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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County APRIL-JULY 2021/ SIVAN-TAMMUZ-AV 5781 VOL. 4, ISSUE 4
T H E
CHAI LIGHTING
Corner
It Can Happen to You: Can We Defy the Odds?
Carol Lasek
Chai Care Chair
You wake up early every morning, drink your lemon water and eat your bowl of oatmeal with blueberries. You take your vitamins and diligently count your 10,000 steps with routine walks in TY Park. You ignore the persistent cough that keeps you up at night and attribute your constant fatigue to your
work schedule. Fast forward, and you’re scheduled for a PET scan and a host of other tests you cannot even pronounce and the University of Miami is your new weekly destination. In a day, an hour, or even a minute, the life you once knew is dramatically changed and a new journey has begun. It’s not exactly the one on your bucket list but it will have an everlasting effect on you and your family. You ask yourself, ”Could I have done something differently? Been more vigilant with my health?” Our bodies have a way of signaling us. The key is to take the time to tune in for our own sake, for our spouses, children, and grandchildren. We can take control of our health. I am a firm believer in positive thinking and making good health a priority. These tried-and-true tips are worth a try: 1. Keep the date for your annual check-up and know those important numbers (A1C, Cholesterol, normal vital signs, etc.). 2. Create a rainbow of colors on your dinner plate by eating lots of fruits and vegetables. 3. Establish a fitness routine, preferably with a buddy who will egg you on when you make excuses. 4. Keep your social play dates.
By keeping socially and physically fit, practicing mindful eating and keeping medical appointments, we can defy the odds. And if and when we need that extra guidance to manage it all, the Chai Care team is here to provide assistance. I’ve truly enjoyed being the Chai Care chair for the past two years. The quarterly articles I’ve shared with you have been an exercise in self-reflection, an opportunity for me to put my life on pause and mull over past months and planning ahead. Wishing you all good health always and looking forward to seeing you all at TY Park on Sunday mornings. n
For nearly 50 years, Susan and Bob Schneider have worked to build a home based on strong Jewish values and traditions. Raising their children to embrace their Jewish heritage was a priority that was instilled in both at a young age by their parents and grandparents.
Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation became the center of Jewish life for Susan and Bob as their sons, Brian and David were growing up. Bob was a member of the Board and Susan was the pre-school and education chair. Susan recounts, “We always felt the need to make sure our kids knew the importance of synagogue and of being involved.” Bob recalls, “we enjoyed meeting families who shared our Jewish values and whose children were the same age - many of those early friendships remain strong today.” The couple always looks forward to the precious time they get to spend with their children and grandchildren. For the last 18 years, their eldest son, Brian, has lived in Jerusalem. He met his wife Shalva while attending and working at the Aish HaTorah World Center. Their youngest son, David, a marketing director, lives in San Diego for the last 13 years with his wife Betsy, a religious school director. Bob’s first involvement on the Federation’s board came during his position as Co-Chair of the Israel and Overseas Impact Team. During this time, the couple traveled to Poland and Israel on the March of the Living. As Susan recalls, “It was a turning point for me and one of the most impactful trips of my life.” She continues, “When I came back, I attended a Jewish Women’s Foundation event. I was in awe of what they were doing, empowering women and girls in Broward and Israel. Immediately following this experience, I became an actively involved trustee.” Susan continues to educate the community about the role the Federation serves in our community. In January, during the Women’s Philanthropy Annual Event, Susan guided the viewers through the Federation’s impactful work, raising awareness to the importance of being generous with your time and money. This opportunity was near and dear to her. As for Bob, after serving as the Co-Chair of
Bob & Susan Schneider and family
Israel and Overseas Impact Team, he was the Annual Campaign Chair, and most recently the Chair of Board of Directors (2019 - 2021).
When reflecting on the past two years as Board Chair, Bob’s most pivotal decisions came as a result of the pandemic. The Jewish Federation of Broward County allocated over $2.2M in emergency funding to partner agencies. He continues, “This was such a mitzvah for our community. We didn’t want to wait for them to come to us; we went directly to them. We are so fortunate that our Federation was in a good economic position to help. We just wanted to help people.”
For over 35 years, Susan and Bob have generously supported Jewish Broward. Today, as major donors to the Jewish Federation of Broward County, they are honored to engage with other philanthropists that share the same values of wanting a better and brighter future not only for the Jewish community in Broward, but in Israel and around the world. As Bob’s Board Chair tenure comes to an end in June, he is looking forward to being the Immediate Past Board Chair and to continue dedicating his time as a volunteer to the Federation. Bob’s advice for those looking to get more involved in Federation is, “To me there is no greater calling than giving back with your time. It is a feeling and satisfaction that cannot be measured in dollars.” Susan continues, “At Federation, there is something for everyone to do. Whether you can give your time, make a financial contribution or both - get involved and be a part of building a vibrant Jewish Community for generations to come. n
CHAI CARE, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Do you live alone or have family living away? Have you ever thought of yourself as an older adult who has lost your independence due to a medical condition? Do you understand your options to have quality of life as you age? Are you comfortable navigating through the healthcare system?
WHY CHAI CARE? CHAI CARE OFFERS YOU:
To discuss your options,
please call Esther Cohen 954-252-6952.
Peace of mind to you and your family so you can age with dignity. The ability to become your extended family providing you support so you are never alone. • Opportunity for education,caregiver support and coaching. • The Chai Care professional team to assist you in navigating the health care system. • The help to identify situations providing an assessment and future plan of care. • The assistance in smooth transitions between healthcare settings: hospital, rehabilitative facility and living residence.
FROM THE DESK OF
MICHAEL BALABAN CEO mbalaban@JewishBroward.org
On March 1, 2020 Florida reported its first COVID-19 cases. Since then, not a day has gone by without our thinking about the pandemic. The purpose of Federation is to care for the needs of the Jewish people and work to build a vibrant Jewish future. We do this in partnership with a vast ecosystem made up of institutions (agencies & Synagogues), donors, public officials and individuals. That purpose was never made more evident in our response thus far to the pandemic. Our work focused on two areas; maintaining core services, and funding for our future. From a funding perspective we guaranteed agency’s annual allocations and then approved emergency relief funds. We approached this first from the vantage of vulnerable populations in our community by providing access to food, financial assistance to families and support to keystone institutions, whose presence will be necessary if we are going to have a resilient and viable Jewish community when the crisis ends. With our partners we are now discussing new models of service delivery, scenario planning and innovation to carry us all into the future. As for Federation’s future, financially, we are doing well and this is thanks to all of
you. In total, through the generosity of our donors, Federation will distribute over $22.3 million dollars. In mentioning the future, there are two projects on the horizon that I’d like to introduce: First; we regularly receive calls from individuals who have a family member with a developmental disability but no place to go. Calls from the senior who is being forced out of their home because of rising costs. We simply don’t have the provisions in our community. We would like to create a “Live, Work, Play” community for individuals with developmental disabilities along with expanding affordable living solutions for seniors. Second; is to elevate support for a global crisis in Gondar Ethiopia. Approximately 12,000 Jews remain, of whom approximately 50% are children. They are waiting for approval to make Aliyah. Malnutrition is rampant and access to medical care and adequate shelter is nonexistent. We are committed to raising an additional $100,000 to provide medicine, food and basic humanitarian supplies. In the coming weeks and months, you will hear much more about these projects and we hope you will join us in continuing to build a vibrant Jewish community. Warmly,
“The good we do lives on in others, and it is one of the most important things that does”
Michael
- Rabbi Jonathan Sacks zt’’l
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR SUPER
W MAY 21 6 2021 ish W FEB MAY 21 6 MAR MAY 27 14 2021 3 MAR MAYJUN 2710 1411 APR 20 MAY11 APR 10 JUNJUN 1017 29 APR 29 APR 17 17JUN SUNDAY MARK YOUR FEBCALENDARS
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SUPER SUNDAY
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M ANNUA Horizo MEETI YLD
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN CELEBRATION
Mitzvah Day
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Thank you BLS for your sponsorship of our Chai Times Newsletter and for being a supportive member of our Corporate Program.
Bridging the gap to the next generation At Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC, every client, whether you are generation X, a baby boomer or a millennial, deserves great service and support. Our personable approach to comprehensive financial planning begins with our investment in you and then bridging the gap with your loved ones, your business, and your future. This is our mission and the reason why we are committed to helping you get the most out of your financial life now and for generations to come. It's also the reason we are proud to support the Jewish Federation of Broward County. We are honored to be involved with an organization with a strong dedication to its community and a solid commitment to supporting Jewish Life all over the world.
Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC 1000 Corporate Drive • Suite 600 • Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334 • (954) 689-9484 • Fax (954) 491-1268 www.blsfinancial.com
Financial Planning • Life Insurance • Disability Income • Insurance Long Term Care Insurance • Annuities • Investments • Wealth Management SOC7461a
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Securities, investment advisory and financial planning services offered through registered representatives of MML Investors Services, LLC Member SIPC. 1000 Corporate Drive Suite 700, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33334. 954-689-9484. Bienenfeld, Lasek & Starr, LLC. and BLS Wealth Management, LLC are not subsidiaries or affiliates of MML Investors Services, LLC or its affiliated companies. CRN202106-249317
Your Legacy...Our Promise Since the COVID-19 pandemic reverberated our community, we had to adapt to new working conditions while caring for our client’s needs. Our Chai Care professional team took the necessary steps and measures to ensure that the program could flourish even during unprecedented times. Like many, the pandemic forced our program to evaluate and re-imagine how to proceed. Before the pandemic, we would host in-house parlor educational meetings to teach others about the Chai Care program and its benefits. However, with safety at the forefront of our minds, our professional team had to pivot. We began attending ZOOM monthly networking meetings to educate other healthcare providers and have ZOOM meetings with financial
planners, CPAs, and estate attorneys, to name a few, to continue sharing our Chai Care program’s importance. These partnerships enable us to provide valuable resources to our clients. In October 2020, we launched a brand new Chai Care Educational Webinar Series featuring local professionals who provided critical resources on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself against security fraud. Also, we formalized the Chai Care volunteer program. And through it all, we continued to publish our Chai Times newsletter, providing crucial content for you. Over the past twelve months, Chai Care has provided some needs for clients, including but not limited to:
4 We met a client in the ER/hospital to
coordinate all care and discharge planning.
4 We communicated with all responsible parties, such as healthcare surrogates, trust officers, and the power of attorneys, as needed with updates.
4 We coordinated transportation at appropriate homes and facilities on an as-needed basis.
4 We communicated with ALF’s re: clients’
needs, such as dietary, social, and personal needs.
4 We attended doctor and dentist office visits. 4 We obtained orders from physicians re:
durable medical equipment and medications, as needed.
4 We educated clients with dietary needs,
proper body mechanics, and safety in the home.
4 We supervised aides with the care of clients. 4 We supervised and attended meetings with
spouses and clients due to specific situations.
4 We communicated with family members as needed re: client updates.
4 We handled all phone calls to and from
doctors’ offices to schedule appointments.
4 We handled all phone calls to and from home health centers re: schedules.
4 We coordinated all aspects of client needs re: medical care, doctors, and medications.
Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation, is an individualized care management program for individuals ages 65+.
Thank you to Your Life of Coconut Creek for your sponsorship of our Chai Times Newsletter.
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MEDICAL MOMENT
Study: People With Dementia Twice as Likely to Contract COVID-19, More Likely to be Hospitalized
By John Fernandez Senior Writer-Editor, Baptist Health South Florida
patients may constitute another vulnerable category. However, more work is required to understand the mechanism by which this occurs.” Re searchers reviewed electronic health records (stripped of identifying information) from 360 hospitals and 317,000 healthcare providers nationally, “representing 20 percent of the U.S. population.” Of the 61.9 million adults in the study population, more than one million had dementia, 15,770 had COVID-19 and 810 had both.
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ementia patients had a significantly increased risk of contracting COVID-19, and higher risk of being hospitalized, compared to those without dementia, according to an analysis of U.S. electronic health record (EHR) data.
The risk of getting infected and seriously ill from COVID-19 was even higher for African-Americans with dementia, according to the research led by Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. The results were published by the peer-reviewed Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association. Researchers adjusted for factors associated with people with dementia that could increase their risk of contracting COVID-19, such as living in a nursing home and underlying conditions like obesity, asthma, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. After modifying for these risk factors, U.S. adults with dementia were still twice as likely to have gotten COVID-19.
“Our results emphasize how important it is to protect those with dementia from acquiring (COVID-19) for they are at higher risk for severe disease than those without dementia,” —Pamela Davis Overall, the odds of contracting COVID-19 were twice as high for patients with dementia, compared to those without dementia. However, researchers said the risk varied by a specific type of dementia. Patients with vascular dementia had the highest risk — with odds more than three times higher — followed by patients with presenile dementia, senile dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and post-traumatic dementia.
Vascular dementia is considered the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, accounting for up to 10 percent of cases. It is caused by conditions that damage the blood vessels in the brain, depriving the brain of oxygen.
Dementia encompasses conditions that impair memory and result in a decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s disease, the most common of these conditions, is the 5th leading cause of death among adults aged 65 years or older.
Love your Neighbor. Wear a Mask!
“Our results emphasize how important it is to protect those with dementia from acquiring (COVID-19) for they are at higher risk for severe disease than those without dementia,” said study co-author Pamela Davis, dean emerita of the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, in a news release. “These
Thank you to Secured Futures for your sponsorship of our Chai Times Newsletter
WE HELP BENEFICIARIES, get the most out of their POOLED TRUST. TYPES OF POOLED TRUSTS WE ADMINISTER AND MANAGE: Special Needs Trust
Minors Trust
Preservation Trust
Support Trust
Speak with Denise Lettau today! (954) 296-0493 Or learn more at SECUREDFUTURES.ORG 4 Chai-Times
MONEY MINDED GL Homes is a proud corporate partner of the Jewish Federation of Broward County and the presenting sponsor of our upcoming Men’s Nite In event happening on May 20th.
Since 1976, GL Homes has grown from a small, local builder to one of the nation’s largest. For four decades, GL Homes has created exceptional communities and built quality residences in Florida’s most desirable locations. More than 85,000 people are living in GL homes throughout Florida. Many have moved-up to their second, or even third, GL home. GL Homes’ success is in the details. GL Homes is building Florida’s best new home communities in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Naples, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Tampa.
The South Florida Real Estate Boom: Insight with Misha Ezratti, President of GL Homes
By Misha Ezratti President, GL Homes
SOLD
The real estate market is booming right now, what is the reason for this?
The uptick in the real estate market is directly linked to the pandemic. Homeowners’ needs have changed drastically over the last 12 months. Many people are working from home, kids are attending school remotely and everyone is cooking and enjoying in-home entertainment more than ever before. These shifting behaviors are placing an incredible prominence on flexible, updated, and comfortable living quarters. The work-fromhome phenomenon is also giving workers the flexibility to live in any location that best fits their needs and lifestyle. We are seeing more and more buyers from across the country choosing sunny Florida as their new home. GL Homes offers a wide variety of floorplans with flexible spaces that fit the changing needs of today’s homebuyer.
55
+
With the influx of people from out-of-state moving to South Florida, what should they know about buying a home in Florida?
Florida living is very different from living in other parts of the country. Our climate makes it possible to enjoy the outdoors 365 days per year. Homes with design features that make the most of Florida living should be considered. Features like impact-resistant exterior windows and doors, oversized covered patios, summer kitchens and swimming pools will help new Florida residents enjoy their time in the sunshine. Also, it is important to consider community amenities that can provide a further extension of your new Florida lifestyle and provide you with an opportunity to meet new friends and neighbors. At the center of every GL Homes community is a clubhouse with tennis, fitness, swimming, pool-side dining, clubs, and activities.
GL Homes’ Valencia communities have dominated the 55+ market, how did you achieve this?
GL Homes was ahead of the curve on the 55+ living trend. We began meeting the needs of this demographic in 1996. Since the start, we have continued to refine the Valencia brand by listening and responding to homeowner feedback and following larger trends related to architecture, interior design, and amenities. It is this forward-thinking approach that has propelled our Valencia communities to the top of the retirement real estate market across the state of Florida, with many more on the horizon.
Thank you to GL Homes for being a member of our Corporate Program. Chai-Times 5
Philanthropy is good business!
THANK YOU, corporate sponsors, for your unwavering support through these challenging times. You have proven to our Jewish Broward community, that you believe in us and you support us. Your
commitment to our organization has allowed us to help those in our community most at risk, your generosity helps to embrace those with special needs and it inspires and ignites the hope for our Jewish future. In the last year, COVID-19 has shaken our community to the core and it has created pockets of need where our community has stepped in to help. Your impact on our community has been outstanding and that is why we recognize you to our donors at every opportunity we have. We thrive on the opportunity to say “thank you”, and we want you to know that your kindness and commitment is not only appreciated, but acknowledged, respected and impactful. By: Sharon Ness
VP of Corporate Development Sness@JewishBroward.org
Yes, philanthropy is good business and we are honored to recognize you. SPECIAL RECOGNITION
GOLD PARTNERS
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BRONZE PARTNERS
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As of 1.12.21
Rose
A Moment with
“New Friends, Old Friends” Make new friends, but keep the old, Those are silver, those are gold. New made friendship, like new wine, Age will mellow and redefine. 6 Chai-Times
Face may wrinkle, hair grow gray, Friendship never knows decay. Friendship that have passed the test are sure And forever the best.
But old friends may die, New friends must their place supply. Cherish friendship in your breast, But make more friends now to last.
New WEBINAR
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and would like more information and details, please contact Selma Telles after 6pm daily at 954-382-0815.
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EDUCATIONAL WEBINAR
SAVE THE DATE
Save the date for our new educational webinar series providing you with resources and skills to keep yourself safe. For more information contact: ecohen@jewishbroward.org
June 22, 2021
11:00am - 12:00pm
Financial Planning: Charitable gifting and estate planning techniques to help protect yourself and your family Dates/times subject to change
Mitzvah Day Across Broward
County, we are fortunate to provide some relief and aid by banding the community together to make a difference in those that are suffering. No matter the triumphs that we are faced with, we continue to persevere, even during the hardest of times.
Proudly sponsored by:
Mitzvah Day Across Broward needed to continue in 2021. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to gather in true assembly line fashion so we opted for a safer approach. Upon organizing Mitzvah Day this year, we focused on our four impact areas - Elderly & Dire Needs, Jewish Identity, Special Needs, and Israel & Overseas to ensure that every impact area was well represented. We selected thirteen partner agencies and programs, who provided their top needed items such as clothing, food, toiletries, and more. We marketed this need out to the community and they came through with over 37,000 items donated.
David Stanley Herzlin Philanthropic Fund For years, the Jewish Federation of Broward County came together as a community to partake in Mitzvah Day Across Broward. Traditionally, the Federation partnered with Feeding Children Everywhere to pack bags of red lentil jambalaya with multiple locations across the county. Volunteers gathered in an assembly line to fill the bags for future distribution to our partner agencies. Since its inception, we have packaged over 45,000 meals to our local food pantries here in Broward. According to the Federal Reserve Bank, as of September 2020, Broward County’s unemployment rate is 8.2%, this is up from 3% since the pandemic began. We’ve witnessed firsthand how our Broward community, Israeli partners, and areas across the world are directly impacted by COVID-19. Our partner agencies are struggling to meet the dire needs in our community, and with the continuation of the pandemic, we expect these numbers to continue increasing. Here at the Jewish Federation of Broward
Thanks to the generosity of the David Stanley Herzlin Philanthropic Fund, this year’s Mitzvah Day Across Broward welcomed community enthusiasts to our Federation campus for a drive-by event where individuals popped open their trunks and donated necessary items to our partner agencies. Over 150 donors came to the Federation campus for a socially distant event to help those most vulnerable, not including those who dropped off their items at our Eastside and North Broward drop off sites. Our community banded together in a time when it was needed most. At the Jewish Federation, we strive to make our organization the central hub for the local Jewish community and care for the needs of our community, and this year’s Mitzvah Day helped us accomplish that feat.
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5890 S. Pine Island Road Davie, FL 33328
@JEWISHBROWARD WWW.JEWISHBROWARD.ORG
OFFICE HOURS with Esther… AGING & CAREGIVER SUPPORT
If you are looking for a safe place to talk about sensitive issues related to health, aging or caregiving, Chai Care will provide: • Emotional support • Information & referrals
BRAIN BUSTERS SUMMER WORD SEARCH
• Supportive counseling • Assistance with problem solving
Our director of Chai Care, has more than 30 years of hospice, medical and pharmaceutical experience in South Florida’s healthcare communities. Office hours are available on the third Thursday of each month to donors of any level to the Jewish Federation of Broward County. Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation, is an individualized care management program for individuals ages 65+.
To schedule a session, call Esther Cohen at 954-252-6952
WE AT CHAI CARE... Provide a holistic, donor-centered approach to advocating for older adults who are facing the challenges of aging, disability or injury.
Chai Care assures that donors receive valuable, cost-effective care and an array of services that arise from health and medical related issues through the aging process. Chai Care helps donors and their loved ones understand the options and costs relevant to managing their daily lives. Bob Schneider | Board Chair Bill J. Gross | Chair, Jewish Community Foundation Carol Lasek | Chair, Chai Care
Committee Members:
Jill Ginsberg • Joan Gross • Philip Herzberg • Ellen Platt Gina Shull • Selma Telles • Alan Tinter • Becki Tinter Michael Balaban | President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Goldmann | Chief Philanthropy Officer Esther Cohen | Chai Care Director 8 Chai-Times
Learn more about CHAI CARE at
www.jewishbroward.org Go to FOUNDATION, click on PROGRAMS, then click on CHAI CARE