I was honored to tour the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home in Omaha Nebraska yesterday, and my life and practice will never be the same. This community is physically located in the same structure as the Omaha Jewish Community Center. I encourage you to check out "Main Street" within the community at this link: http://www.rbjh.com. Don't miss the virtual tour link. Once you've fully explored this website, go to the link for the JCC at: http://www.jewishomaha.org. I saw the young children enrolled in the JCC Child Development Center (CDC) joyfully visiting the elders on Main Street, where the playground for the CDC was located. I saw the elderly residents engaged and honored as a vital part of this vibrant intergenerational community. I enjoyed one of the best deli egg salad sandwiches with coffeecake I've ever eaten from their on-site catering service Star Catering. Imagine a world where the food in the nursing community is so good that it's open to the public every Friday, and they serve over a hundred folks from the surrounding area for lunch. The neighborhoods in the Jewish Home blend seamlessly with the Main Street activities and the rest of the JCC. Painted in large golden letters at the entrance to each neighborhood is the mitzvah:
"You shall rise and show respect to the aged."
Some were visiting for short term rehab, some were fortunate enough to be home. This place isn't a "home like environment," or a "community like setting." This is home. This is a community where the elders are honored for their wisdom and life experiences. I could go on and on, but you have to see it for yourself. I encourage you to visit their website and if you are ever in Omaha, stop by and visit!
No comments:
Post a Comment