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The Newsletter for Chai Care, a program of the Jewish Community Foundation of Broward County APRIL-JULY 2021/ SIVAN-TAMMUZ-AV 5781 VOL. 4, ISSUE 4
T H E
CHAI LIGHTING
Corner
It Can Happen to You: Can We Defy the Odds?
Carol Lasek
Chai Care Chair
You wake up early every morning, drink your lemon water and eat your bowl of oatmeal with blueberries. You take your vitamins and diligently count your 10,000 steps with routine walks in TY Park. You ignore the persistent cough that keeps you up at night and attribute your constant fatigue to your
work schedule. Fast forward, and you’re scheduled for a PET scan and a host of other tests you cannot even pronounce and the University of Miami is your new weekly destination. In a day, an hour, or even a minute, the life you once knew is dramatically changed and a new journey has begun. It’s not exactly the one on your bucket list but it will have an everlasting effect on you and your family. You ask yourself, ”Could I have done something differently? Been more vigilant with my health?” Our bodies have a way of signaling us. The key is to take the time to tune in for our own sake, for our spouses, children, and grandchildren. We can take control of our health. I am a firm believer in positive thinking and making good health a priority. These tried-and-true tips are worth a try: 1. Keep the date for your annual check-up and know those important numbers (A1C, Cholesterol, normal vital signs, etc.). 2. Create a rainbow of colors on your dinner plate by eating lots of fruits and vegetables. 3. Establish a fitness routine, preferably with a buddy who will egg you on when you make excuses. 4. Keep your social play dates.
By keeping socially and physically fit, practicing mindful eating and keeping medical appointments, we can defy the odds. And if and when we need that extra guidance to manage it all, the Chai Care team is here to provide assistance. I’ve truly enjoyed being the Chai Care chair for the past two years. The quarterly articles I’ve shared with you have been an exercise in self-reflection, an opportunity for me to put my life on pause and mull over past months and planning ahead. Wishing you all good health always and looking forward to seeing you all at TY Park on Sunday mornings. n
For nearly 50 years, Susan and Bob Schneider have worked to build a home based on strong Jewish values and traditions. Raising their children to embrace their Jewish heritage was a priority that was instilled in both at a young age by their parents and grandparents.
Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation became the center of Jewish life for Susan and Bob as their sons, Brian and David were growing up. Bob was a member of the Board and Susan was the pre-school and education chair. Susan recounts, “We always felt the need to make sure our kids knew the importance of synagogue and of being involved.” Bob recalls, “we enjoyed meeting families who shared our Jewish values and whose children were the same age - many of those early friendships remain strong today.” The couple always looks forward to the precious time they get to spend with their children and grandchildren. For the last 18 years, their eldest son, Brian, has lived in Jerusalem. He met his wife Shalva while attending and working at the Aish HaTorah World Center. Their youngest son, David, a marketing director, lives in San Diego for the last 13 years with his wife Betsy, a religious school director. Bob’s first involvement on the Federation’s board came during his position as Co-Chair of the Israel and Overseas Impact Team. During this time, the couple traveled to Poland and Israel on the March of the Living. As Susan recalls, “It was a turning point for me and one of the most impactful trips of my life.” She continues, “When I came back, I attended a Jewish Women’s Foundation event. I was in awe of what they were doing, empowering women and girls in Broward and Israel. Immediately following this experience, I became an actively involved trustee.” Susan continues to educate the community about the role the Federation serves in our community. In January, during the Women’s Philanthropy Annual Event, Susan guided the viewers through the Federation’s impactful work, raising awareness to the importance of being generous with your time and money. This opportunity was near and dear to her. As for Bob, after serving as the Co-Chair of
Bob & Susan Schneider and family
Israel and Overseas Impact Team, he was the Annual Campaign Chair, and most recently the Chair of Board of Directors (2019 - 2021).
When reflecting on the past two years as Board Chair, Bob’s most pivotal decisions came as a result of the pandemic. The Jewish Federation of Broward County allocated over $2.2M in emergency funding to partner agencies. He continues, “This was such a mitzvah for our community. We didn’t want to wait for them to come to us; we went directly to them. We are so fortunate that our Federation was in a good economic position to help. We just wanted to help people.”
For over 35 years, Susan and Bob have generously supported Jewish Broward. Today, as major donors to the Jewish Federation of Broward County, they are honored to engage with other philanthropists that share the same values of wanting a better and brighter future not only for the Jewish community in Broward, but in Israel and around the world. As Bob’s Board Chair tenure comes to an end in June, he is looking forward to being the Immediate Past Board Chair and to continue dedicating his time as a volunteer to the Federation. Bob’s advice for those looking to get more involved in Federation is, “To me there is no greater calling than giving back with your time. It is a feeling and satisfaction that cannot be measured in dollars.” Susan continues, “At Federation, there is something for everyone to do. Whether you can give your time, make a financial contribution or both - get involved and be a part of building a vibrant Jewish Community for generations to come. n
CHAI CARE, IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Do you live alone or have family living away? Have you ever thought of yourself as an older adult who has lost your independence due to a medical condition? Do you understand your options to have quality of life as you age? Are you comfortable navigating through the healthcare system?
WHY CHAI CARE? CHAI CARE OFFERS YOU:
To discuss your options,
please call Esther Cohen 954-252-6952.
Peace of mind to you and your family so you can age with dignity. The ability to become your extended family providing you support so you are never alone. • Opportunity for education,caregiver support and coaching. • The Chai Care professional team to assist you in navigating the health care system. • The help to identify situations providing an assessment and future plan of care. • The assistance in smooth transitions between healthcare settings: hospital, rehabilitative facility and living residence.