At Country Meadows of Allentown, when the smells of brisket and latkes fill the air, it doesn’t mean just a good meal—it means connection, memories, and tradition.
Throughout the year, two family members of residents, independently but with the same heartfelt purpose, use their gifts and talents to bring Jewish traditions to life for our residents. What began as personal acts of love for their own parents has turned into some of the most highly anticipated celebrations every year, even for non-Jewish residents.
What Robin Rosenau and Susan Wolfson bring to the Allentown campus has been described as a “mitzvah.” In Jewish culture, these good deeds are an act of kindness and expression of love. For Robin and Susan, it’s a tribute to their family and the traditions that shaped them. Why? Because it is just the right thing to do.
As Susan says, “You’re not necessarily conscious, ‘like I have to do my mitzvah today.’ It’s not something you check off. It’s how you are supposed to live your life.”
While quick to downplay the concept of her actions as being out-of-the-ordinary, Susan’s involvement with Jewish traditions at Country Meadows is appreciated and loved. More than 20 years ago, she started making simple holiday dinners for her dad and some friends. After her father passed, the meal continued as an expression of gratitude to the community that supported her family. Today, her mother-in-law Rosetta resides at Country Meadows and is proud that her family continues to host the meals.
Family recipes drive the menu. Brisket is a staple, offered at least once a year, along with potato knish (mashed potatoes wrapped in dough), bowtie noodles with kasha (buckwheat), zucchini latkes, and matzo ball soup. Passover might feature lamb. At Yom Kippur there could be a spread of bagels and lox. There’s always a vegetable “to pretend we’re healthy,” and desserts like rugelach or homemade apple pies.
“I’m not a chef. I’m a Jewish mother,” Susan said with a laugh. “This is what we do.”
Susan enjoys seeing the residents who may not have had some of these traditional foods in years get a taste from their past. It sparks storytelling, reminiscing and is the true definition of connection in community.
Meanwhile, Robin has taken it upon herself to ensure that her mother and the other residents in the Connections Memory Support Services neighborhood have opportunities to practice and embrace their Jewish roots. Robin worked with the co-workers in the neighborhood to bring Jewish traditions to life for the residents with memory loss in ways that are meaningful and modified to meet their needs.
Robin has been known to bring dreidels for painting activities, host a shofar demonstration and bake honey cake for residents to enjoy. She has also been instrumental in helping the campus embrace other aspects of Jewish culture. For example, when a resident expressed interest in installing a mezuzah (a decorative case containing a piece of parchment inscribed with Hebrew verses from the Torah) on her door, Robin helped make it happen. For her own mother, maintaining a kosher diet was important to her, so Robin discussed accommodations with the head chef to make options available.
“Country Meadows has been very supportive and allows us to do the things we need to do – which is part of why we are here,” shared Robin.
For both Susan and Robin, the continuation of traditions was important for their family and opened the door sharing their faith with others. In each activity and meal, residents feel seen and respected when their culture is appreciated.
“I always say, it’s just dinner,” explained Susan. “But really it’s so much more than that.”
One of the most touching aspects of both Susan and Robin’s generosity is the connections it makes with residents, their family members who are always invited and the co-workers. These dinners not only allow the residents to think about their own childhood traditions or meals their mother used to make. It brings people together in prayer and is an expression of solidarity and support. It’s not just about the food – it’s about laughter, the stories, the traditions and the feeling of togetherness.
“These meals are particularly meaningful to residents who don’t have family nearby or that visit regularly,” added Martie Haller, an advisor who has worked closely with both daughters in planning campus events and activities. “If we can create an environment that is loving and familiar, we are helping our residents feel at home.”
Spiritual Life Vision Statement: Country Meadows takes a broad and inclusive approach to spiritual care that emphasizes each individual’s “spirituality” and meeting residents’ common spiritual needs while also honoring their varied religious traditions. Read more about the importance of spiritual supports in senior living.