Discover how community support brings joy and makes a difference.
GENERATIONS OF CARE
DEAR FRIENDS,
2024/5784 continues to be a time of transition at Sholom.
In May, the Sholom Community Alliance welcomed their new CEO, Jim Newbrough. Like his predecessor, Barb Klick, Jim is a registered nurse who held numerous executive and CEO leadership roles in hospital, homecare, and other post-acute settings prior to joining Sholom. He brings a wealth of expertise and passion to this work. This summer, he has been busy getting to know residents and taking part in programming to experience the vibrancy at Sholom. Jim is also meeting stakeholders across our community to discover where community members see opportunities for Sholom’s future.
Jim and our Sholom team are entering 5785 with gratitude, optimism, and a focus on our future strategic direction.
While the organization continues to feel the impact of post-pandemic workforce challenges, Sholom’s financial health remains positive. In partnership with residents and community members committed to Sholom’s mission, the Alliance continues to build on operational strengths and inspire impactful community investment.
This edition of Generations of Care highlights one of Sholom Foundation’s most transformational programs: the Heritage Society legacy giving program. Bequests and estate gifts make a positive difference for Sholom’s residents and their families, as you will discover in our stories about Jonathan Gordon z”l, the Shermans, and Liz Sela.
As we welcome the High Holiday season and reflect on Sholom’s vibrant history and multigenerational impact, we thank you for being our partner and wish you and your loved ones a sweet, healthy, and peaceful new year.
L’Shana Tovah,
Jim Newbrough, MBA
Sholom CEO
David Nirenstein
Sholom Board President
Joel Mandel
Sholom Foundation
Lisa Furman
Sholom Foundation
Executive Director Board President
A REMEMBRANCE
JONATHAN GORDON:
A VISIONARY WHO STRENGTHENED SHOLOM
Jonathan Gordonz”l was a CPA with a passion for civic engagement and a strong belief in philanthropy and community service. Over the years, Jon served on a myriad of committees, workgroups, and special projects as a strong champion of Sholom. He was also a mentor to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. Jon’s dedication led him to join the Sholom Community Alliance and Sholom Foundation boards, among others. Jon’s love of community and philanthropy was infectious.
“Jon had this dry sense of humor and was extremely bright,” recalls Bob Karon, a Sholom Foundation past president, who first hired Jon when they were younger accountants. “He was instrumental in Sholom’s vision of including both Minneapolis and St. Paul communities –two cities, one organization. He really was a visionary, and just a great person.”
Chuck Selcer, a Sholom Community Alliance and Sholom Foundation past president, fondly remembers how he first met Jon, sharing: “We had been program volunteers together before becoming board members. He was incredibly kind and compassionate and would always
Jonathan Gordonz”l
bring tremendous passion to his work. His opinions were always well thought out, and everything he did was for the betterment of Sholom. When he raised his hand to do or offer something, how could I not join him?”
Michael Saxon, a Sholom Foundation past president, agrees. “Jon was a gentleman who never said ‘no’ to anything that could help Sholom succeed,” he says. Whether it was volunteering to serve on executive, budget, or investment committees or showing up at special events at Sholom or in community, Jon’s warmth and passion for Sholom could be felt by all who saw him smile. To his colleagues, peers, and friends, Jon was known as a teddy bear with an enormous heart. Sholom will continue to feel his contributions and legacy for generations to come.
❝
HE WAS
INSTRUMENTAL
IN SHOLOM’S VISION OF INCLUDING BOTH MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL COMMUNITIES – TWO CITIES, ONE ORGANIZATION.❞
Left: Known as a guy who was always on the move, Jon got an early start – pictured here atop a pony. Above: Jon and his wife of 51 years, Jane.
SHOLOM HIGHLIGHTS
Carlyn Blum with Maxine and Ben Steinberg enjoying time at our Heritage Society event in August.
Residents from across Sholom’s Ackerberg campus playing a rousing game of noodle ball.
Vicky is all smiles at a mid-summer pizza party at Knollwood Place Apartments.
Ackerberg Campus residents share a pleasant afternoon together with a canine friend.
Journey, Howard, Corinne, and Libby take a break from learning the Charleston moves at Knollwood Place Apartments’ Prohibition Party.
6 Resident Gloria and her relative show their flower arrangement, one of the many activities at Family Fun Day.
The Grayson/Orbuch family with CEO Jim Newbrough.
All generations of the Bernick family having a joyful time at Family Fun Day.
Knollwood Place Apartment residents experience summer camp at Sholom.
Sholom Summer Camp bus driver Jon with one of the “campers.”
ENSURING THE VITAL WORK OF SHOLOM
BY JEFFREY SHERMAN
Sholom has played an important role in the Sherman family for many years. I joined the staff in 2010, and my dad, Jim Sherman, preceded me at Sholom as a teacher and discussion leader. I was thrilled to join an organization that offers seniors a plethora of opportunities for enriching, positive, and fulfilling lives while playing a critical role in the Jewish community. Today, as a Sholom housing director for affordable, low-income senior apartments, I am proud to continue the legacy of providing high quality services for our elderly. I look forward every day to doing my best to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
❝I AM PROUD TO HAVE INCLUDED THE SHOLOM FOUNDATION IN MY WILL.❞
My parents, Estiez”l and Jim, made their home at Knollwood Place Apartments in 2018, and Mom moved to Memory Care in the Roitenberg Assisted Living Residence in the fall of 2023 for the last four months of her life. Ready to transition from their own two-story home, they selected Sholom because it offered tremendous programs, Kosher food, continuum of care services, and a top-notch independent living apartment building. They made the move and never looked back. Throughout Mom’s illness, staff could not have been more caring, attentive, or professional and the Shermans are so grateful.
I am proud to have included the Sholom Foundation in my will. I chose this organization for my legacy gift as it will help enable Sholom to grow and thrive long into the future.
Estie z”l and Jim Sherman
Estie z”l and Jim Sherman with their family
In this way, I can help guarantee that Sholom’s vital work continues.
With each generation since the doors first opened, Sholom continues to provide expert care for all our parents and our community. My family, like generations before it, is a recipient of the foresight and generosity of those who also believed in Sholom. It’s up to my generation and future ones to secure this legacy and provide the means for Sholom to realize its important mission.
Jeffrey Sherman, like his parents, is a member of the Heritage Society, which recognizes individuals who have named Sholom Foundation in their estate plans. See page 10 for information on joining the Heritage Society.
A Tradition of Warmth and Caring
“I still feel the warmth and care today that I felt when I first toured,” said Liz Sela, resident of Roitenberg Assisted Living since 2019.
To Liz, communities like Sholom are truly representative of our larger world. “Sholom feels global to me,” she shared. “They honor Jewish heritage and tradition, while being open to all types of individuals who choose to live or work here. That’s important to me. The values of compassion, care, kindness, and peace are truly upheld here.”
Liz Sela
LEAVE A LEGACY WITH SHOLOM
Sholom wouldn’t be Sholom without the generous support of our community members. Every gift helps make a positive difference in the lives of adults in our care. There are multiple ways to contribute – monthly donations, gifts of stock, volunteering, and more.
This season, we invite you to consider including Sholom Foundation in your estate plan. The Heritage Society honors and recognizes those who have done so. Through your deferred gift, you will leave a legacy that will impact generations well into the future.
Wondering how to get started? Check out our new, free web tools that can help you design a legacy plan that meets your goals. Visit plannedgiving.sholomfoundation.org to start your planning.
YOU’RE INVITED TO
Dream Big and Make an Impact
Sunday, October 13
1:00 to 3:00 pm
Knollwood Place Apartments
Special guest facilitator: Robyn Schein
Please join us and Robyn Schein, expert trainer and speaker on multigenerational philanthropy, for an interactive and entertaining session where you will have the chance to clarify your own vision for the future and the impact you want to have on our Sholom community.
❝Legacy philanthropic giving offers us a chance to continue to better the lives of people after we are gone. The gift serves as an example to others and aligns with how we would like our character, reputation and values to be remembered by our family, friends, and community.❞
—Michael J. Blum & Abigail Rose
RSVP to 952-939-1592 or akudak@sholomfoundation.org
Make a Tribute or Memorial Gift
Tribute gifts are a time-honored way to show your support of Sholom in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Tributes appear on the website and are updated quarterly.
Scan here to see recent tribute and memorial gifts.
Pictured
Pictured on front cover:
Kennedys at Family Fun Day.