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

THE DAY AFTER

May 23, 2025 No Comments

There’s a special kind of exhaustion that settles into your bones the morning after a successful event. It’s not just tiredness, it’s a full-bodied blend of physical soreness, emotional release, and a gentle whisper in the back of your mind that says, “You did it… but also? You’re not done.” Let’s rewind. This past weekend, my team and our incredible group of devoted committee volunteers pulled off The Event. Not just any event, the one we’ve been planning since last

JUGGLING FOR A CAUSE

May 15, 2025 No Comments

It was 3:00 a.m. when I sat up in bed, awakened by a dream of my father juggling. He often kept weighted cloth balls in his pockets and would juggle three while balancing on a Bongo Board. In that moment, I realized: I, too, am a juggler. Aren’t we all? To juggle is to defy gravity, three or more balls suspended midair, moving in a rhythm only the juggler understands. Our hands don’t chase the balls; they anticipate them. The

THE TREASURE HUNT

May 9, 2025 No Comments

Some people are always searching for a better way to live. They question if they are fulfilled in their work or content with their partner. Hunting for something “better” or different. Searching for more peace in the moment. We scroll, read, listen, analyze, judge, hoping that somewhere out there is the key that will unlock the version of life we’ve imagined. But in all that searching, it’s easy to miss what’s right in front of us. Life is constantly trying

Yom HaShoah 2025: Memory in an Age of Denial

April 25, 2025 No Comments

As we observe Yom HaShoah this year, the haunting echoes of the Holocaust feel closer than ever—not because of our proximity to the past, but because of the growing shadows of denial and indifference in the present. For decades, we’ve said “Never Forget.” Yet we continue to witness the unsettling rise in Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism, often amplified through social media, fringe ideologies, and a generation increasingly removed from survivors. As time distances us from living witnesses, the risk

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

Jewish Spirituality