Newspaper Page Text
A.A. Synagogue ^adopts’
non-Jewish nursing home
by Tish Sweitzer
The huge scroll of scripture, the
Torah, in its brightly embroidered
cover looked out of place and in
the wrong century lying on the
gray Formica tabletop. The
candleholders were lost in the
clutter of craft materials on the
counters. There was a whirr of
wheelchairs coming down the hall
and metal folding chairs squeaked
open as visitors took their seats.
The activities room of the
Kingsford Atlanta Inn nursing
home is utilitarian—it is not a
place you would choose for a
spiritual experience.
But when the Sabbath candles
were lit and the cups of wine were
poured, the scent of hot wax, the
fruity aroma, and the voices
chanting Hebrew songs magically
transformed the room into a holy
place.
At the request of the Jewish
Family and Children’s Bureau
(JFCB), Congregation Ahavath
Achim has “adopted” Kingsford
Inn, a non-Jewish nursing home
just off Peachtree St. where several
of the elderly residents are Jewish.
Until recently these residents have
not had the opportunity to
participate in worship services of
their faith
Volunteer Janet Hildebrand of
Roswell, a member of Ahavath
Achim, says, “I’m originally from
Louisville. 1 had an aunt 1 was very
fond of in a hospital there and 1
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Janet Hildebrand lights
Sabbath candles at Kingsford Inn
nursing home.
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pfcotm 6y Ti*h Sweitzer
Volunteer Janet Hildebrand of Ahavath Achim shares wine with
nursing home resident Ernestine Goldsmith in Sabbath service brought
to Kingsford Inn by the synagogue.
couldn’t see her often. I regret that.
Visiting this nursing home in
Atlanta is really selfish of me. It’s
fulfilling a need I have to do for
these people what I couldn’t do for
my own family.”
M rs. Hildebrand went to
Kingsford Inn alone the first time.
“It was the day of Tu B’Shevat,
when it is traditional to plant a tree
in Israel. We couldn't do that, of
course, so 1 took a living plant to
each Jew at the nursing home to
keep the spirit of the day.”
Next Mrs. Hildebrand
organi7ed the Sabbath service. She
gathered the prayer books,
brought wine and bread, and asked
Rabbi Lifshen to conduct a
service. He talked informally to the
group of worshippers. Mrs.
Hildebrand helped arthritic hands
stretch out to touch the unrolled
Torah Herbert Klein, also of AA,
led singing. The daughter of one of
the residents was there to share the
experience with her mother.
Residents, staff and visitors felt a
sense of community.
For Passover, the Havurah
group of Ahavath Achim
conducted a model Seder at
Kingsford Members of the adult
study group gathered symbols for
a Seder plate. The residents saw for
the first time in years the roasted
egg, parsley in salt water, the ten
drops of wine, and other symbols
and rituals of Passover. They sang
and prayed together as they expect
to do in the coming seasons thanks
to the Ahavath Achim congregation.
Gloria Merlin, volunteer
director of this outreach program
for the JFCB, says, “Weneed more
people active in bringing to
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nursing homes religious services,
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shared identity." To volunteer call
Gloria Merlin or Merna Alpert at
the JFCB, 873-2277.
Herman Klein of Ahavath
Achim Synagogue leads singing at
Sabbath service.
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PAGE 19 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE April 23, 1982