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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Jerusalem, NC

Home Care Jerusalem, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Jerusalem, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Jerusalem, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Such a wonderful place to work! Caregivers that genuinely care with office support that go above and beyond for staff/clients. Highly recommend for employment and senior in-home care support.”

Kelly P.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I bn with this company for Abt a year and I love working for them . They work with you,they care about ur personal life/ problems, really good at matching you with good clients..”

Ffbjj B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough good things about this company and the caregivers they provided after my mom's recent accident and stay in a rehab facility. The staff were constantly in communication with us keeping us abreast of any little or big updates. Their attitudes were always helpful and they seemed to genuinely care. The caregivers they sent to sit with and take care of mom were EXCELLENT. I'm not sure how many different caregivers she had over the few weeks of her stay but there wasn't a single one that wasn't kind and extremely helpful. It took a tremendous load off of everyone in our family knowing that she was being well cared for when we couldn't be there. Thank you to Brandi, Joanne, Gina, and anyone I'm missing for everything you all did for us from the beginning of the process all the way to my mom's release today. Hopefully, we won't need your services again, but if we do, I know who I will be calling!”

Beth G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This company is TOP-NOTCH! Incredibly helpful and super friendly. If you’re looking for a part-time in caregiving, this is it! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”

MJ F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Sandy is very knowledgeable of assisted living options in the Winston Salem area. She helped with a family member’s search with care and consideration. We highly recommend.”

Meredith K.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I highly recommend Sandy Bowen with Always Best Care. I called her with a very tight timeframe to find a suitable memory care facility for my family member. She asked a lot of questions about my loved one to try and get to know her as much as possible. She worked very fast and lined up several appointments for us to tour places within a matter of days. She explained the process to me every step of the way and made sure we stayed on track. She attended the appointments with me and asked questions that I would never think to ask. I can’t thank her enough.”

Ginger M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Michael B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These folks are so helpful! They care about their clients and it shows in the service! I highly recommend ????”

Mary E.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The staff and caretakers are wonderful. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who needs at home care for themselves or loved ones”

Phillip B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“During an unexpected hospital stay, Joanne provided much needed assistance. She provided excellent care and supportive advocacy. It made dealing with the discomfort more bearable and gave me a safeguard to decipher the complicated choices to resolve health issues. I highly recommend this service.”

Barry C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“If you are looking for attentive, quality home care look no further than Joanne and her team. A passion for excellence is driven for from this team. Family oriented and willing to work with all families.”

Laura M.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Jerusalem, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Jerusalem, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Jerusalem, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Jerusalem, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Jerusalem, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Jerusalem, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Jerusalem, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Jerusalem, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Jerusalem, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Jerusalem, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Jerusalem, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Jerusalem, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Jerusalem, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Jerusalem, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Jerusalem, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Jerusalem, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Jerusalem, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Jerusalem, NC

Latest News in Jerusalem, NC

Caritas Jerusalem Suspends Activities in Gaza and Israel but Announces Emergency Plan and Asks for Prayers

Currently, staff at headquarters in Jerusalem and the West Bank are working from home to be with their families and offering them the necessary support.Diego Lopez Marina/ACI Prensa/CNA World October 11, 2023Alistair Dutton, secretary-general of Caritas, said in an Oct. 9 Facebook post that he is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel and announced that the organization has been forced to “suspend its ac...

Currently, staff at headquarters in Jerusalem and the West Bank are working from home to be with their families and offering them the necessary support.

Diego Lopez Marina/ACI Prensa/CNA World October 11, 2023

Alistair Dutton, secretary-general of Caritas, said in an Oct. 9 Facebook post that he is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing war in Gaza and Israel and announced that the organization has been forced to “suspend its activities” for security reasons but “has prepared an emergency plan to offer assistance as soon as the situation allows. We pray for peace and urge both sides to uphold international humanitarian law.”

A statement from Caritas Jerusalem shared the same day by Dutton noted that in Gaza more than 123,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, according to updated data from the United Nations. He also noted that “the situation is critical for civilians on both sides.”

Hamas Islamic terrorists have de facto declared war on Israel. They have killed hundreds of people and taken dozens hostage since launching a full-scale invasion against Israel last weekend. Israel has responded with a major offensive against the Gaza Strip.

Caritas Jerusalem, a Catholic charitable organization hat serves the needs of people in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and Jerusalem, reported that some of its staff are among those displaced. Consequently, there was no alternative but to suspend its activities.

“One family sought refuge at Holy Family Church in Gaza; another found shelter in a UNRWA [U.N. Palestine Refugee Agency] school, but unfortunately their home was completely destroyed. In addition, another family moved in with a relative whose house was also completely demolished,” Caritas Jerusalem explained.

In the midst of this context, the charitable agency announced the launch of the Gaza Staff Support System, called “Together Putting Love Into Action,” an initiative that seeks to provide assistance to colleagues based in Gaza “who are grappling with extremely challenging and complex circumstances.”

“The primary aim is to foster a strong sense of unity and emotional support within Caritas Jerusalem, recognizing that the forthcoming nights in Gaza will be especially demanding,” the statement said.

Currently, staff at headquarters in Jerusalem and the West Bank are working from home to be with their families and offering them the necessary support.

The statement explained that “all educational institutions and recreational facilities in Jerusalem are closed, along with the closure of West Bank checkpoints.”

The statement concluded: “For safety reasons, all Caritas Jerusalem operations in the field have been suspended. Our immediate focus is on the well-being of our staff. We ask for your prayers for peace and safety, and invite you to stand with us in our appeal for a just and enduring peace in the Holy Land.”

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA’s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Set your table for Hanukkah 2022 with these Charlotte food services

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts from Sunday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Dec. 26. And for those days and festive nights, you’re going to need something to eat.The holiday marks the Maccabees’ uprising against the Syrian Greek army and the miracle that followed. Just enough oil was found to illuminate the menorah, or lamp, in the newly rededicated Holy Temple in Jerusalem for one day, but it lasted for eight full days.Traditional foods eaten during the celebration the inc...

Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish celebration also known as the Festival of Lights, lasts from Sunday, Dec. 18 to Monday, Dec. 26. And for those days and festive nights, you’re going to need something to eat.

The holiday marks the Maccabees’ uprising against the Syrian Greek army and the miracle that followed. Just enough oil was found to illuminate the menorah, or lamp, in the newly rededicated Holy Temple in Jerusalem for one day, but it lasted for eight full days.

Traditional foods eaten during the celebration the include challah, brisket, latkes, rugalach and sufganiyot (which are jelly-filled doughnuts).

Here’s where to find Hanukkah foods for holiday gatherings in Charlotte:

Location: 4001-C Yancey Rd. #100, Charlotte, NC 28217

Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen is offering a Hanukkah menu that includes gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Entree offerings include beef brisket, seared flounder or salmon, Frenched chicken breast or spaghetti squash with eggplant caponata. Braided Challah is available and served with honey butter.

Side dish choices are:

Menu

Price: Price varies, as items are a la carte. Beef brisket or seared flounder is $70, and seared salmon or Frenched chicken breast is $78. Challah is $26. Orange Olive Oil Cake with Raspberry Jam is $6 per slice or a cake for $20.

How to order: Online

Deadline: Monday, Dec. 19 at 3 pm

Pickup: Pickup or delivery on Friday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Location: 6619 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270

This kosher food service offers individual servings of options including bagels and lox, sandwiches, hummus bowls and salads, or deli platters for serving larger crowds.

Menu

Price: Prices vary, as items are a la carte. A bagel and lox box is $14 per person, or platters are available for 10+ people, starting at $160.

How to order: Order online

Deadline: Two hours’ notice is needed Monday-Thursday. Shabbat takeout orders are due Wednesday by midnight. Daily menu orders for Friday are due by Thursday midnight. Kosher Charlotte is closed Saturday and Sunday but is available for weekend catering events.

Pickup: Pickup or delivery is available.

Location: 11025 Monroe Rd, Matthews, NC 28105

Location: Park Road Shopping Center, 4205 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209

The bakery — which is closed at both locations Mondays and Tuesdays — will offer raspberry sufganiyot for preorder.

Menu

Price: Raspberry sufganiyot is one for $4 or 6 for $22.

How to order: Online.

Deadline: Preorders open for the week on Mondays and same-day pickup is available, but the order is not guaranteed if placed after opening.

Pickup: Dec. 17-18, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. or Dec. 24, 7 a.m.-noon

Editor’s note: Portions of this article were previously published on Nov. 29, 2021, and have since been updated.

From Chicago and Baltimore to Har Nof, Jerusalem

“Nothing happens unless we first dream.” – Carl Sandburg, American poet Why was that night very different from all other nights? Because...We’ll get to that. But first, the backstory.As a young girl growing up in Philadelphia, Roxanne had a clear sense that Israel was home. As a teenager, she was hoping that 1967 would be the year of her first trip, but the Six Day War, with its miraculous victories and Jerusalem reunification, intervened. But what parents would permit their child to visit a dangerous w...

“Nothing happens unless we first dream.” – Carl Sandburg, American poet

Why was that night very different from all other nights? Because...We’ll get to that. But first, the backstory.As a young girl growing up in Philadelphia, Roxanne had a clear sense that Israel was home. As a teenager, she was hoping that 1967 would be the year of her first trip, but the Six Day War, with its miraculous victories and Jerusalem reunification, intervened. But what parents would permit their child to visit a dangerous war-torn place? In 1970, Roxanne was a high school graduate, still dreaming of traveling to Israel. Her Jewish observance and command of Hebrew had progressed over the years, and Israel was still a focus. But, again, her parents said no. Did we mention that her parents had never journeyed out of the United States?Her future husband, Ross, had no particular Israel inclinations. Ross grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. At its peak, Charleston was home to a couple of thousand self-identified Jewish families – many unaffiliated with Charleston’s two synagogues. His background was similar to many American boys of that era – he was the star student of the afternoon Hebrew school, had a bar mitzvah, and not much after that.Ross was attending the University of Philadelphia Medical School when he met Roxanne, who was about to start Bryn Mawr College. They gradually became inseparable, and they were married in 1972. Ultimately, Ross became a doctor specializing in radiation oncology and Roxanne received her master’s degree in pastoral counseling.Many dreams attained – still more to come.The Abrams’s first-ever trip to Israel was in 1984. With their children (ages nine and three at that time), they were booked on a family program featuring no fancy hotels. They stayed in a yeshiva dormitory in Kfar Haroeh, which is located between Netanya and Hadera. It is now a thriving religious moshav with over 1,500 residents. At that time, it had about 1,000 residents, an open-air shul and two features that impressed them the most: a huge silo prominently topped by a menorah; and, the makolet (small market) where everything was kosher! For Ross, this was quite a change from Charleston, West Virginia. For Roxanne, this place of dusty roads was the “real Israel” that she longed for.For professional reasons, the Abrams moved from Durham, NC to Silver Spring, Maryland; Milwaukee; Boston; Baltimore; and Chicago. By 2006 they were thinking about moving to Israel. In 2007, they bought an apartment in Jerusalem. Roxanne would visit several times a year to focus on her Jewish learning, primarily at the Shearim seminary in Jerusalem’s Har Nof neighborhood. Ross would come occasionally, as he was quite busy as chairman of the radiation oncology department at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Israel was gradually becoming the center of Roxanne’s life. In 2018, Ross retired. At the end of that year, they together moved to Jerusalem.Now to the most recent dream. Rewind to this past Passover. Corona. Lockdown. Families separated from their loved ones. Grandparents forbidden from attending Seder with their grandchildren. Three Abrams children and 10 grandchildren are living in the US. But their daughter, son-in-law and five granddaughters reside in Jerusalem. As observant Jews, a Zoom Seder was out of the question.On Sunday, March 29, at 1:36 p.m., Roxanne posted the following message on the Har Nof listserv:I had a vision last night that I’d like to share with you, and then ask everyone to be part of sharing it. As I was changing after Shabbat, I heard the lovely voice of a child somewhere nearby practicing “Ma Nishtana.” It was delicious, and I thank this anonymous neighbor for the lovely moment. Then I heard, in my mind, something a bit different. I heard all of the children of Har Nof singing “Ma Nishtana” on Leil Seder – all of them together, from their balconies. I imagined a beautiful spring evening, on which all of the grandparents and great grandparents in the neighborhood could leave their emptier-than-usual tables and hear, in safety and good health, the sound that they are longing for. We can pick a time... and have a shared experience that reminds us that yes, this night is different from what we hoped and expected, but we are celebrating ge’ula [redemption] in the past, present and future...8:30 p.m. was chosen. What followed from the listserv posting was an explosion of transmission in all areas of social media. Endorsements followed from key religious leaders, including Rav Chaim Kanievsky and Rav Yitzchok Zilberstein.The event was promoted in many places, including Radio Kol Chai, and Israel Radio News. The Jerusalem Municipality made Hebrew and English videos that were placed on Facebook The result: Tens of thousands of children all across Israel appeared at 8:30 p.m. on Seder night – on their balconies, at their windows and in their gardens – to chant the “Ma Nishtana.” This magical serenade uplifted the spirits of thousands of grandparents, forlorn that a miniscule, aggressive virus had prevented them from hearing that chant from their own grandchildren. As one appreciative grandparent wrote to Roxanne: “The chorus of young voices last night was so magical, so invigorating, so nurturing, so absolutely beautiful.”Ross was employed at Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem’s Ein Kerem until the recent disruptions. Roxanne is a tutor at the Shearim seminary in Jerusalem. They raised three daughters and one son and currently are privileged to have 15 grandchildren, kein yirbu. Roxanne commented, “I had an idea and promoted it. There may have also been some others who also thought of it. The more people who thought of it, the better it is.”Why was that Passover night very different from all other nights? One listserv posting did it. Just ask the “Ma Nishtana” balcony/window/garden kids and their grandparents. For as Carl Sandburg wrote, nothing happens unless we first dream. Thanks, Roxanne.

New US-born MK aims to fix ties with 'alienated progressive Jewish world'

"It is an honor to serve the third Jewish commonwealth and take part in the celebration of democracy." JUNE 16, 2021 22:17 When new Blue and White MK Alon Tal grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, as Albert Rosenthal, he wanted to be a congressman.On Wednesday, he was sworn in as a member of Knesset.He had run for Knesset unsuccessfully before &ndash...

"It is an honor to serve the third Jewish commonwealth and take part in the celebration of democracy."

JUNE 16, 2021 22:17

When new Blue and White MK Alon Tal grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, as Albert Rosenthal, he wanted to be a congressman.

On Wednesday, he was sworn in as a member of Knesset.

He had run for Knesset unsuccessfully before – but this time, as he puts it, the stars lined up. He was 11th on the Blue and White list that won eight seats, and entered the Knesset after three of the party’s ministers quit through the Norwegian Law.

“This is the greatest privilege of my life,” Tal told The Jerusalem Post in his first interview as an MK. “It is an honor to serve the third Jewish commonwealth and take part in the celebration of democracy.”

Tal credited his accomplishment to the Young Judaea Year Course, which brought him to Israel. On the program, he worked on the farm of the sister of Benny Gantz, his future officer in the IDF and now the leader of his party. He remained loyal to Gantz and the party, even when it fell below the electoral threshold in the polls.

“Benny is fearless, and he always treated his soldiers like a mensch,” he said.

Tal’s key issues as an MK will be advancing environmental sustainability, the status of women, religious pluralism and improving Israel’s relations with what he calls “the alienated progressive Jewish world.”

A resident of Modi’in, Tal is the gabbai (sexton) of the Shalhevet Hamaccabim Masorti (Conservative) synagogue. He is an attorney, the founder of the Israel Union for Environmental Defense and of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, and was appointed as chairman of Tel Aviv University’s department of public policy in 2017.

Tal will be the eighth US-born MK in Israel’s history, following Yehuda Ben-Meir (National Religious Party), Marcia Freedman (Meretz), Meir Kahane (Kach), Dov Lipman (Yesh Atid), Michael Oren (Kulanu), Yehudah Glick (Likud) and Moshe Tur-Paz (Yesh Atid).

“I am delighted that Prof. Alon Tal got into the Knesset,” Oren said. “He will surely make a major contribution to preserving Israel’s environment. I am especially proud that another American-born Israeli and former paratrooper has chosen the path of public service to our state.”

Palestinian circus brings a smile to children’s faces in Jerusalem

It is 5 P.M. on a windy spring afternoon in Jerusalem. Despite the drastic drop in temperatures, in the East side of the city, more than 250 people headed to the Palestinian National Theatre to witness Mish Zabta – “it is not working,” in English – one of the main productions of the Palestinian Circus School (PCS).PCS is headquartered in Birzeit, a Palestinian town north of Ramallah in the central West Bank.Due to the escalation of violence in the recent months in the city, it has gotten more difficult f...

It is 5 P.M. on a windy spring afternoon in Jerusalem. Despite the drastic drop in temperatures, in the East side of the city, more than 250 people headed to the Palestinian National Theatre to witness Mish Zabta – “it is not working,” in English – one of the main productions of the Palestinian Circus School (PCS).

PCS is headquartered in Birzeit, a Palestinian town north of Ramallah in the central West Bank.

Due to the escalation of violence in the recent months in the city, it has gotten more difficult for Palestinians to get a permit to cross from the West Bank to Israel. However, with the assistance of the ICRC, a PCS crew of eight people, composed of acrobats and technicians, have been granted a permit to perform in the city for at least six months.

For more photos, click here.

On the stage, there are three chairs and a pole. Warm lighting highlights a mural that represents the small and crowded village where Mish Zabta’s three characters come from.

Behind the scenes, Ahmad AbuTaleb, Mohammad AbuTaleb, and Nour AbuRob are getting ready while the people flood into the theatre.

Nour, from Jenin, a city in the northern West Bank, joined the PCS eight years ago. For him the circus is a way to express what he feels inside.

“Some people express themselves dancing or telling stories. I use the circus because I can raise awareness on many things that do not work in the West Bank while I make people laugh and forget about the difficulties that they face every day,” Nour said.

The Abu Taleb twins joined the PCS because it was something new in the occuppied Palestinian territories and they thought that it was a nice way to exercise. After a while, they realised that “the circus is not only about acrobatics and performing. It is a part of our lives because we can convey important messages to society and it allows children to play and be happy.”

It is 5:30 P.M. when the curtain rises on Mish Zabta in East Jerusalem for the first time.

Mish Zabta is a new production of the PCS that combines acrobatics, music, juggling and humour. Through laughter, it tells the story of three ambitious young men looking to fulfil their dreams of a better future, after having obtained university degrees abroad. Upon their return, while looking for a job and trying to enjoy themselves, the men face many challenges that turn their hopes and expectations upside down.

According to Shadi Zmorrod, the General Director of the PCS, the idea of the show came after the war in Gaza in 2014. A young team of the PCS wanted to portray obstacles in their daily lives and the emotions that young people face these days, including fear, excitement and a sense of hopelessness, through a creative and funny production.

“Mish Zabta wants to reveal the many problems that Palestinian youth face in such a way that it also creates an outlet for the audiences, after the difficult times they have had to experience,” said Shadi.

The audience, made up of mostly young people, enthusiastically respond to the actors. Viewing these serious problems through the performance of a clown somehow makes their reality seem bearable.

The trauma inflicted by the spiral of violence, especially among the most vulnerable people, such as children and youth, can affect their emotional development and results in mental health complications.

In a place like Jerusalem, children are forced to grow up too fast. Giving them the opportunity to relax and have fun allows them to enjoy being a child again.

“I have had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the trampoline show and the acrobats. A scene also reminded me of when I fight with my sister over a chair. The way they were fighting was so funny,” said Jana Amr, a 10-year old girl.

“Creativity, life learning skills, child’s self-esteem, teamwork, trust and diversity are just some of the positive aspects that the circus can promote,” said Christian Cardon, ICRC Head of Mission in Jerusalem, who enjoyed the show with the children.

“Today, it is Zabta (working) because more than 600 children have laughed and enjoyed themselves,” he added.

It is 6.30 P.M. The sun goes down behind the walls of the Old City while the audience of children and young people file out of the Palestinian National Theatre. Mish Zabta made them laugh and relieved them of their worries, at least for the last hour.

Jesus Serrano Redondo – ICRC Media Delegate

For more photos, click here.

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