for residents of the jewish home of san francisco DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

“Kindle the taper like the steadfast star Ablaze on evening’s forehead o’er the earth, And add each night a lustre till afar An eightfold splendor shine above thy hearth.” ~Emma Lazarus, “The Feast of Lights” Chanukah show for residents: 2:00 p.m., Wed., Dec. 9 – Goodman Lobby Chanukah show for community: 2:00 p.m., Sun., Dec. 13 – Frank Family Lounge

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

2 MEMORIES 12 BRAVO! A boy’s bits and pieces Employees of the month ~ December Rudy Hooremans 13 ACTRESS KATHY BATES ON WHAT SHE 3 VITAMIN D KNOWS NOW Ellen Marks-Hinkle 14 COUNCIL OF RESIDENTS 4 HOMER AND THE LANDLORDS OF SAN November meeting minutes FRANCISCO Bernice Hunold 16 HAPPENINGS AT HOME Taking fact-learning to heart by 6 IN MEMORY looking the part Veterans Day tribute 6 A SMALL ASSORTMENT OF TINY TRIVIA 20 RESIDENTS’ BIRTHDAYS 7 WATCHING OUR WORDS December and January celebrants Submitted by Edie Sadewitz 21 OUT & ABOUT 8 SCENES OF NATURE AND SUNSETS RISE Kol Haneshama “sages” present at SFJCC’s fair TO THE LIMELIGHT Myron Bernstein puts his photos on exhibit 22 HAPPENINGS AT HOME and answers questions from his sisters Works of art 11 WIT & HUMOR Seeing the funny (Jewish) side of life If Christmas Songs Were Written About Chanukah

AT HOME contents are for the benefit of residents SUBMIT TO AT HOME! of the Jewish Home. At Home is based on the E-mail submissions by the 15th: tradition of free expression; submissions made Ilana Glaun: [email protected] by residents should be viewed as not necessarily representing the opinion, position or policies of HANDWRITTEN SUBMISSIONS to staff or the Home. switchboard by the 15th, or ask recreation staff for assistance. EDITING without approval of the author is a staff editor: Ilana Glaun reserved right, due to space and time constraints. designer: Michael Wickler Only content written or submitted by those connected with the Home will be accepted.

JEWISH HOME 1 SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS WRITE

ADAPTED FROM MEMORIES By Rudy Hooremans Rudy Hooremans A BOY’S BITS AND PIECES When I was about 11 years old, we moved to the floor. My legs were numb! Still half-dazed, I from The Hague’s Daguerre Straat to crept over to the bookcase and reached up to the number 267 Columbus Straat. Moeder and raucously ringing clock. I couldn’t find the blooming Vader owned this three-story house. We shut-off button! So as not to wake my parents, I occupied the first apartment, renting the stuffed the thing into my pajamas, crawled back to second one to an elderly widower and the bed, and put it under my pillow. Just about then, third one to a family. Our home extended the clock’s spring had unwound completely and silence returned. Meantime, both Moeder and Vader from the front, or street-side façade, to had hastened up the stairs to investigate the cause approximately half the depth of the building. of the big crash. (I loved that clock, though, and kept The adjacent apartment was located directly it with me for many years – through the war and to behind ours, extending to the rear façade. the U.S., until it finally gave out.)

My bedroom was a delight to me. My own room! It My bed consisted of a steel frame with springs. had a door that I could close, thus giving me a lot The frame was hinged on the legs nearest the wall, of privacy. On the street side it had a pair of wood so that if I wanted more room, I could swing the and glass doors that swung open to give access to a bed up flat with the wall, similar to a Murphy bed. narrow balcony. (Actually, I can’t remember ever making use of this feature, except Vader did, once or twice, to get his For me, the room was nice and large. Along one “lazy bugger” out of bed!) With an inner spring wall stood a table and chair, where I could write, mattress and a heavy Dutch wool blanket, even read, and do my homework. I had a bookcase with during the coldest winter nights, once abed, I was as two shelves behind sliding glass doors, and at the snug as the proverbial bug in a rug. bottom, one shelf behind two swinging wood doors with a lock, in which I could hide my “secret” stuff. I had a little phonograph. I had to wind it with a handle, set the needle and diaphragm armature On top of the bookcase stood my alarm clock. When onto the record, and the sound would come out of Oom Jo (Moeder’s brother from Paris) came to the horn. Sometimes I would set the phonograph visit, he presented me with a Mickey Mouse alarm on my night table on my little balcony. Our next- clock. It had a bell on top that rang loud enough door neighbor wasn’t very thrilled with the raspy to wake the dead. One morning it startled me out sounds emanating from the contraption and of a deep sleep. I jumped out of bed – and crashed regularly yelled out of his window for me to stop

AT HOME 2 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Ellen Marks-Hinkle VITAMIN D By Ellen Marks-Hinkle

Do you remember when you were young and ran and played in the sun? Also, as a youth or young adult, you played it. He didn’t have much tolerance for boys. When outside no matter what kind of weather. my neighborhood friends and I played stickball in the street, he would call the police. They would Now you can be as active as you can. I will almost usually confiscate our ball and take us to the station guarantee that you will never crack a tooth! house, from where we had to be picked up by our parents. I called our neighbor “de zure haring,” the What you need to do is grab a good book, like sour herring. Gloria Houtenbrink, go outside and soak up some rays. Read until the latter part of the day, or talk As a typical, energetic boy, I, of course, never walked and schmooze with a good friend – like Gloria’s up the stairs to my room. I ran, most often taking wonderful friend Edie Sadewitz. These two ladies them two steps at a time. The door to my room had love to talk, laugh, read, and they do relax indeed. a pane of translucent glass in the upper panel, and on two occasions, I didn’t quite manage to stop in I feel this magical vitamin D is so easy to get (I will time, missed the doorknob, and stuck my hand right bet). You will have a happier, healthier day and life. through the glass, which then cascaded in shards to the floor. Luckily, my injuries were minor, but my There is a strong mind/body/spirit connection, and piggy bank hurt after I had paid for a new pane. it can also reduce asthma attacks or they will be less frequent. It also helps maintain bones and teeth. Read more of Rudy’s memories in the next issue of AtHome. Going outside in the sun can benefit everyone.

JEWISH HOME 3 SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENTS WRITE

HOMER AND THE Bernice Hunold Photo by Ray Hunold A look of disgust oozed across the landlord’s face. LANDLORDS OF “Madam, I would not love your dog,” he said. He jammed the rental agreement back in his pocket SAN FRANCISCO and showed me the door. By Bernice Hunold I didn’t set foot in the Marina District for weeks, but I did try the hills of San Francisco.

On Russian Hill I met a landlord who was “Nyet, not I used to live in New York. In New York I was a dok lofer.” a children’s book editor, author and reviewer. Then I moved to San Francisco and I had On Nob Hill I met a landlord who was “Certainlee not a dog lovere.” to change my profession. In San Francisco I became a fulltime apartment hunter. On Telegraph Hill I met Grace Marchant. She was the remarkable woman who, with her own two Let me tell you about the landlords of San Francisco. hands, transformed that hill into a garden. What was This is back in 1970, when we – my husband Ray and she like? Well, at the gateway to her cottage was I, and our 4-year-old – first moved here. It was the a big box of tulip bulbs and a sign that read “Help 4-year-old who turned out to be a problem because yourself.” Grace wouldn’t turn a dog away, but Grace the landlords simply didn’t like him. His name was had cats ... that attacked dogs. Her cats were not Homer and he was a big German shepherd. In fact, dog lovers. And so the search went on. Homer was so big that when he put his paws on my shoulders, I had to look up to get a kiss from him. In the meantime, we were in an apartment temporarily, paying double the rent of any I had a hint that Homer might be a problem the first apartment on the block. The unfairness of this really day I went apartment hunting. I found one in the irked me, and I finally had an idea. I went to every Marina District. The landlord was all smiles as he landlord on the block and said, “Please let me know asked the usual questions, ending with, “I suppose when you have a vacancy.” I made no mention your husband has rewarding work.” He was sliding of Homer. a rental agreement out of his pocket when he said, “Just one more thing. You don’t have a dog, do you?” Two weeks later the phone rang. “Thees ees Meesus Panelli. I ’ave apartamenta. Come!” “Oh, we do, we do,” I assured him. “A great big sweet one. You’ll love him.” The “come” was an order, because that was the way Mrs. Panelli talked. She was like a little old bantam

AT HOME 4 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Although a giant in terms of size, Homer, the German shepherd, was really just “a waggy kissy dog.”

cock, always ready for a fight. But she fought for the “He’s like a son to us.” things she believed in, stuck her neck out for them. “Oh. Your dog, ees leetle dog?” I went. Mrs. Panelli was waiting. She flew up the stairs (she didn’t know she was an elderly woman), For a moment I was tempted to say Homer was little, leaving me to trail behind her, and flung open the but I shook my head. door to the apartment. It was bright and “viewtiful.” The view was of the bay, which was full of sailboats. “Beega dog? No!” I stood there, gazing out, not listening to a word of Mrs. Panelli’s talk of closets and suchlike, when “Mrs. Panelli, he’s big, but he’s a waggy kissy dog. that good lady broke into my reverie: “You wanna He would kiss your hand.” (She didn’t seem to like apartamenta or no?” that idea.)

Did I want it? “Oh, yes!” I said, “But there’s “No canna ’ave dog,” she repeated. “But come-a something I must tell you.” downstairs. I will speaka my ’usband.”

“Watta ees dot?” My hopes soared. This was the first glimmer of encouragement I’d had. Downstairs I met Mr. Panelli. “Mrs. Panelli, we have a dog.” He was very different from his wife. He was a frail man, a friendly man. He leaned on a smile instead “Dog! No canna ’ave dog.” of a cane. CONTINUES >

JEWISH HOME 5 SAN FRANCISCO “Eetsa nice day,” he said, waving me over to a window. Then he went into a conference with his wife. I could hear part of their discussion.

“Beega dog.”

“No canna do eet.”

“Ees like a son.”

“But we no canna do eet.”

“Ees waggy kissy dog. He kiss your ’and.” (Mr. Panelli didn’t seem to like that either.) A SMALL ASSORTMENT “But we no canna ...” OF TINY TRIVIA I began to realize that, although Mrs. Panelli was putting up a valiant fight for us, like most elderly Italian women she would defer to her husband. And Source: The Best Book of Useless Information Mr. Panelli was saying no. After a while, he came Ever, Neil Botham & The Useless over to me and explained, “Eef we letta you ’ave Information Society a dog, everybody she wanna dog. We no canna do eet.” In the 1820s, a temperance movement tried to ban coffee and nearly succeeded. It was just too much. The months of searching. The view of the sailboats. The affordable rent. I just It is a popular theory that Hershey’s Kisses are couldn’t help it; I burst into tears. named for the way the machine, which makes them, looks like it’s kissing the conveyor belt. Even the The Panellis were astonished. This had never company doesn’t know for sure whether it’s true. happened to them before! They rocked back into a conference. Finally I heard Mr. Panelli say, Approximately 55 percent of people yawn within “Whadda you gonna do?” He came back to me and five minutes of seeing someone else yawn. Reading said, “A’right, a’right. You can ’ave apartamenta, about yawning makes most people yawn. but no cry.” English expressions such as “elbow room,” “love And that is how we got an apartment in letter,” “marriage bed,” “puppy dog,” “skim milk,” San Francisco. “wild goose chase,” and “what the dickens” first appeared in works by William Shakespeare.

Joseph Stalin (who, incidentally, was only five feet 4 IN MEMORY inches tall) studied in a seminary in his youth, until he was expelled. ANATOLE DZGOYEV April 6, 1923 to November 4, 2015 Polar bear fur is not white, it’s clear. Polar bear skin is actually black. Their hair is hollow and acts like fiber MIKHAIL SORKIN optics, directing sunlight to warm their skin. February 10, 1936 to October 30, 2015

AT HOME 6 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 WATCHING Edie Sadewitz OUR WORDS “GYPPED” OR “GYPSY” This is actually a racial slur used to refer to Romani Submitted by Edie Sadewitz people, originally from India. “Throughout history, the Romani have been stereotyped as untrustworthy, which has been used to justify their There are more words and idioms rooted mistreatment,” Ramsey says. “When they first came in racism than you think, notes television to Europe, Europeans incorrectly assumed they host Franchesca Ramsey. Her intent isn’t were from Egypt and thus, the g-word was born.” to police people and what they say, but Ramsey says that since the g-word still offends the rather to inform people of the history Romani people today, “I’d hope we can agree to live behind certain terms. “Understanding without it.” where these words and phrases come from is an important part of understanding how racism and oppression have shaped *** the world we live in today,” she says. Then there’s “No can do” and “Long time no see” – both mimicries of pidgin English.

Here are descriptions of some words and phrases And this one, regarding the roots of the cheer that you should know the origin of: “Hip, hip, hurrah!” might surprise you – or even be cause for cautious use, or the coming up of a new “THE PEANUT GALLERY” celebratory cry. “In the 1920’s, the peanut gallery was the theater According to Dagobert Runes in The War Against balcony where black folks were forced to sit due to the Jew, “Hep! Hep!” was an anti-Semitic riot slogan segregation,” Ramsey says. “In some places, it was shouted by the Crusaders, deriving from the first even called the n-word gallery.” letters of the Latin phrase “Hierosylma Est Perdita (Jerusalem is destroyed).” Another source claims it was a common toast used at Roman feasts to “SOLD ME DOWN THE RIVER.” celebrate Rome’s defeat of Jerusalem in which This idiom, usually used to express betrayal, takes one person would say “Hierosolyma Est Perdita – quite a literal meaning – it references slaves being Jerusalem is destroyed,” and the guests would sold down the Mississippi River. “Slave-owners shout “Hurrah!” would punish disruptive slaves by selling them to plantations in the Deep South where conditions were much harder,” Ramsey says.

JEWISH HOME 7 SAN FRANCISCO Proud family members gather in the gallery for a group shot.

SCENES OF NATURE AND SUNSETS RISE TO THE LIMELIGHT AT GALLERY EXHIBIT The opening of resident Myron Bernstein’s photo exhibit and reception in the Jewish Home’s gallery was a huge success, so creative arts director Gary Tanner tells us: “The space was positively bustling with Myron’s family and friends.” The photos that Gary took at the event tell the tale in a pictorial sense, but we’re also delighted to include an interview with Myron conducted by his sisters, Linda Bernstein and Joanne Jagoda. In this way, we get a descriptive, and definitive, account from the “shutterbug” himself. MEET PHOTOGRAPHER MYRON BERNSTEIN How did you get started? I was fortunate to have won a camera in a sales contest when I was in the insurance field. It was an Instamatic. I started using it in the morning at first, not knowing I had an interest to go into it professionally. I toyed around with it on my own and wasn’t encouraged by anyone. The camera proved ideal and I could use it to take my first pictures of the sunrise in Golden Gate Park. I thought it was a novelty. I felt a certain creative freedom. Based on that, I kept using it. Then I found out I could enhance the equipment to a 35 millimeter. I found a shop that had a sale on these cameras and I invested in one. At first I used it haphazardly, but then I started taking more pictures at Ocean Beach, Myron’s work warrants an up-close capturing the sunsets. and admiring viewing.

AT HOME 8 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 by anyone, just the fact I had an objective to capture sunsets around San Francisco. The scenery of San Francisco provides the background for some of my best photos. I have many amazing shots of the Golden Gate and Bay bridges as well.

How did Ansel Adams inspire you? I met him very briefly in 1982. I admired his work very much. He also published a series of books, which were very detailed. I am indebted to him, as I was able to learn the basics by studying his compositions.

Almost distracting from Myron’s impressive body of photographic work is his grand-nephew Elijah Kaye (in the center spot, of course!) with Elana Jagoda Kaye, Myron’s niece, on the right, and Joanne Jagoda, Myron’s sister.

Who was your mentor? I got valuable advice from a store called Gasser Camera. I kept going in with proofs and they kept giving me bits of advice. I ran in to someone at the Marina Greens, who ordered a print from me. I filled The photogenic trio of (l. to r.) Linda Bernstein the order and decided I could do it professionally if I (Myron’s sister), Daniel Bernstein (Myron’s nephew), had quality work. and Jeffrey Jagoda (Myron’s brother-in-law).

What is your favorite subject What are some of the competitions to photograph? you’ve entered? I like my photos of the Sutro Park area. There was My first was the Western State Competition in always something to shoot there and it attracted 1976, where I entered several prints. Then there me since, conveniently, it wasn’t far from where was the Nationals in Chicago. I had four prints we lived. there. I entered the Photography West Exhibit in Los Angeles. I was fortunate to earn First Place in What forms a perfect picture? unclassified judging. I look for sunsets and the fact there’s an array of Anything you would still like to settings that center around the sunset. photograph? What else do you look for? No. I took photos in Yosemite, Pacifica and Carmel, and went to the areas I thought would make the I pay a lot of attention to clouds and birds. When challenge complete. Fortunately, I didn’t have the clouds are up and it’s around sunset, the clouds to travel too much. Yosemite was ideal for a are the main attraction for me. I wasn’t influenced real challenge. CONTINUES >

JEWISH HOME 9 SAN FRANCISCO What did it mean to have the Jewish Home feature your work in their gallery?

I was surprised at their interest in wanting to display my black and white and color photography, as they seemed to be mainly interested in graphic art and watercolors. The staff was cordial and did a great job. I was able to show a sample of some of my works. The picture Solitude, part of four museum collections, I consider to be the best picture in the show.

Photographer (and man of the moment) Myron Bernstein is on the other side of the camera this time, as he gets his photo taken with his cousin, Harry Meyer.

How many photos are there in your portfolio? I have about 95 different selections in my portfolio, which I’m constantly reducing as I get more critical.

With Myron’s photos providing the dramatic background, portrayed are his cousin Trude Meyer and relative by marriage Alan Posin.

Posing in the gallery are Linda Bernstein (center); Linda’s mother-in-law, Marian Bernstein (left); and Roz Posin, Myron’s first cousin.

AT HOME 10 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 SEEING THE FUNNY WIT & HUMOR (JEWISH) SIDE OF LIFE

TO THE TUNE OF “WHITE CHRISTMAS” IF CHRISTMAS SONGS by Irving Berlin*

WERE WRITTEN I’m dreaming of my first Menorah Just like the one I used to know; ABOUT CHANUKAH Where the candles glisten and children listen Many Christmas songs were written by Jews. If To hear the story of our foes. instead they wrote their songs for Chanukah, this is what they’d look like. I’m dreaming of my first Menorah, Just like the ones I made in Shul. By Marnie Winston-Macauley – writer, editor, author, May your days be eight and light, lecturer, clinician, and administrator And may all your Hanukkahs ... be bright. *About Irving Berlin: One of the greatest and most prolific TO THE TUNE OF “RUDOLPH, THE RED-NOSED composers in history, he was born Israel Isidore Beilin in REINDEER” by Johnny Marks* Russia in 1888. His father was a cantor. The family moved to New York’s Yiddish Theater District in 1893, where “Beilin” NEW TITLE: “SHLOMO THE RED-NOSED RABBI” became “Baline.” A true legend, the “Great American Songbook” is filled with his work and reflects his genius. Shlomo, the Red-Nosed Rabbi, Nebuch has a shiny nose. TO THE TUNE OF “I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” And if you ever saw it by Walter Kent and Buck Ram* You would even say it glows. NEW TITLE: “I’LL BE HOME FOR HANUKKAH” All of the other Rabbis Said prayers for his allergies to go. I’ll be home for Hanukkah They always let poor Shlomo OK. You can plan on me Schnarfle and they let it go. Please have latkes mit sour cream Because for you, I’m missing my dream. On one foggy Hanukkah Eve, His son the doctor came to say, Hanukkah will find me “OK, so your nose is bright, Where my mamalas will be. Papa guide my Shul tonight?” But I’ll be in Miami Beach If only in my dreams All of the Congregation loved him, *About Walter Kent: Born Walter Maurice Kaufman in 1911 As they shouted out with glee, in New York City, the Jewish composer is most famous for his Shlomo the Red-Nosed Rabbi, musicals and reviews. In addition to the Christmas standard Went down in Jewish history! “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” he also wrote the touching wartime song, “There’ll Be Bluebirds Over The White Cliffs of *About Johnny Marks: Born in Mount Vernon, New York, to Dover.” VIP Jewish parents in 1909, he was actually known for his Christmas standards, which also include: “Rockin’ Around the *About Buck Ram: The songwriter, born Samuel Ram in Christmas Tree,” “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Silver and Gold,” Chicago into a Jewish family, was also a pop music producer and “Run Rudolph Run.” and arranger. His most famous work was with The Platters. He also wrote and produced for The Coasters, the Drifters, Glenn Miller, and Ella Fitzgerald.

JEWISH HOME 11 SAN FRANCISCO CUT HERE BRAVO! EMPLOYEE OF THE BRAVO! MONTH NOMINATION FORM EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH I, ,

nominate DECEMBER for the Bravo! Employee of the WHAT STAFF AND/OR RESIDENTS Month Award for the month of AND PATIENTS WROTE IN THEIR NOMINATIONS: . Performs “beyond the call of duty” to improve service to the residents, or the MICHELLE GONZALES, quality of the Jewish Home’s image. RECREATION COORDINATOR Exemplifies professionalism and dedication We are so lucky to have to excellent service by putting forth the Michelle in our department. extra effort. She is kind, compassionate, patient, thoughtful, cheerful, Makes outstanding contributions of and an amazing team significance to the Jewish Home to fulfill its player who will be present mission/vision. whenever help is needed. I feel he/she should receive the award Devoted, professional, an because: encourager and builder-upper of residents, family members and staff, she also treats everyone with respect and dignity. She not only has a wonderful work ethic, but also works energetically to create an atmosphere of fun.

ESMERALDA RAMOS, CNA Esmeralda consistently goes above and beyond the call SUBMIT THIS FORM to your recreation of duty to provide quality coordinator by the 1st of the month for the nursing care. Dependable, following month’s award consideration. Or you gentle, caring, compassionate can place it in the nomination box located at and knowledgeable, she is the self-service area in the H.R. department, 1st always willing to help. She floor, B-building, or hand-deliver it to the H.R. also takes the initiative when department, or e-mail it to [email protected]. it comes to opportunities for making the high quality of Bravo! is generously underwritten care even better. by Jewish Home supporters Dana Corvin and Harris Weinberg.

AT HOME 12 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 ACTRESS KATHY BATES ON WHAT SHE KNOWS NOW Source: aarp.org; authored by Kenneth Miller Academy Award-winning actress Kathy Bates (whose great-great-grandfather was once President Andrew Jackson’s doctor) speaks about road trips, surviving cancer, and being a late bloomer.

ROOTS woman doddering around. I don’t have paparazzi I’m from the South. You can tell from my accent, chasing me – I’m not of that ilk. and the fact that I love lots of ice in my drinks. I am partial to bourbon. SELF-ASSURANCE We’re so fixated on the movie-star look that it’s PATIENCE been a bit of a struggle to find the kinds of roles I I was 42 when I first starred in a hit movie. I figured would love to do. An interviewer once said to me, that if the work was good enough, sooner or later it “Well, you’re not Michelle Pfeiffer.” I thought that would be recognized. was so rude! I told him, “Well, she’s not me.”

HUMILITY THE IMPORTANCE OF VIGILANCE When I became a successful actress, my mother I had ovarian cancer in 2003. When I went in for a used to say, “What’s the big deal? You didn’t scan in 2013 they found a tumor in my left breast. discover the cure for cancer.” I wasn’t going to fool around; I had a double mastectomy. Breast cancer runs like a river through my family. My mother and niece had it; my aunt died MARRIAGE of it. Even if you test negative [for genetic mutations Some of us shouldn’t get married, and I’m one of that predispose you to cancer] – like I did – you can’t them. I tried it but wasn’t very good at it. It’s not a assume you’re OK. talent that I possess. ACCEPTANCE HITTING THE ROAD Like anybody, I wish I wasn’t getting older. I wish I I’ve always loved driving. I own an RV and drove it had legs that were 50 inches long and thin. I’m sorry to Memphis a couple of years ago. I stayed in an RV I had to have my breasts removed. There are lots of park on the Mississippi. It was wonderful to watch things I wish were different, but I have wonderful that river roll by. On the road, some people don’t friends I rely on for my happiness. And I’ve been have any idea who I am; they just see some old blessed with a keen mind and many interests.

JEWISH HOME 13 SAN FRANCISCO COUNCIL OF RESIDENTS NOVEMBER 18, 2015 A question was raised as to who is responsible for MEETING MINUTES choosing the films shown on channel 17. It was clarified that films are ordered from Netflix, most Council president Edie Shaffer called often upon the request of residents; are selected the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. and from recently released movies on DVD that are introduced the officers in attendance. of interest to the residents; and films that are appropriate for the various seasons and holidays. Mediatrix Valera read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were approved as presented. Director of programs Kyle Ruth-Islas announced the upgrade of the wireless network connection, The names of residents who had passed away, as scheduled for November 18. This will result in faster well as the names of residents admitted since the and more efficient Internet service, including Skype, last meeting, were read. facetime, and streaming video.

Treasurer Claire Shor gave the financial report. Kyle thanked the four residents who participated in There was $0 in deposits and $0 in withdrawals, the Kol Haneshama panel presentation at the SFJCC maintaining the balance at $252.71 in the checking on November 15. account and $10 in petty cash. Kamran Sanei, newly hired recreation coordinator, The members were reminded that copies of the and Honnah Thompson, social worker intern, were Residents’ Bill of Rights as well as the Theft and introduced to the residents. Loss Prevention Procedures are always available to residents, and that copies are on hand at all A suggestion was made to show appreciation to Council meetings. a staff member by providing a free meal every month. However, there was dissenting opinion, as this would perhaps be setting an unsustainable FOOD FORUM precedent. It was agreed that this matter deserves Food Forum minutes were distributed. further discussion – possibly in a separate meeting.

OLD BUSINESS RAFFLE WINNER Residents were reminded to inform their recreation May Shain was the lucky winner of this coordinators if they are interested in forming a book month’s raffle. club. Fran Hament encouraged other residents to avail themselves of the San Francisco Library’s “book The meeting was adjourned at 3:10 p.m. in a bag” services, whereby requested books are loaned out and delivered by mail, free of charge. Recorded by Mediatrix Valera Recreational Programs Director and Council Secretary NEW BUSINESS The Kindness Awards were given to Nutritional Services director Ron Senior and Charles Boissevain, executive chef, in recognition of their outstanding meal service during the High Holy Days.

AT HOME 14 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Claire Shor, Treasurer

Edie Shaffer,President Ellen Marks-Hinkle, Vice President

Council of Residents Officers 2015-2016

KINDNESS AWARD In recognition of their outstanding meal service, especially during the High Holy Days, Ron Senior, Nutritional Services director (in the forefront of the photo), and Charles Boissevain, executive chef, were the recipients of the Kindness Award for November. Council president Edie Shaffer touts their talents, while vice president Ellen Marks-Hinkle and treasurer Claire Shor attend appreciatively.

JEWISH HOME 15 SAN FRANCISCO HAPPENINGS AT HOME

TAKING FACT-LEARNING TO HEART BY LOOKING THE PART Talk about taking learning to heart – and, considering their get-up, to head. Participants in volunteer Barbara Anderson’s long-running and always informative discussion series really got into the spirit (pun intended) of her session focused on Halloween. They came clad in colorful capes or hats in a variety of shapes and sizes. What a fun way to absorb all that esoterica!

Ros Levitt (left) tops it off with a top hat. Debbie Not to be outdone by the ladies, Daniel Dressler does a spiffy Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat. Silverman dons a well-coordinated design.

She may be wearing a jester’s hat, but sparkly caped Peggy Sheridan takes her From hat to wrap, silver is the color participation in the class quite seriously. scheme for Yelba Schlocker.

AT HOME 16 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Bewitching and beguiling is black-hatted Josephine Garnot (left). Lillian Mishel goes for the brightly colored look.

Beaming beneath headwear of her own is volunteer Barbara Anderson, Joyce Martinez holds nothing back when it photographed with Debbie Dressler. comes to sporting joyfully hued headwear.

But of course this style requires a curlicue Showing off a fine topper styled with of curls, maintains May Shain. shamrocks is Rose Border.

JEWISH HOME 17 SAN FRANCISCO HAPPENINGS AT HOME

VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE Some of our resident veterans shared their war experiences, memories, pictures, and awards at a special program on Veterans Day, November 11. It was a privilege to honor their contributions. “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.” – From Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen”

Lazar Lifshits wears his many medals with pride. Appropriately kitted out, Victor Mashbein displays his memorabilia.

A patriotic wave of the flag from Dulce Martinez. Margaret Rex gives a big smile for the camera.

AT HOME 18 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 Patriotism. Pictures. Smiles. Spirit.

JEWISH HOME 19 SAN FRANCISCO DECEMBER JANUARY 1 Nelly Zbarskaya 1 Yevgeniya Kunina 2 Sarah Sukhov 1 Nina Postolova 3 Revekka Sheyner 1 Raisa Shenderovich 5 Rosalie Korman 1 Sophie Tajchman 6 Shulamis 3 Manuel Lopez Peysakhovich 4 Semyon Zaydman 7 Arnold Kaye 5 George Herbst 7 Hanna Packer 5 Yefim Ivensky 8 Beatrice Kaplan 5 Marion Levenberg 8 Phyllis Wolf 5 William Sternberg 10 Yelizaveta 6 Edna Lachar Faybishenko 6 Ester Pevzner 13 Yazep Alexander 9 Molly Grossman 15 Catherine Beasley 10 Anna Lakovetsky 15 Dulce Martinez 11 Layeh Bock 16 Yelena Vaksman 11 Elinor Ziff 17 Olga Plotkin 12 Valentina Bulygina 19 Ruth Rosenbaum 13 Mira Bonfeld 20 Fira Kruchel 13 Mary Kogan 20 Fanya Sirkis 13 Charlotte Leyser 22 Feiga Raiter 14 Max Gilula 22 Nina Vayn 15 Carmen Sheehan 23 Vladimir Lavrenchuk 21 Astrid Stange Looking smart in his fine sweater, November 23 Gennadiy Yankovskiy 22 Nonna Shapiro birthday celebrant and cake-cutter honoree 24 Manuel Baldonado 23 Ricarda Griffin Yakov Zigelman slices into the delicious-looking confection prior to sharing the sweetness of the 24 Arkady Gefter 23 Charles Nimovitz occasion with all the birthday luncheon’s guests. 25 Bella Kaganovich 23 Ernest Ratner 27 Arlene Lind 24 Jadie Sullivan 28 Esfir Mazel 25 Beverly Aldrich 30 Germina Gurevich 27 Berta Zauber 28 Doris Sperber 30 Yefim Farberov 30 Norma Levister 30 Liza Yurkovetsky

AT HOME 20 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 OUT & ABOUT

KOL HANESHAMA “SAGES” PRESENT AT SFJCC’S FAIR Sunday, November 15 heralded the San Francisco Jewish Community Center’s first annual “Embracing the Journey: End-of-Life Resource Fair.” The Jewish Home was honored to be this event’s co-partner and, in the spirit of the fair, took to heart the opportunity to present its nationally recognized and numerous award-winning Kol Haneshama: Jewish End of Life/Hospice Volunteer Program.

A presentation on this unique program, whereby volunteers and staff are trained in how to be spiritual care partners, included Jewish Home residents (l. to r.) Rudy Hooremans, Dulce Martinez, Gloria Houtenbrink and Edie Sadewitz – dubbed the “panel of sages” by Rabbi Marder – who engage with Kol Haneshama volunteers as part of their training; recreation therapist Lisa O’Donnell (standing 2nd right); Christine Roppo-Soares, director of Social Services (seated 1st left); Kyle Ruth, director of programs (standing 1st left); and spiritual care partners Eugene Berg (standing 2nd left) alongside Debra Kirshenbaum, and Fran Gensberg (standing end right).

JEWISH HOME 21 SAN FRANCISCO HAPPENINGS AT HOME WORKS OF ART It was smiles shared and then sketched when nine students from the Academy of Art, San Francisco, paid us a visit to capture portraits of some of our residents. The talented artists produced about 40 drawings, which the posers were most pleased to add to their personal “portfolios” when they were gifted with the end products.

Academy of Art instructor Craig Marshall (top of picture) signals his pleasure with his students’ likenesses. Their output is indeed delightfully representative.

Residents gather in the lobby of the Rosenberg Center for their sitting with the student artists. In the forefront is Edie Sadewitz, who, during her countless hours in our creative arts center, has similarly proven her artistic bent.

AT HOME 22 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016