Why We Give

Setting an Example by Supporting His Elders

When Sam Shapiro first connected with the residents of Los Angeles Jewish Health (formerly the Los Angeles Jewish Home) in 1995, he was fresh out of college, and the residents were wise role models with lifetimes of experiences and stories to offer.

Providing for Residents Brings Purpose to Her Life

Discover how the amazing care provided to our residents inspired one daughter to create a legacy that will support LAJH for years to come.

Gratitude for Mom’s Care Leads to Everlasting Gift

Myrna Berger Goodman’s mother, Faye, lived to be 107½. She spent her last few years at Los Angeles Jewish Health (LAJH), formerly Los Angeles Jewish Home, where she made friends; visited with staff; enjoyed games, activities and exercise; and visiting the beauty shop.

Successful Career Drives Commitment to Give Back

Taking care of our elderly is important to Ross Gerber. In addition to sharing his time and talent with Los Angeles Jewish Health, including by joining The Guardians, Ross created a gift to make sure that our compassion for the elderly continues well into the future.

A Charitable Gift Results in a Win-Win

Gilbert “Gil” Epstein believes in contributing to his community. He built a successful 50-year career as a real estate appraiser and developer doing just that. Giving back through his professional endeavors wasn’t enough for Gil, though.

Leading by Example

When Larry Schnaid moved back to his hometown of Los Angeles from New York two decades ago, he wanted to connect with a group of men who were successful, like-minded and part of the same community. He found just that with The Guardians, one of Los Angeles Jewish Health’s fundraising support groups.

The Perfect Fit

In 2014, Paulette and Les Greenberg were in the midst of writing their new will. They had contributed to many causes over the years. Now, they pondered who would be a trustworthy and deserving beneficiary of their savings.

Reseda Resident Returns to His Roots to Give Back

Growing up in Reseda, California, in the 1960s and ’70s, Dr. Jeffrey Lauber lived just three blocks from Los Angeles Jewish Health. “I rode my bike past it every day to get to Reseda Elementary and later to Cleveland High School,” Jeffrey says. “As a kid, I never understood what was happening inside of the buildings. All I really knew was that it was a fixture in the community.”

Honoring the Love of Her Life

Marion Goldenfeld found the love of her life later in life. It was a new beginning for both her and her late husband, Ernest. They met thanks to her passion for singing.

A Childhood Connection

Stephen Meli credits his involvement with Los Angeles Jewish Health to the big brother he met through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program as a child. The “brothers” stayed in touch. When Stephen was in his early 30s, his “Big” introduced him to the Home.

Simple Invitation Leads to Lifetime of Support

Sharon Udkoff first stepped foot in Los Angeles Jewish Health when a friend invited her to a brunch event. As they say, the rest is history. "I was so impressed," she says. "The care they give is so great."

Commitment to Caring

Caregiving is in Michelle Weisman's nature. At age five, she was helping raise her younger brothers. At 16, she was caring for her grandparents. And she didn't stop there. Today, Michelle owns and operates The Nest, a group of residential care facilities for senior citizens.

Their Lifelong Connection Becomes Lifelong Gift

Jeff Druyun's recent return to volunteer at Los Angeles Jewish Health truly felt like going home. After all, generations of his family have walked through its doors.

Hope and Help When It's Needed Most

It was 1982 when Bonnie Braiker-Gordon received gut-wrenching news: Her 55-year-old mother, Claire, had suffered a traumatic brain injury, leaving her with chronic dementia-like symptoms that increased as the years passed.

Giving With Joy for Care Given With Grace

Just a few minutes with Sandy Tilsen Okada teaches you that she lives life with grace, joy and gratitude. Her gifts to Los Angeles Jewish Health reflect that philosophy and her passion for the Home.

Board Chairman Makes Tax-Free Gift (You Can, Too!)

As two-time board chairman of Los Angeles Jewish Health, David Swartz gets a behind-the-scenes view of the organization. But when he looks at new facilities and programs, he sees beyond buildings and activities.

Giving Is a Win-Win Situation

At 107 years old, Judy Kaufman still enjoys games of bingo at Los Angeles Jewish Health. She wins a lot! She also walks so fast with her walker every day, the nurse can hardly keep up with her.

Dvorah and Jack Colker

Dvorah and Jack Colker have a well-established set of priorities. First among them is their large and loving family, including nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The couple proudly displays photos of the extended Colker clan in their living room.

Something to Bark About

When Betsey Roberts gets involved in something, she jumps in with both feet. In the case of Los Angeles Jewish Health, she brings eight additional feet to the cause.

Estelle Eisenberg

Estelle Eisenberg is a remarkable member of the Jewish Health's Legacy Circle who skydived on her 90th birthday! We spoke with her regarding her significant legacy gift to name the dental clinic in memory of her mother in West Los Angeles when LAJH builds there, and to upgrade the existing dental clinics.

Ione Citrin: A Passion for Art and LAJH

Ione Citrin has an enormous imagination, an immense passion for art, and a great sense of commitment to LAJH. Bringing all three together has been a journey.

Inge Sternberg Is a Legend

Inge Sternberg is quite a legend among the members of the Benefactors/Jewish Club of 1933, the second oldest LAJH support group. And now, with the creation of 11 charitable gift annuities, 86-year-old Inge has become a legend at LAJH.

Bennett Wolf Sets an Example for Others

With dedication that spans 20 years as an LAJH Board member and includes a legacy gift toward the future of LAJH, Bennett Wolf sets a wonderful example for others to follow.

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