Resources-and-News-Jewish-Spirituality - Jewish Senior Life of MI

DANCING THROUGH THE DARKNESS

October 24, 2024 No Comments

DANCING THROUGH THE DARKNESS The sun is just a few hours from setting over West Bloomfield, its golden rays light the walls of Fleischman Residence, casting long shadows that seem to hold both ancient wisdom and the weight of current struggles. The air is thick with hope, yet conflict and uncertainty hang like a storm cloud over everyone’s minds. But this afternoon, in the lobby something else was stirring — something brighter, defiant, and resilient. Members of The Shul in

THE FESTIVAL OF SUKKOT

October 17, 2024 No Comments

THE FESTIVAL OF SUKKOT At 1:00 pm on a crisp fall afternoon, the residents of Jewish Senior Life gathered together on the newly renovated Meer Patio and Gardens to celebrate Sukkot. The sun filtered through the lattice roof of the pergola, now dressed as a sukkah for the season, and cast a gentle glow on the colorful paper chains and festive decorations lovingly made by residents in anticipation of the festival. The cheerful sight warmed the hearts of everyone present

AND SO…WE SING

October 11, 2024 No Comments

AND SO…WE SING The celebration of the Jewish holidays has always been rooted in the duality of joy and sorrow, hope and suffering. Throughout Jewish history, these moments of festivity and reflection have been interwoven with periods of persecution, displacement, and unspeakable atrocities. This tension between the obligation to celebrate and the awareness of human suffering is at the heart of what it means to live with faith in a broken world. As we commemorated the one-year memorial of October

THE HIGH HOLY DAYS

October 1, 2024 No Comments

THE HIGH HOLY DAYS The Jewish holidays, particularly Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, carry themes that resonate deeply with the concept of living a long, meaningful live. These themes are especially relevant in the context of Jewish Senior Life. The High Holy Days emphasize reflection on the past year and the renewal of life in the year ahead. For older adults this period offers a time to reflect on our personal journeys, cherish our accomplishments, and renew our sense of

ROSH HASHANAH REIMAGINED

September 27, 2024 2 Comments

ROSH HASHANAH REIMAGINED I roamed the halls of Meer, Hechtman and Fleischman recently and thought about all of the people who have lived in our buildings and the impact they have left. How many holidays have been celebrated among friends? How many lives well lived in laughter and tears… I was not part of the lengthy past history of Jewish Senior Life, but I know the names of so many who have found goodness and joy in our apartments. So

STAND UP AGAINST HATE

September 13, 2024 3 Comments

STAND UP AGAINST HATE After reading about Live and Learn at Meer Apartments, where I marveled about the recent eight sessions on News & Misinformation: Finding Accurate, Reliable Information in Today’s Information Age, I felt newly inspired to seek out informative and impactful programs. This quest led me to a presentation I heard of by The Women of Temple Israel TWOTI last Monday night, which featured the dynamic and inspiring “Accidental Activist,” Lindsay Pinchuk. Lindsay, an entrepreneur, consultant, coach, public

THE LIFE IN JEWISH SENIOR LIFE

September 6, 2024 1 Comment

THE LIFE IN JEWISH SENIOR LIFE Nestled among the green spaces and wetlands of West Bloomfield, Meer Independent Living Apartments are a haven for those older adults who have spent full lives in pursuit of knowledge and Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. At Jewish Senior Life, the often-busy days pass in punctuated rhythms of activity. Meer is a place where residents are empowered to share their expertise and experiences with others. Shirley Benyas, 97, performed and acted at local theatres

LIVING WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE

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 I attended part one of a free educational series ‘Living

THE END

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 with their physicians out of fear. Buck up. We must face our fears and just do it if we seek a long life and opportunities to live in good health. For those who have not yet experienced the wonder of

JSL: THE AGING CHRONICLES

August 16, 2024 No Comments

JSL: THE AGING CHRONICLES Twenty-four energized Fleischman residents sat exercising together led by professional instructor Michelle Black. As I walked past the circle, I stopped to reflect on the kinetic movements of their arms and legs, the colors of their clothing and their elegant, lined faces. Time, elusive and relentless, shapes us, weaving the fabric of our experiences into a tapestry. Growing older is a colorful journey of transformation, punctuated with subtle shades of gray as profound changes occur within

THE SKLART

August 9, 2024 No Comments

THE SKLART This week, members of the family of Leo Sklarzl gathered to celebrate the installation of a giant metal piece of kinetic art he designed that now resides on Ring Road in West Bloomfield on the campus of Meer Apartments at JSL. The crowd took some time to speak of Leo’s many acts of gemillut chassidim, acts of loving kindness that brought him immense pleasure. His son, David spoke of Leo as a joy maker who loved to surprise

A LEGACY OF LETTERS

August 1, 2024 4 Comments

A LEGACY OF LETTERS During creative writing classes at JSL, residents choose any number of real-life topics to base their stories upon. Often subjects are explored again and again. In my continuing efforts to be a cheerleader for estate planning, I think back to 1971 and picture my father, sitting at his treasured oak desk with its intricate carvings and polished surface. It had seen decades of family life – bills, correspondence, love letters, and now, a will. Lloyd was

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