Los Angeles Jewish Home

The Los Angeles Jewish Home's annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was held on May 27th and May 28th on both Eisenberg and Grancell Village Campuses. Attendees enjoyed a delightful lunch catered by our very own dietary department as well as an exciting performance by entertainment extraordinaires Wendy and Rik. The dazzling duo performed classic songs from the Beatles, Barbara Streisand, Frank Sinatra, Carole King, Sonny and Cher, and Neil Diamond.

Over 350 community and resident volunteers were honored for their contributions to the Jewish Home community. One volunteer in particular was honored for her extraordinary dedication to giving back to the Home and its residents. The special honoree, Susan Fien, was presented with the Howard Kayton Memorial Volunteer Service Award. The beautiful crystal statuette featured the Jewish Home logo and a quote from Sukkah 496: "The whole value of a good deed lies in the kindness that inspires it." 

Many members of the Home's administration were present. CEO-President Molly Forrest, chief operating officer Larissa Stepanians, senior vice president Ira Schreck, EV administrator Douglas Tucker, JEKMC administrator Ilana Grossman, and Taper administrator Kathleen Kennings-Glass were just a few of the staff members who gave thanks. 

Expressing appreciation for the volunteers, Molly Forrest noted "When I hear you have collectively completed more than 50,000 hours of volunteering, it must have been a miracle. You all are definitely following the 5th commandment of honoring thy father and mother."

Similarly, RCFE activities director Caryl Geiger offered an earnest thank you. "Our community is run so smoothly because of you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for all that you do."

Administrator Ashley Teal commented on the importance of volunteers at the Home. "From the time spent showing movies daily, to the hours of manning the Nosh Box, you're making a giant contribution to the Home. The small ways you give back to your community are actually the pillars that make it work. We couldn't do it without you!"

The Home's beloved Rabbi Elman then described his admiration for the volunteers. "Because I'm going to be retiring this year, a lot of people have been asking me what I plan on doing when I retire. The answer I give them is: ‘I don't know.' But there really is one thing I do know. I look around at this room and take each and every one of you as inspiration. Instead of living a lazy life, you stand on your feet and live a life of giving. You make the Home a better place. So I know that when I retire I will do my best to be like all of you. Thank you for all that you do and as the old saying goes, ‘Give and you will receive.'"

Please click here to view photos from the 2014 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon.