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Contact us: 215.941.5253 or cvliving@psl.org www.psl.org/cathedralvillage A Continuing Care Retirement Community | Philadelphia, PA JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 3 Celebrating 45 years of maximizing wellness at every stage of senior living. Independent Living | Personal Care | Memory Care | Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Schedule an On-Site Tour 777 FERRY RD, DOYLESTOWN, PA 18901 800.992.8992 • PINERUN.ORG 4 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM In this Issue ... 8 Dean Malissa Wanted to Be An Actor. He Ended Up as George Washington From ‘Tree of 13 Sorrow’ to Family Trees: Passing Down Holocaust Memories Living to the Power of You SageLife communities reflect priorities that matter most: dynamic lifestyle, adaptable care, and sophisticated amenities. Our mission is to encourage, empower and celebrate successful aging. Our communities are thoughtfully designed to reflect our commitment to ‘aging well’. South 20 Philadelphia Cover photo: Halfpoint / iStock / Getty Images Plus Native Preserves Jewish Community and History At 89, Burt 26 Forman is Still Teaching ... and Dancing JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Living to the power of you. COM I N G 2 0 22 AMBLER , PA MALVERN, PA WALLINGFORD, PA The501.com LivingAtEchoLake.com PlushMills.com DaylesfordCrossing.com RETIREMENT LIVING RETIREMENT LIVING RETIREMENT LIVING SUPPORTIVE LIVING SUPPORTIVE LIVING SUPPORTIVE LIVING SUPPORTIVE LIVING & MEMORY CARE 215-461-4880 484-568-4777 THE GOOD LIFE 610-690-1630 PAOLI, PA 610-640-4000 DECEMBER 16, 2021 5 We help you to keep family traditions at home. Have you recently noticed that your elderly loved Griswold Home Care can assist with: ones who are living independently at home could • Meal preparation and planning keeping your spouse, parents and grandparents • Bathing and dressing use some help? We understand the importance of safe, and in the place they love — their home. 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Plus...as owners in the not-for-profi t Life Plan Community, we have a say in how we live.” - Resident since 2015 This is your time, and you have worked too hard to let someone else make decisions about your retirement. At Beaumont, residents own and govern the community, and work directly with management to deliver the 5-star service, support and care you’d expect - for life. Beaumont is a nationally recognized Life Plan Community. As home values remain high, this may be the perfect time to discover our unique community. Schedule your visit today by contacting Audrey Walsh at 610.526.7000 or www.BeaumontRetirement.com . CLASSIFIED SALES NICOLE MCNALLY FINANCE DIRECTOR MIKE COSTELLO 601 N. Ithan Avenue, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 7 Dean Malissa, as George Washington, inspects his farm. Courtesy of Dean Malissa 8 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Dean Malissa Wanted to Be An Actor. He Ended Up as George Washington JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF G eorge Washington’s legacy is quite literally the United States of America. So when Daniel Shippey became the nation’s foremost Washington imper- sonator at Mount Vernon, the first president’s Virginia estate-turned histori- cal attraction, Shippey often heard that he had big boots to fill. Except those Mount Vernon work- ers and Washington fans weren’t talking about the Continental Army general. They were talking about Dean Malissa, the Upper Moreland resident and Jewish actor who portrayed Washington before Shippey. “He set a very high bar,” Shippey said. From 2004 until the outbreak of COVID-19, Malissa served as the fore- most Washington impersonator in the nation that Washington fathered. Malissa did about 150 events a year, with half coming at Mount Vernon, almost a three-hour drive from his then-home in Philadelphia. He donned colonial-era jackets, collars, cuffs and lapels; he stood with Washington’s formal and upright posture and spoke in his equally formal diction; he articulated the first president’s personal credo of “deeds, not words.” Malissa embodied the world-historic character before both Mount Vernon visitors and crowds across the country. In a stadium in Arizona, he performed for tens of thousands. At the National Archives Museum in Washington, D.C. one July 4, he read the Declaration of JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Savor the Good Life. Enjoy vibrant, carefree senior living IHDWXULQJȴUVWFODVVGLQLQJH[FHSWLRQDO ZHOOQHVVSURJUDPVDQGDEXQGDQW DPHQLWLHV2XUZHOFRPLQJKRVSLWDOLW\ DQGLQFOXVLYHFXOWXUHDUHXQPDWFKHG &RPHVHHIRU\RXUVHOI We’re waiting to meet you! 610-546-7460 WhiteHorseVillage.org Newtown Square, PA THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 9 Independence before a crowd of 500,000. The Philadelphia native also played Washington at a White House state dinner for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy and at a billionaire’s birthday party in Florida, among other notable events. One time, he even told a CIA director that he couldn’t talk to him about tradecraft during the Revolutionary War. “I said, ‘You’ll have to forgive me,’” Malissa recalled of the conversation. “‘I don’t know you from Adam.’” The director cracked up. As Washington, Malissa didn’t merely recall lines. He embodied the first president. He was him. For the actor, it was never the role he imagined; but it became the role of his life — the only one he played for the last two decades of his career. “It’s one of the most important stories ever told,” Malissa said. “It’s been an honor to be able to tell the story.” The Philadelphia native was phasing into retirement even before the pandemic. At the time, Malissa, now 68, was pushing into his late 60s. He had also lost his father, mother and wife between 2017-’20. Unlike Washington, though, who retired to Mount Vernon after his second presidential term, Malissa wants to keep traveling. He named England, Japan and several other countries as places he hopes to visit. “I’d like to spend extended amounts of time in some of these countries,” Malissa said. That’s hardly a surprise, as Malissa never does anything half-speed. Before portraying Washington, he was a corporate guy for 26 years, working for Penn Ventilation, his family’s business, which manufactured industrial and commercial ventilation equipment. After graduating from college, Malissa started working for the company, rising from junior sales rep to senior vice president. In 1999, when the family decided to sell the business after 71 years, Malissa had an equity stake. The 46-year-old made enough money to take some time off after the sale. At the time, Malissa only knew one thing: He was finished with a corporate world that he never loved in the first place. “I would tell people I was in business, but not of business,” Malissa said. “It was no longer enjoyable to me.” Thanks to the Model Railroad Club at Shannondell, Thanks to the Model Railroad Club at Shannondell, Acting, though, had been enjoyable to Malissa. He just hadn’t Thanks are to always the Model running Railroad and Club on at time. Shannondell, our our trains With more more done it since high school. trains are always running and on time. With our Thanks trains to are the always With more Model running Railroad and Club on at time. Shannondell, So after the sale, he tried it out again, landing the lead role in than 1,000 feet of track, this impressive hobby room room “Damn than than 1,000 feet of track, this impressive hobby Yankees” at Beth Sholom Congregation in Elkins Park. our trains are always running and on time. With more 1,000 feet of track, this impressive hobby room Thanks to the Model Railroad Club at Shannondell, Still, it was just community theater. And while the voice in brings smiles to the faces of children and adults alike. than 1,000 of faces track, this impressive hobby room our trains always running and on time. With more brings brings smiles of of children adults smiles to are feet to the the faces children and and adults alike. alike. Malissa’s head was telling him to act professionally, it was quieter brings 1,000 smiles feet to their faces of child children and another adults alike. than of the track, impressive hobby room Re-engineering their inner yet, another Re-engineering inner this child – – – yet, way way way than the voices telling him to do other things. Re-engineering their inner child yet, another Re-engineering their inner child – yet, another way brings smiles to the faces of children and adults alike. Then, one day, the production needed a prop for Malissa’s Shannondell residents are living more inspired. Shannondell residents more inspired. inspired. Shannondell residents are are are living living more inspired. Shannondell residents living character. So, the leading man went downtown to Hocus Pocus, Re-engineering their inner child – more yet, another way a magic shop. Shannondell residents are living more inspired. The owner gave Malissa the prop, rang him up and asked him a truly strange question. “What do you want to do with the rest of your life?” Visit Visit shannondell.com shannondell.com Malissa did not know the man. He had not told him of his Visit shannondell.com 800.669.2318 or or call call 800.669.2318 current dilemma. But he explained it anyway, and the man had call an answer. more 800.669.2318 information. Living to Inspire ® for or for more information. Living to Inspire ® “Listen to the quietest voice,” he said. “Because it’s the one you ® for more information. Living to Inspire ® want but are most afraid of.” Living to Inspire 10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403 © 2017 Shannondell, Inc. ® Living to Inspire 10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403 “I left the shop with my head exploding,” Malissa said. © 2017 Shannondell, Inc. 10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403 © 2017 Shannondell, Inc. He pulled out his late ’90s cell phone, lifted the antenna and Inspiring happier, Inspiring a happier, Inspiring happier, longer life a just just takes longer takes Inspiring a just happier, longer life takes a a little engineering. Inspiring a happier, little engineering. just takes a longer little life engineering. longer just takes a little life engineering. a little engineering. Visit Visit shannondell.com shannondell.com or or call call 800.669.2318 800.669.2318 for for more more information. information. 10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403 10000 Shannondell Dr, Audubon, PA 19403 10 DECEMBER 16, 2021 © 2017 Shannondell, Inc. © 2017 Shannondell, Inc. THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Dean Malissa, right, has played George Washington for about two decades. BRAN D N EW CALL US AT (215) 999-3619 AND ASK ABOUT OUR COMPLIMENTARY PACKING, PLANNING AND MOVING SERVICES. G ES COT N T O A W 8 SO 5 LD % ! Model Cottages Available to Tour RydalWaters.org Newly Renovated Apartments To schedule a tour of our beautiful cottages and apartment homes, please call (215) 999-3619 or visit us online. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Courtesy of Dean Malissa THE GOOD LIFE RydalPark.org DECEMBER 16, 2021 11 called his wife. “I’m going to become an actor,” he said. “That’s great,” she answered. His wife agreed to move up from part- time to full-time in her education career so the couple could have health insur- ance. And Malissa started auditioning. He got small roles in network TV shows and commercials, as well as movies shot in Philadelphia. But in 2000, he met fellow Philadelphia resident William Sommerfield, then the foremost Washington impersonator at Mount Vernon. Sommerfield got Malissa to fill in for him when he couldn’t make an event. Initially, though, it was just “another acting job,” Malissa said. Until he fell in love with both the role and its historical weight. Dean Malissa, as George Washington, speaks to a crowd. Courtesy of Dean Malissa The 70-year-old Sommerfield was looking for his own replacement. But emeritus. The leading man says he will continue to portray before he started training Malissa, he gave him a warning. Washington “selectively.” “‘Washington will take over your life, if you’re going to do it “I’m thinking of the way Washington signed his letters: properly,’” Malissa recalled his mentor saying. ‘I remain your humble and obedient servant,’” he concluded. l After a four-year transition, Malissa filled Sommerfield’s big boots. Now, Shippey is filling Malissa’s. jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 Mount Vernon has already named Malissa as Washington 12 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM FROM ‘TREE OF SORROW’ TO FAMILY TREES: PASSING DOWN HOLOCAUST MEMORIES R ‘Tree of Sorrow’ was published in July and tells the story of Richard Bank growing up as the grandson of Holocuast survivors. SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF ichard Bank’s pocket watch, given to him by his grandfa- ther and Shoah survivor Ludwig Frank, hasn’t kept time for decades, save for two occasions. Th e fi rst was shortly aft er Bank’s 30th birthday, when his wife Francine gift ed him a stand for the watch: a spindly silver tree with no leaves, but a tear beginning to drip from the top branch. “Ludwig Frank” is engraved on the stand, winding around the tree’s roots and trunk, and the stand was dubbed the ‘Tree of Sorrow.’ While sitting in his study, Bank, 74, touched the watch resting on the tree, and the second hand immediately began spinning, To live here is to live in harmony. The Mansion at Rosemont is a boutique senior living community in the heart of the Main Line, where residents cherish all of the small things that add up to a fervent embrace of life after 62. If you appreciate fine architecture, good company, delicious food, security and the joy of looking forward in life, please call 610-632-7204 or see us online at TheMansionAtRosemont.org GET TO KNOW THE CHESWICK SERIES. These newly renovated, spacious apartment homes are now available to tour. Please call 610-632-7204 to schedule a visit. INDEPENDENT LIVING/PERSONAL CARE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 13 For Help, Call 610-660-0190 Free Food Delivered Right To You The Jewish Relief Agency can provide a monthly home-delivered box of nutritious kosher food to seniors in need. For Help, Call 610-660-0190 or Visit www.jewishrelief.org Never stop learning because life never stops teaching the watch ticking rhythmically. Th ough the watch went silent the next morning, two weeks later, the same thing happened. Upon showing his mother Ruth Frank the watch stand, Bank once again noticed the watch ticking again, and then stopping, remaining still for the next 44 years. “Th e message of the watch is survival,” Bank said. Like his grandfather before him, Bank gave his grandson Hayden the watch and the Tree of Sorrow for his bar mitzvah on Oct. 24. Along with the watch, Bank also gave Hayden the responsibility of carrying on the memory of the Holocaust, the same responsibility Ludwig Frank passed down to his grandson through the watch. Bank describes himself as “growing up in the shadow of the Holocaust,” a phrase that doubles as the subtitle of his newest book ‘Tree of Sorrow,’ published by Auctus Publishers in July 2021. Th ough a lawyer for most of his life, Bank has been writing since the age of 12. He lived in Strawberry Mansion and went to grade school in Mt. Airy before attending Temple University and later University of Pennsylvania, where he studied law. Th roughout school, Bank had a passion for writing. Th e story of his grandfather’s watch was fi rst published in Th e Jewish Exponent in 1978 and is again recounted in ‘Tree of Sorrow.’ Golden Slipper Gems inspires older adults to live independently, actively and engaged. Our personally-delivered programs and services are offered on the Main Line and in Bucks County. Enrichment for Older Adults 610.359.8632 GoldenSlipperGems.org STAY SAFE, SECURE AND WELL-CARED-FOR WITH PCA. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has nearly 50 years of experience helping older adults get the care they need to stay in their own homes . For service coordination you can rely on, choose PCA. 215-765-9040 pcaCares.org Richard Bank with his “oma” and “opa” when he was 3 14 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM When Hayden Bank visited his great-grandmother’s house, he was fascinated with a 1914 photograph of the Frank family. Start New Traditions With Us Courtesy of Hayden Bank Ask About Our Year-End Move-In Special!* We believe it’s never been more important for seniors to love the communities they call home. As part of a fifth generation family company, we are committed to doing everything possible to achieve just that. Join us to enjoy this special time of year together. (610) 271-8232 215 Plymouth Rd Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Lic #147200 *Call for details. Independent Living • Personal Care • Memory Care • pinnacleatplymouthmeeting.com JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 15 Voted Best place to buy a Hearing Aid 2021! Voted Best Audiologist on The Main Line Since 2007! Th e memoir, which mostly unfolds Bank’s childhood and time in undergraduate and law school, is the third book in what Bank calls an “inadvertent trilogy.” He published “Feig” and “I Am Terezin” in 2014 and 2017, respectively, and while the former is fi ction and the latter, non-fi ction, ‘Tree of Sorrow’ is a work of creative nonfi ction, and a personal one at that. Despite growing up with an “oma” and “opa” who survived Th eresienstadt and a mother who was a refugee of the Holocaust, Bank knew surprisingly little about his family’s experience of the Shoah. Th ough Bank could speak some German to communicate with his grandparents, they skirted the topic of the Holocaust. “Th ey never spoke about it. My mother never spoke about it. Her sister never spoke about it. Th e family never spoke about it,” Bank said. Despite his grandmother living until he was 21, Bank never asked her about her time in Th eresienstadt. He published “I Am Terezin” about the camp without know- ing that he also had an aunt on his mother’s side who died in Th eresienstadt. Four other great aunts and uncles — his grand- father’s siblings — also died in the Shoah. He had no idea until he spoke with his mother shortly before the book’s publication. “I grew up with the idea that you don’t ask,” Bank said. “Th at’s why I’m writing so much about it now — because I do want to know about it, and I want to share with others, so that other people know about it and don’t take that same attitude.” Helping to care for the people you love! Flexible schedule Care for anyone recovering from surgery or illness Short- or long-term Hourly, daily, or s live-in schedule Competitive rates 215-885-7701 slhomecare.com PA State Licensed. All caregivers are bonded and insured. 16 DECEMBER 16, 2021 Hayden Bank (center) with his grandparents, Francine (left) and Richard Bank. Courtesy of Richard Bank THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM “We’ve always been like the same person. But when I got to read his book, that’s when I realized we basically have the same exact characteristics as each other.” HAYDEN BANK Bank is still committed to learning more about his family history, largely thanks to his grandson. Hayden, 13, inspired by an older cousin’s family tree on a different side of his family, took on the responsibility of creating a Frank family tree in September 2020 as a project during COVID. “I wanted it done; I didn’t want anyone else doing it,” Hayden said. “And I felt like this was my opportunity to do it.” With the help of Bank’s cousins, Hayden uploaded his family tree to Ancestry.com. Hayden and Bank then received an email from Roland Paul, a historian who had been in contact with Bank’s mother, whom he met during her trips back to her home- town of Odenbach, Germany after the Holocaust. From there, the family tree grew even larger. The family tree now spans eight generations, with over 120 entrees. Hayden hopes to share the updated family tree with Bank’s cousins and extended family at a family reunion next spring. Hayden’s great grandmother and Bank’s mother died when Hayden was 9 years old, but Hayden remembers visiting his great grandmother’s apartment and finding a photograph of the Frank family from 1914. Before his family tree research, Hayden could only identify a few of the relatives in the photo. Now he can identify almost all of them. At the pending family reunion, Hayden will meet some of Bank’s cousins for the first time. Bank will be meeting some of them for the first time too. Hayden calls his grandfather every day and has read ‘Tree of Sorrow’ and the books that preceded it. As time goes on, Hayden thinks he gets more and more similar to his grandfather. “We’ve always been like the same person,” Hayden said. “But when I got to read his book, that’s when I realized we basically have the same exact characteristics as each other.” Bank insists that when he gave Hayden Ludwig Frank’s watch and the Tree of Sorrow, he had no agenda for what he believed Hayden should do with it. And Hayden has a fierce loyalty to Bank: “I always tell him to this day, ‘I’m going to make sure I take care of you one day.’” Because of Hayden’s commitment to his family, Bank has no concerns about the fate of his grandfather’s watch. “He’s already fulfilled his responsibility to the watch,” Bank said. “Maybe one day he’ll want to pass it on, and then he’ll pass on the story of the watch and the memory of the Holocaust.” l srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Reducing Family Stress Take control of your retirement years and plan ahead for a community to support you when you need it. Senior living often becomes a decision made during a time of crisis. Commonwealth Senior Living encourages families to talk about the options before the need is imminent, and find a community now where everyone would feel comfortable. Commonwealth Senior Living has been guiding families on this journey for almost 20 years and we would be honored to help yours too. call for a free copy of our helpful guide: Choosing the Right Personal Care Community. 215-706-8376 C ommonwealth SENIOR LIVING at WILLOW GROVE Welcome Home Personal Care & Memory Care 1120 York Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090 www.CommonwealthSL.com THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 17 20 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM South Philadelphia Native Preserves Jewish Community and History Surviving Cancer Cancer in in Style Style Surviving Surviving Cancer Cancer in Style Surviving Surviving Cancer in Style Surviving Cancer in Style Surviving Cancer in Style SASHA ROGELBERG | JE STAFF H aving grown up in South Philadelphia in the 1950s, Alberta Marcus knows a thing or two about community. “It was like being part of a family. Our neighbors were more family than friends,” Marcus said. “They would block off traffic, and we’d have block parties where everybody cooked food. It was a very caring community.” She maintained a similar familial connection to her neighbors when she moved to her home in Northeast Philadelphia in her early 20s — the same home she lives in today. Community-building more than shaped Marcus’ life; it’s how she’s making her mark on the Philadelphia community, serv- ing as a founding member of the 51-year strong Unstructured Synagogue Havurah, a veteran teacher and informal documen- tarian of 20th-century Philadelphia life. Marcus, 82, did not attend synagogue as a child, and did not have a ceremony to celebrate her becoming bat mitzvah, but her family was religious: Her mother kept kosher, and the family would celebrate holidays with neighbors of extended family. “My mother was one of five kids — two sets of twins — so we would get together and celebrate the holidays together,” Marcus said. She continued that model of Jewish living into adulthood. In the 1960s, havurot — a Hebrew word meaning fellowship — sprung up all over the country; they were a means of provid- ing egalitarian, democratized ritual experiences without the necessity of a rabbi or group leader. Marcus and her husband Warren Marcus helped form their own havurah — dubbed the Unstructured Synagogue Havurah — in October 1970. They were joined by five other couples. The havurah recently celebrated 51 years together at an in-person gathering in Feasterville. “It’s a totally different experience, a havurah,” Marcus said. “You don’t just observe, you participate.” Alberta Marcus (center) lived in South Philadelphia before moving to Northeast Philadelephia in her early 20s, where she still lives today. JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Jude Plum with Kristin D., shown wearing her wig Jude shown wearing wearing her her wig wig Jude Plum Plum with with Kristin Kristin D., D., shown Jude Jude Plum Plum with with Kristin D., shown wearing her wig Kristin D., shown wearing her wig Jude Plum with Kristin D., shown wearing her wig Jude Plum with Kristin D., shown wearing her wig Natural European Hair Pieces and wigs for men and women with all European types of Hair hair Pieces loss Natural Natural European Hair Pieces Natural European and women hairpieces Natural European hair wigs and wigs and hairpieces and wigs wigs for hair men and for men and women Natural European hair wigs and losing hairpieces for men, women, and children “The anxiety surrounding my for all men, women, and Natural European hair of wigs hair and children hairpieces with types loss for men, women, and children all with all to types of of and hair loss loss men, women, all types of hair hair loss hair with was for with put rest types when I children saw what a with all types of hair loss with types loss at my Jude “The anxiety losing natural look all and surrounding feel of the hair wigs “The anxiety losing “The “The anxiety surrounding was put put to anxiety surrounding losing my hair hair my hair was have. put to surrounding rest staff losing when I my my saw a was The helped me what feel Plum “The anxiety surrounding losing hair was “The rest when anxiety surrounding losing my was hair was I saw put to and rest a feel natural when I look saw hair what rest what and feel a put put the to to the natural look the wigs at Jude when I saw what a natural look and feel extremely reassured and comfortable rest I I saw what a feel The natural look helped and Jude feel feel feel rest wigs at when when saw what a staff natural look the the feel natural look Plum and the at and wigs Jude Jude Plum have. have. staff wigs The helped me would feel me me Plum have. at The staff helped I wigs Jude Plum have. 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I would Jude Plum difficult recommend I would recommend Jude anyone in period. need experienced, Plum to anyone in Plum to I would anyone and in need need of of an of an Jude an understanding, understanding, experienced, compassionate environment!” anyone in understanding, experienced, anyone need in need experienced, of compassionate an understanding, experienced, and recommend Jude understanding, Plum environment!” to environment!” anyone in and compassionate and compassionate environment!” and environment!” environment!” need and of compassionate an understanding, experienced, and 610.527.1770 compassionate environment!” 610.527.1770 610.527.1770 610.527.1770 610.527.1770 610.527.1770 821 W. Lancaster Avenue • Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010 821 W. W. W. Lancaster Lancaster Avenue • Bryn • Bryn Mawr, Mawr, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania 19010 821 19010 821 821 19010 W. Lancaster Lancaster Ave. Avenue • Elevator Bryn lobby in Mawr, rear • Pennsylvania Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 610.527.1770 821 W. Lancaster Ave. • Elevator lobby in rear • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 821 W. Lancaster Ave. • Elevator lobby in rear • Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 21 “It’s a totally different experience, a havurah. You don’t just observe, you participate.” ALBERTA MARCUS Alberta Marcus with husband Warren Marcus on their wedding day in 1960 In the havurah’s early years, the couples’ children came of b’nai mitzvah ages, and Marcus’ son and daughter Sandy Marcus Lieberman had the experience she didn’t: celebrating becom- ing b’nai mitzvah among community members. Both children taught themselves to read Hebrew and read Torah, another opportunity Marcus missed growing up. She remembers her son’s d’var Torah on the development of languages and her daughter’s on women in religion, delivered to the havurah in a member’s living room. She learned from them both, she said. Along with other group members, Marcus learned each Torah portion, performing weekly skits. Second only to her 51-year tenure as a founding member of the Unstructured Synagogue Havurah is her tenure as a teacher in Philadelphia, where she taught at both private and public schools for more than 30 years. She was a certified senior career teacher. “I just wanted to instill in children the desire to learn,” Marcus said. ANTHOLOGY SENIOR LIVING Award-Winning Design UNCOMPROMISING CARE This excellence in construction award received by Wohlsen Construction is a ref lection of our commitment to excellence in serving seniors. The award honors projects that bring distinction, skill, quality and integrity to the Eastern Pennsylvania construction industry. See how our residents reap the rewards. CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! 484-390-5315 ANTHOLOGY OF KING OF PRUSSIA CONTINUE YOUR LIFE STORY WITH US Independent Living Personal Care / Memor y Care 350 Guthrie Rd. / King of Prussia, PA AnthologyKingofPrussia.com 22 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM But Marcus didn’t always feel that way. In fact, she didn’t intend to become a teacher at all, turning only to the profes- sion when her father died in her 20s. Marcus married shortly afterward and began teaching kids in the neighborhood. She had previously enrolled at The Pennsylvania State University before transferring to Temple University and then the University of the Arts, originally wanting to study science and medical research. Having come to terms with the fact that teaching would be the way for her to make the greatest community impact, Marcus began teaching kindergarten at the Alain Locke School and a local Quaker school. Marcus’s most rewarding experiences teaching were the times when she was able to hear the thoughts of students and learn from them, she said. On most days, she would sit the students in a circle and have them go around, giving their opinion on various topics and questions. One student gave a response that Marcus still remembers to this day and is one that reflects her values as someone who is deeply embedded in a community, rather than instructing one from the outside: “Everybody is important.” Now retired, Marcus has found other ways to continue to learn and find community in a time of profound and pervasive isolation from the ongoing pandemic. She has taken creative writing classes at Holy Family University in Philadelphia with a fellow havurah member. Marcus also has taken classes on the Old Testament (taught by a priest), music, art and philosophy over her 11 years as a student there. “I like to learn,” she said. In her creative writing course, Marcus is working on documenting the story of her upbringing, something she hopes to pass down to her 23-year-old grand- daughter Anna, who recently asked Marcus to take her to Marcus’ South Philadelphia childhood home — which was embellished with decorated closets and archways by her father that differen- tiated it from the other row homes. Though as Marcus relishes the memo- ries of her upbringing in her tight-knit neighborhood, she also recognizes how much things have changed since her time attending South Philly block parties and JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Your Life, Your Way, Every Day! Independent Living Skilled Nursing Personal Care Rehabilitation Memory Care 15 Freedom Blvd. • West Brandywine, PA 19320 • 610.383.5100 • fvbrandywine.com   ®  You’ve worked hard for these carefree days and now it’s time to enjoy them. A day at our continuing care retirement community might include a session in the fl oral design studio, a book discussion group, and outdoor yoga. Plus, Philadelphia’s cultural resources are close at hand. Contact us today to fi nd out more. 
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ƒ„­…†    Pet Friendly    THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 23 We have so much to celebrate this holiday season! Marquis Health Consulting Services presents Oxford Enhanced Senior Living, formerly known as Attleboro. Happy new year! From our family to yours. A New Year Of Fun And Excitement Awaits! Alberta Marcus (center, standing) at granddaughter Anna’s bat mitzvah Call now to schedule your tour! 24 DECEMBER 16, 2021 starting the havurah. Marcus calls her home more “isolated” than it was in the past, and not just due to the pandemic. “People just go to work, and when they come home, they’re tired,” she said. As her daughter looks to join a new Reconstructionist syna- gogue in the area, Marcus also has to contend with different family traditions and practices. Her daughter was previously a member at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, where Marcus attended a few services and traveled to Israel with a group. But Marcus is hesitant to becoming fully involved with a congregation, preferring to meet with havurah members, which THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM ARDEN COURTS OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY HOME VISITS Our specially trained Arden Courts memory care advisors would like to help you with your memory care needs. Our staff who have been regularly tested for COVID-19 and follow all CDC protocols and can either meet at your home or at another location of your choice to discuss: • • • Planning for a crisis • Safety home assessment Planning for a future with dementia • Memory assessment How to place in a memory care community during COVID-19 Help is just a phone call away. Call today to schedule your personalized home visit. To arrange for your home visit, contact: Arden Courts of Warminster 215.957.5182 Arden Courts of Yardley 215.321.6166 © 2021 ProMedica Health System, Inc., or its affiliates LIFE, on a Scale of You . Courtesy of Sandy Marcus Lieberman is still a dozen or so members strong, but is now a group that is mostly well into their 70s and 80s. Even amid changes to her neighbor- hood and to the Unstructured Synagogue Havurah, where she remains the last living founding member, Marcus is not interested in lamenting. “I don’t feel sad at all now,” she said. “It’s been a very rewarding experience.” ● srogelberg@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0741 JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Rediscover your passions or devote more time to life-long hobbies, the choice is yours. Foulkeways is based on Quaker values and respect for the environment. Discover us today! foulkeways.org | 215-283-7010 1120 Meetinghouse Rd, Gwynedd, PA A Life Plan Community THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 25 At 89, Burt Forman is Still Teaching ... and Dancing His KleinLife Trivia Game is Popular with Seniors JARRAD SAFFREN | JE STAFF Burt Forman Photo by Inna Gulko Schedule a Tour Today! (856) 679-2357 1110 Laurel Oak Road | Voorhees, NJ 08043 A Premier Life Plan Community. 26 DECEMBER 16, 2021 AStevens@lionsgateccrc.org | www.lionsgateccrc.org Dietary laws are observed. Lions Gate has been made possible, in part, through the generosity of the Raymond and Gertrude R. Saltzman Foundation. THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Financial advice from a knowledgeable neighbor. E. Matthew Steinberg Managing Director – Investments (888) 800-1152 matthew.steinberg@opco.com Serving Investors in Philadelphia and South Jersey for 27 Years. Clients able to invest a minimum of $500,000 are likely to best utilize our services. This material is not a recommendation as defined in Regulation Best Interest adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is provided to you after you have received Form CRS, Regulation Best Interest disclosure and other materials. ©2021Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Transacts Business on All Principal Exchanges and Member SIPC. 3414611.2 E very week at KleinLife in Northeast Philadelphia, 89-year-old Burt Forman hosts a trivia contest called “Burt’s Brain Games.” Forman’s board features six categories with 10 questions per section. Twelve senior citizens take turns picking ques- tions and attempting to answer them. If the selector answers incorrectly, the other contestants jump to raise their hands first. The Jewish host tallies up points and gives out gelt to the week’s winner. Throughout the game, he dances to music playing from a speaker off to the side, laughs with his contestants and keeps the peace as they get competitive with each other. It’s like “Jeopardy” but as a sort of hangout/dance party for older people. “It’s a lot of fun,” Forman said. Forman doesn’t just emcee the game once a week. He spends two hours a day coming up with questions and making boards. His categories can be as normal as history and as quirky as one-syllable cities. In about six years of hosting games, JEWISHEXPONENT.COM ENJOY LIVING SAVE WITH FRIENDS! 5 NO 0 W % ! * Our residents love the warmth and friendliness of Paul’s Run Retirement Community. Our new Dining Room and Bistro renovations will be completed in December, making our culinary experience so much more special! 2ɅHUH[SLUHV December 30, 2021 Come for a visit! Contact Jennifer and Rebecca to schedule your personal visit at 1-877-859-9444 PaulsRun.org/Save Retirement Community 9896 Bustleton Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19115 THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 27 Burt Forman at his recent birthday celebration at a local diner.  Courtesy of Tami Brauer New year, new home. Forman has accumulated 15 books that hold about 85 topics each. He tries his best to never repeat questions. “It gives me something to do, and I enjoy people, and I enjoy conversing with them and getting them all excited,” the retired biology teacher said. “I have one guy who calls me every Monday, and I have to go through old books and play the game over the phone.” Carol J. Robins, like most contestants, attends the game every week. She said she finds it educational and good for the memory. She also said it’s nice to see people and laugh. But perhaps more than anything, it’s the host who keeps her coming back. “He comes up with these very interesting topics,” Robins added. “It’s like he’s still teaching.” Forman retired from his teaching position at Samuel Fels High School in Philadelphia at age 62. For years, he enjoyed life as a retiree. Forman and his wife, Kay Forman, took trips and attended Broadway shows. But when Kay Forman came down with demen- tia, the couple had to find an activity close to home that could help. That was when they started going to KleinLife. Months later, KleinLife Program Director Shelley Ring in the New Year by saying “bye-bye” to housework and “hello” to doing your own thing. Whether it’s socializing, traveling, exercising, or just relaxing, you can have your style of fun at The Landing of Towamencin. Call 215.395.6862 to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour. Contact us and save up to $15,000 within your fi rst year of residency. 900 Towamencin Ave • Lansdale 215.395.6862 • TheLandingOfTowamencin.com A LEISURE CARE PERSONAL CARE & MEMORY CARE COMMUNITY 28 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Geltzer was looking for new activity suggestions. Forman pitched his trivia contest. Geltzer loved it. Pretty soon, about 25 people were coming each week, including Kay Forman. Then, he started taking the game to other senior facilities in the area. By 2020, Paul’s Run Retirement Community, The Philadelphia Protestant Home and two KleinLife locations were paying Forman to host “Burt’s Brain Games.” After Kay Forman died in 2018, it became the thing that made “my day go fast,” Forman said. “If I don’t do it, I’ll get old,” he added. It gives me something to do, and I enjoy people, and I enjoy conversing with them and getting them all excited. I have one guy who calls me every Monday, and I have to go through old books and play the game over the phone. BURT FORMAN Yvette Greenberg, Forman’s step- daughter, used to come to the games with the host and play his music. Forman called her his Vanna White, a reference to the “Wheel of Fortune” co-host who presses the letters. Greenberg said the people in the trivia groups got so close that, when a contes- tant had to go to the hospital, she would go visit. “They were just so much fun. They were always so excited to see me. They made me feel good,” she added. “Hugging me. Always thanking me for being there.” But when the pandemic hit, those facilities closed, and Forman had to cancel his games. During COVID, he cooked, baked, read and watched TV. Yet without “Burt’s Brain Games,” he felt a void. And then, even after facilities JEWISHEXPONENT.COM You can be Certain with Us! V is it ! Come Certain that our team of f professionals will provide the care and compassion that you would expect for your loved one. For additional information and to schedule your in-person or virtual tour, please go to www.TheHearthAtDrexel.org/Visit or call 1-877-205-9428. Assisted Living • Memory Care • Respite Care 238 Belmont Ave. | Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 THE GOOD LIFE www.TheHearthAtDrexel.org DECEMBER 16, 2021 29 Burt Forman enjoys his birthday meal at a local diner. His trivia board is behind him. Courtesy of Tami Brauer 3594 Bristol Rd. Bensalem, PA 19020 Offi ce: 215-355-9917 John E. Livezey President Jason Townsend Suzanne E. Townsend Vice-Presidents kingdavidmemorialpark@gmail.com 30 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE started reopening in 2021, they didn’t call Forman. Except KleinLife in Northeast Philly. In September, Forman returned to the place where his game started. The number of contestants was a little smaller. He wasn’t getting paid anymore. And his Vanna White now had a full- time job and couldn’t co-host. But Forman was back. “It was so good to come back,” he said. “I put a lot of work into it.” The Alex Trebek of Northeast Philadelphia has a solid group of 12 who play each week at KleinLife. He has thought about reaching out to the other facilities, but he’s a little hesitant due to the ongoing pandemic. So for now, he’s content to come up with more and more categories and to keep making his days go by fast. Last week, his categories included oxymorons, fossils, firecracker blondes from Hollywood history, Bellevue Hospital and Polly Adler, the 20th-century JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 31 Meet HERBERTA SMITH Caregiver SHE’S CALLED SIMPSON HOUSE HOME SINCE 2018 Herberta started her nursing career in 1955. In 1988, she looked for change in her life and found it in the mission field. Over the next three decades, she would spend a total of six years in various locations throughout Uganda. Herberta made her last trip in 2016 at the age of 83, two years before she moved to Simpson House. Call us today at 215-608-2310 to see for yourself why Herberta and other caregivers choose Simpson House for retirement living. 2101 Belmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131 SimpsonHouse.org/GL-HS • 215-608-2310 Picture this. Picture this. Picture this. Burt Forman and his trivia board Engaging lifestyle. Nurturing care. Friends just Enjoy a premier senior living community that’s like family. lifestyle. Engaging Nurturing care. Friends just much more — and more affordable — than you’d expect. like family. Enjoy a premier senior living community that’s Engaging lifestyle. Nurturing care. Friends just much more — the and vibrant more PPH affordable — than you’d expect. Experience like family. Enjoy a premier senior living community that’s atmosphere for yourself. PPH Call Experience much more — the and vibrant more affordable — than you’d expect. 215-274-0228 to schedule a visit atmosphere for yourself. Call the at vibrant PPH or Experience learn more PPHFamily.org. 215-274-0228 to schedule a visit atmosphere for yourself. Call or learn more at PPHFamily.org. 215-274-0228 to schedule a visit or learn more at PPHFamily.org. Photo by Inna Gulko madam who built a business of bordellos. “It’s really very informative,” Forman said. A month ago, Forman and his family celebrated his birthday in a private room at a diner. His daughter, Tami Brauer, had to reserve the room because Forman wanted to play the game with his children and grandchildren. At first, Brauer was like, “Really?” But over a couple of hours, Forman asked questions and danced. And the whole family laughed and did their best to answer. “We loved watching him do that,” Brauer said. Forman plans on continuing the games for as long as he can at KleinLife. At 89, he is still sharp and active, according to his daughters. He still does his own grocery shopping and goes to the library each week to research new categories. “His brain is functioning amazingly,” Brauer said. “He knows way more about life than I do.” Contestants tell Forman the same thing. “They’re amazed at some of the things I teach them. (They say) ‘I never knew that,’” Forman said. “I’m satisfied,” he concluded. l jsaffren@jewishexponent.com; 215-832-0740 32 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM Advertiser Index Akiladelphia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Anthology Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Arden Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Beaumont at Bryn Mawr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Commonwealth Senior Living at Willow Grove . . . . 17 Dignity Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Dublin Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Dunwoody Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Foulkeways at Gwynedd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Freedom Village at Brandywine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Golden Slipper Center for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Goldstein’s Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 19 Griswold Home Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Hearing Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Hearth At Drexel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Jewish Relief Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Jude Plum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 King David Memorial Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Leisure Care LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Lions Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 The Mansion at Rosemont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 National Constitution Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Oxford Enhanced Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Paul’s Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) . . . . . . . . 14 Philadelphia Protestant Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Pine Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 The Pinnacle at Plymouth Meeting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Presbyterian Senior Living/Cathedral Village . . . . . .3 Rothkoff Law Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Rydal Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Sage Senior Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Seashore Gardens Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Shannondell at Valley Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Silver Lining Home Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Simpson House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Waverly Heights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 West Laurel Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 White Horse Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 PLAN AHEAD FOR peace of mind. W H E N YO U M A K E YO U R F I N A L A R R A N G E M E N TS I N A DVAN C E , you can plan a memorial that truly reflects your faith and passions. Whether planning for yourself or a loved one, rely on your Dignity Memorial professionals to help you design a memorial that honors the customs and rituals you cherish. When you’re ready to get started, we’re here to help. ® FOREST HILLS/SHALOM ROOSEVELT HUNTINGDON VALLEY TREVOSE 215-673-5800 215-673-7500 Memorial Park Memorial Park > DignityPennsylvania.com < JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 33 34 DECEMBER 16, 2021 THE GOOD LIFE JEWISHEXPONENT.COM JEWISHEXPONENT.COM THE GOOD LIFE DECEMBER 16, 2021 35 Inspired by the natural landforms that make West Laurel Hill Cemetery’s landscape and experience memorable, Makom Shalom is a desirable new area of the cemetery serving the Jewish community. This new section will be a contemplative, gardenesque cemetery that respects Jewish funeral customs and culture. Makom Shalom is expected to be completed in June 2022. Begin your pre-planning journey today: Contact us at 610.668.9900 or info@westlaurelhill.com