What Is Jewish Assisted Living? Community, Culture, and Amenities

Jewish assisted living communities offer seniors the same care and support as other assisted living, but with a specific emphasis on faith and culture. Seniors receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like dressing and bathing, as well as daily meals and amenities such as housekeeping and transportation services.

What separates these communities from their secular (nonreligious) counterparts is a focus on Jewish values and tradition. Jewish communities embrace the values of the Torah and strive to create a sense of community among residents while offering the opportunity to practice faith and maintain Jewish culture.

They may offer the following:

• Weekly Shabbat services
• Holiday celebrations
• Transportation to local synagogues or an on-site rabbi
• Torah study
• Kosher meals
• Cantor-led music worship or concerts

Who operates Jewish assisted living?

Jewish assisted living communities are typically run by nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations, as are many faith-based senior living options. This means that all profits are returned to the community to support residents.

These organizations are often helmed by a board of directors familiar with the Jewish faith who focus on the spiritual well-being and the care needs of seniors. Rabbis may provide consultation.

Does your loved one need to be a practicing member of the Jewish faith?

While Jewish assisted living communities focus on providing care and amenities tailored toward people of the faith, seniors of all religions, denominations, and backgrounds are welcome.

Additionally, many communities that aren’t run by Jewish institutions or nonprofits are welcoming to practicing seniors. Especially in states with high Jewish populations, like New York, New Jersey, and Florida, secular communities may offer services, activities, and dining options that cater to Jewish seniors.

It’s worth noting that, while rare, Orthodox communities do exist. These senior living facilities likely require residents to adhere to the tenets of Orthodox Judaism for admission.

Is assisted living the right fit?

Generally, Jewish assisted living communities cost the same as other communities in similar geographic areas. There may be additional charges for specially prepared Kosher meals.

The monthly median cost for an assisted living community in the U.S. in 2021 was $4,500 according to Genworth Financial.^[01] This cost can vary based on where you live, amenities, and the level of care provided.

Read more:Is Assisted Living Tax Deductible? What You Need To Know

When you begin the search for assisted living, it’s important to keep your loved one’s individual needs and interests in mind. As you tour communities, review A Place for Mom’s touring checklist, and keep these questions on your mind:

• Do residents seem happy and engaged?
• Does the community offer the types of ADL assistance your loved one needs?
• Is the community clean and presentable?
• Do staff members greet residents by name and seem invested in their well-being?
• Does the community schedule activities your loved one would enjoy?
• Do meals fit your relative’s dietary needs?
• Is the type of room or apartment your loved one wants available?
• Does the community embrace up-to-date technology, such as Alexa-enabled devices?

Assisted living questions? Get expert help

Questions to ask about Judaism in assisted living

After determining that the community is a good fit for your loved one based on the criteria above, consider how Jewish faith is incorporated into daily life.

Does the community offer kosher meals? Some Jewish adults choose to keep kosher, and many communities offer dining options that comply with kashrut rules. That said, maintaining a fully kosher kitchen is difficult in the modern era, especially when some seniors require specific diets for health reasons. While some Jewish assisted living communities are strictly kosher, others have sealed meals delivered from outside kosher kitchens for residents who wish to maintain that diet and lifestyle.

Do they partner with local synagogues or offer on-site services? Your loved one may wish to attend services at the synagogue they’ve visited for years. Does the community offer transportation to and from that location? Alternatively, residents may prefer to stay in the community for worship. Is there a rabbi on staff, or one who visits from a local congregation? Ask if your relative can attend a service before moving in to ensure their needs are met.

Does the community embrace holiday celebrations and observances? Holidays are an important part of the Jewish tradition. They can foster a sense of community and allow seniors to experience joy and sorrow together. Does the community host a Purim parade or build a sukkah for Sukkot? Do they invite family members to weekly Shabbat dinners? From the High Holy Days to Hanukkah, observance of holidays gives residents the opportunity to connect.

Do they facilitate Torah study? Jewish communities may have a beit midrash, or designated room to study Torah. A rabbi may lead seniors in dialogue, or residents can study in havruta, or pairs.

Does the community offer opportunities for tzedakah? The community may have relationships with charitable organizations or education funds. Alternatively, they may offer transportation to local food banks or other charitable institutions for seniors who wish to participate actively.

If your loved one needs assistance with daily activities as they age, but wishes to remain engaged in a faith-based community, Jewish assisted living may be the right choice. Reach out to A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors to learn more about communities near you. They can discuss budget, needs, and desired amenities to help your family find the best fit for your loved one, all at no cost to you.

Jewish assisted living communities to consider

Here’s a list of some Jewish assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network. While this list isn’t comprehensive, it may be a good starting point for your search.

All Seasons West Bloomfield in Bloomfield, Michigan, is located just north of the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield, near restaurants, shops, and country clubs.

Ateret Avot in Brooklyn, New York, translates to “the crown of our forefathers” and has been owned and managed by the same Jewish family for four generations.

Multiple Atria communities, especially those in the Northeast, offer Jewish community events, celebrations, and optional kosher meals.

Atrium Kosher Home in Potomac, Maryland, offers three full kosher meals a day. Caregivers are of the faith and are well-versed in important spiritual and cultural traditions.

Aviva Senior Living in Sarasota, Florida, is a not-for-profit community that offers kosher dining options as well as visiting rabbi services.

Berman Commons in Dunwoody, Georgia, is a fully kosher assisted living and memory care community located adjacent to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta.

Chelsea Jewish Foundation in Chelsea, Massachusetts, focuses on validation, dignity, and honor. They operate in the Hebrew tradition, but people of all belief systems are welcome.

Fountainview at Eisenberg Village in Reseda, California, is nestled into the campus of the Los Angeles Jewish Home. The community encourages activities, holiday celebrations, and events based in the Jewish faith.

Handmaker Jewish Services for the Aging in Tucson, Arizona, offers assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation services. Their menu is crafted to adhere to Jewish dietary laws, and they offer transportation to religious services and cultural events.

Kaplan Estates in Peabody, Massachusetts, is a Jewish-run community that provides assistance and care to people of all backgrounds and offers religious services for many faiths in their non-denominational chapel.

Levy Gardens Assisted Living in Youngstown, Ohio, is a Jewish assisted living community that offers personal care services and support in a small but bustling town of shops, restaurants, and parks.

The Medallion Jewish Assisted Living Residence in Houston offers assisted living and skilled nursing care through Seven Acres Jewish Senior Care Service. Though the community is enriched with Jewish traditions, they welcome and honor residents of all faiths.

Park Plaza in Chicago offers apartments and private rooms in a dedicated Jewish senior living community.

Roitenberg Family Assisted Living in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, offers three kosher meals a day, plus snacks. They host luncheons and food fundraisers as well as other cultural events and holiday celebrations.

Ruth’s House in Longmeadow, Massachusetts, is located down the street from the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield and is managed by Beztak Properties, a Jewish-owned management company.

Sunrise of Marlboro in Marlboro, New Jersey, offers Friday afternoon Shabbat services led by a local rabbi, as well as transportation to Saturday services.

Please note that these communities are listed for illustrative purposes only, and A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse any of these communities.

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