Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Transitioning to an independent, assisted or skilled nursing facility can be challenging for many seniors, as it is never easy to lose a lifetime of independence. However, Jewish elders face a host of additional challenges. Like their neighbors, they lose their independence, their homes, and access to friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage, their community, and their faith, just when they need them the most.

Imagine a lifetime of Jewish living heritage erased in a "home" where no one understands your culture. Like many American institutions, the bulk of senior facilities follow a "Christmas and Easter" calendar. While caregivers may receive training on the physical needs of their residents, few have been schooled in meeting the cultural and emotional needs of a diverse and growing older population.

This is where the Jewish Pavilion steps in as a "mobile community center on wheels." We have been bringing community, culture and companionship to the doorsteps of senior living communities since 2001, serving as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, intergenerational and memorial programs to 400 Jewish residents in more than 70 facilities for your mom's and dad's in long-term care. We also offer cultural diversity awareness education to their staff through training programs, which highlight the need to accommodate the elderly from many backgrounds. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion as loneliness knows no cultural borders, and thousands of seniors of all faiths attend and are welcomed into our programs each year.

Our Senior Help Desk has been an additional resource since 2012. The "Help Desk's" Senior Resource Specialist has assisted hundreds of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues.

Paul Stenzler

Click on postings on the Jewish Pavilion Face Book page and you will see tremendous enthusiasm for musical entertainment. Music sooths the soul, brings back memories and offers a mode of communication when verbal skills have deteriorated.

On Oct. 15th the Jewish Pavilion will bring their musical expertise to the entire community, and will host their fall festival at Lake Brantley High School. Music Fest 2017 will feature live entertainment from local musical professionals, a vendor extravaganza, refreshments and prizes galore. More than 500 guests will enjoy Broadway, jazz, contemporary and classical music. Visit http://www.jewishpavilion.org

The Jewish Pavilion wishes everyone a happy and healthy New Year!

Paul Stenzler, President

Nancy Ludin, Executive Director