025 No Comments

As we approach this Shabbos, the residents and staff at JSL carry with us the weight of the week and the gravity of this historic moment. Just days ago, more than seven million people across the United States, and countless

TEARS for PEACE

Jo Strausz Rosen October 17, 2025 No Comments

This week, JSL residents, staff and families continue to taste salty tears… tears both of sorrow and of joy. Last week we shed tears of joy while celebrating Sukkot, and we shed tears of worry and pain contemplating whether or

Caregivers & Families

Live and Learn Program Anniversary

Dennis Kraniak July 18, 2025 No Comments

Above, Left to Right: Dave Dulio, Dir. of Civic Engagement & Distinguished Professor, Dept. of Political Science at Oakland University; Carrie Sliwinski, Asst. Dir. Professional & Continuing Education (PACE); Wendy Handler, Live & Learn Community Project Consultant; Jordan Robinson, JFMD Planning & Agency Relations; Nancy Heinrich, JSL CEO; Marcia Mittelman, Administrator, JSL Meer Apartments; Rabbi Dovid Polter, JSL Community Chaplain by Wendy Handler July 15, 2025 Close to 100 residents

Jo Strausz Rosen July 17, 2025 No Comments

by Jo Strausz Rosen July 18, 2025 Just as we make time for physical fitness, it’s essential to keep our minds in shape too, especially as we age. While many of us focus on walking, yoga, or strength training, it’s

Jo Strausz Rosen July 10, 2025 No Comments

by Jo Strausz Rosen July 11, 2025 On July 11, we celebrate the birthday of Elwyn Brooks White, better known as E.B. White, born in 1899. White lived to be 86 and left behind a literary legacy that continues to

Jo Strausz Rosen June 26, 2025 No Comments

by Jo Strausz Rosen June 27, 2025 Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you’d known them forever? That kind of connection is rare and meaningful. And especially when you’re navigating a new place or phase in life,

JSL In the News

JEWISH SENIOR LIFE CELEBRATES 16th ANNUAL MEETING, HONORING COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT

Jo Strausz Rosen June 24, 2025 No Comments

Back Row (left to right): Brad Frank, Michael Wolfe, Jason Fisher, Carolyn Cohen, Alan Sternfeld, Michael Banks, Mark Berke; Front Row (left to right): Karen Rubenfire, Heather Salesin, Dr. Rob Robins, Sonya Kay, Daniel Cherrin Not Pictured: Molly Chernow, Michael Siegal, Joanne Aronovitz, Brad Feldman, Kenneth Goss, Lowell Salesin, Jason Tisdale, Nancy Reed, Brian Raznick, Scott Marcus, Barbara Horowitz, Jeffrey Fleischman, Mark Kowalsky, Asa Gottlieb, On Tuesday, June 24, Jewish

Jewish Senior Life June 12, 2025 No Comments

Talk about DOG days of summer! JSL’s “superstar” Meer dog residents, Shelby and Simba, were mentioned in the June 12th Jewish News cover story. Last year, their “dog wedding” gained local and national media attention, barking – er – sparking

Jewish Senior Life May 7, 2025 No Comments

JSL hit a grand slam in its May 7th Jewish News cover story, featuring Al Muskovitz’s amazing, heartfelt article. Muskovitz interviewed a handful of Meer residents, including cover guy Jay Barry, who exhibited his impressive collection of Tiger memorabilia,

Jewish Senior Life March 4, 2025 No Comments

In the March 4th Detroit Jewish News, Hechtman and Meer residents were acknowledged for giving back and raising funds for first responders and LA wildfire appreciation. “Tikun olam is a big part of Meer’s culture,” says Meer Administrator Marcia Mittelman.

Jewish Senior Life January 18, 2025 No Comments

JSL ROARED With Pride into both local and national media with its “Lions Pep Rally” coverage, most notably, a segment on Good Morning America. With a pack of more than one hundred in attendance, Detroit’s oldest Lions fans took

Financial Planning

LIVING WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE

Jo Strausz Rosen August 30, 2024 No Comments

LIVING WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE At JSL, there is a concerted effort in focusing on healthy aging activities. Resident Service Coordinators on each campus strive to work closely with residents and their families helping them combat signs of dementia which require a holistic approach including lifestyle adjustments, cognitive activities, and sometimes medical intervention. The Alzheimer’s Association alz.org and The National Institutes of Health nih.gov provide helpful information on their websites. Yesterday

Jo Strausz Rosen March 14, 2024 2 Comments

TRAVELING LIGHTLY Terry the painter sent me a text. He says he’s ready to come to the house and begin our home beautification, but I’m distracted by all the things we must remove from the walls and the closets for

Jewish Senior Life August 16, 2023 No Comments

JSL ON CBS DETROIT Tracey Proghovnick, Director of Residential Marketing and Community Relations for the Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan Detroit, talks with CBS Detroit’s Kris about the “Age in Motion” program taking place during ‘The Way to Wellness’ event,

Jo Strausz Rosen August 10, 2023 No Comments

CHOICE By Jo Strausz Rosen I recently read The Choice, Embrace the Possible, a memoir by 95-year-old Dr. Edith Eva Eger, who earned her doctorate in clinical psychology in 1978 and has treated patients for over 50 years. She’s a

Health, Fitness & Wellness

Live and Learn Program Anniversary

Dennis Kraniak July 18, 2025 No Comments

Jo Strausz Rosen June 20, 2025 No Comments

Elaine smiled graciously after the student visitor patted her arm and said, “You’re just so cute.” I’ve heard this kind of thing before, but recently something has shifted. I became aware of just how often older people, particularly older women,

Jo Strausz Rosen June 13, 2025 No Comments

Tucked away on the 2nd floor of Meer Apartments Building 7, there’s a room that holds far more than just books. It holds decades of laughter, stories, and cherished memories that span generations. This is the YEARBOOK ROOM: a one-of-a-kind

Jo Strausz Rosen June 6, 2025 No Comments

At the Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza Brown Memory Care Pavilion every day brings a new opportunity and a new challenge to connect with those living with dementia and other cognitive changes. We see how memory loss reshapes daily life, how simple

Jewish Spirituality

You Are The Best!

Beth Robinson August 8, 2025 No Comments

At this time of year, I am always wowed by the generosity of our supporters. Our annual JSL Lives Well Lived fund/friendraiser isn’t even until November 23, and we already have support from 30 sponsors. We hope you will join them. You can visit our website or call me at 248 592-5062 to become a sponsor. On behalf of all of the JSL family, thank you so much to: President Nancy and Jim Grosfeld

Jo Strausz Rosen August 8, 2025 No Comments

Early this summer the heat was brutal, and the mosquitos were relentless. I stayedindoors a lot. This past weekend, the temperatures cooled, and after the sun dippedlow, a group of friends circled around the fire. Old friends. Familiar stories. Laughtersoftened

Jo Strausz Rosen August 1, 2025 No Comments

Residents of Jewish Senior Life share stories of family gatherings, moments that fill their hearts with joy and bring a sparkle to their eyes. They speak fondly of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, painting vivid pictures of laughter-filled celebrations and

Jo Strausz Rosen July 25, 2025 No Comments

by Jo Rosen Anger isn’t always loud. Sometimes it simmers quietly behind tired eyes, clenched jaws, and unspoken words. Other times, it erupts. Whether we’re living alone or in a senior community like Jewish Senior Life, caring for a loved

Nutrition

Live and Learn Program Anniversary

Dennis Kraniak July 18, 2025 No Comments

Jo Strausz Rosen August 23, 2024 1 Comment

THE END The older we get, we must face a variety of unavoidable pokes and prods during visits to doctors to stay healthy, live long and prosper. Some folks have a serious aversion to medical procedures and put off meeting

Jo Strausz Rosen July 25, 2024 2 Comments

BIRDS OF A FEATHER At home, we hang a birdfeeder just outside our kitchen window and fill it daily with songbird mix. It’s a joy to witness the different species sing, share, dine and socialize at the feeder. Bluejays establish

Jo Strausz Rosen June 28, 2024 No Comments

AGING ONE DAY AT A TIME I picked up Nora Ephron’s book, “I Feel Bad About My Neck and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman.” Her humorous essays elaborate on her strong feelings about aging, body maintenance, menopause, empty nests