American Committee For Melabev Inc

I've been volunteering at Melabev once a week for 10 years. They have a wonderful program for senior with dementia and physical disabilities. We really see a difference in their personalities once they are out of their house and together with other people. They participate in our music sessions and arm chair yoga, baking,etc. The staff and all the volunteers are doing an amazing job.

Melabev is a truly wonderful Day Care Center for The Elderly. Having worked In a Senior
Center previously before making Aliayah , I can honestly say that The Manager and staff of Melabev , Beit Shemesh are the most dedicated, caring group of people I have ever worked with. They often put the clients before themselves and have very original and unique programs.

I volunteer at Melabev Beit Shemesh one morning a week. It is definitely my most meaningful, fulfilling, and fun morning! Everyone, the clients, staff, national service young ladies, and fellow volunteers are smiling and happy to be there. We all work together to make each other's day a rewarding experience. My favorite part of the day is when I just sit and talk. Each person in Melabev is an individual with their own story to tell. Each person adds something so special to our group. Melabev is a wonderful, important, and very special organization!

I occasionally volunteer in Melabev. It is a truly inspiring place where people with dementia can come to be stimulated in a warm, nurturing atmosphere. The staff is unbelievably giving, patient, and loving. Everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Melabev is a remarkable place!

I attended a support group for adult children of dementia sufferers. The group was facilitated by the Melabev social worker. Each week, I came out of the meeting with crucial information, coping strategies, and true support. Melabev is a life line for families of dementia patients.

Melabev has made it possible for my dad to make Aliya at age 82. The organization held my hand through the entire process of getting an amazing caregiver as well as provide him with a loving, warm environment on a daily basis. In his first week he came home one day and said "this was the best day of my
Life" all due to Melabev - their staff is exceptional! Give, give, give - an amazing place!

I have been working at Melabev for nearly six years. The love and warmth that each participant receives is beyond words. Many families experience fears and worries when dealing with Alzheimer patients- Melabev is the perfect address. Melabev helps not only the seniors but the families too. The seniors are also involved in the community so they feel a sense of giving too- the seniors are involved in projects like making packages for soldiers and for needy families, making sandwiches for hungry childrenbar and bat mitzvah programs baby parades and so much more. Melabev is just a wonderful place

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease which devastates families emotionally and financially. Melabev is doing its part to improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's sufferers and for their families. It runs day care centers to engage and occupy the elderly and help improve their memory.

With the state of care for Alzheimer's sufferers in Israel today, Melabev are far ahead of the curve! Well worth looking into and supporting!

Melabev is a great orginazation they are so dedicated to the elders i love going there to volunteer The Melabev bat mitzvah program is amazing

I just wanted to take a few seconds of your time to comment on what a wonderful program Melabev of Bet Shemesh is. I have been involved in a few facets. Firstly, I brought my children when they were infants and toddlers to there monthly baby parade. It was so wonderful to watch the elderly clients interact with these babies. The joy on their faces was priceless. Next, my 11 year old daughter is involved in there bat mitzvah program. They cook and deliver food to the elderly and partake in some of the programs at the center. I can truly say she is gaining more from this project then the Melabev members. Melabev is very well run by a team of excellent and special individuals. I hope this program continues for many years to come.

I have worked at Melabev and have gotten others to volunteer as well. I'm a balloontwister and Stilwalker and I've volunteered as well as gotten my son's class to volunteer as well to twist balloons and distribute them at Melabev. Overall, I've found the experience to be both worthwhile and very rewarding. Bringing something fun and colorful made a impact and I hope to keep coming back to bring smiles to the people there. Seeing the older people wearing balloon hats and holding balloon animals always bring a smile to my face as well

I am writng to share some thoughts about Melabev's wonderful program and staff. I have driven some of the elderly to Melabev programs and have always been impressed and touched by what I see. The director is always there awaiting the day-program seniors with a very pleasant and warm greeting. It is a very organized program and the people there seem very happy and busy! I am also familiar with Melabev through a Bat Mitzva program which my daughter attends. She is learning "hands on" about true chesed and how to help people within her community who may be less fortunate than she is. Through Melabev the girls are helping prepare and deliver meals to the needy and/or homebound, as well as working on projects together with the seniors at the day program.

My grandparents went to Melabev twice a week for 5 years. At first, my grandfather was hesitant to join a group where his old age would be emphasized. His first time going changed his whole perspective. The outpuring of love and dedication from the staff and their contagious excitement turned him around completely. After that, my grandparents couldn't wait until Sundays and Tuesdays came along and there was nothing important enough that could happen to get them to cancel. I myself was priveleged enough to attend Melabev a few times. Besides the variation of activities and the love and excitement of the staff, I was completely taken with the happiness that radiated from my grandparents while they were there. I say "Thank you Melabev for your wonderful program which infuses life, fun and friendship into those who feel like they may be forgotten."

Melabev is a very worthy organization, which helps elderly people suffering from memory loss related illnesses. I have volunteered for them on numerous occasions and have seen the great work they do.

My daughter just started the Melabev Bat Mitzvah program. She and her friends cooked and packaged meals under the supervision of the Melabev staff and they then delivered the packages to needy families and homebound elderly. It was an amazing experience. We are looking forward to the rest of the activities on the program- making arts and crafts with the elderly at the Melabev center that they will package as gifts for needy children, entertaining the elderly etc.

After answering the call of Melabev's Jerusalem head and founder (Leah Abramowitz) to set up Melabev Beit Shemesh, I was lucky enough to come upon Shoshana Lichtman, an experienced Geriatric Community Nurse, with a growing family, and a reputation for community volunteerism. I just knew this was the person to run the Beit Shemesh Melabev Center for the elderly! Shoshana has made this program double its days of service (from one to two, to four working days a week!), has increased her original budget of one staff member besides herself to a full and active staff of professionals, and has a treasure of volunteers all vying to come and work in this fun, warm, smiling and always active environment at Melabev Beit Shemesh! Melabev Beit Shemesh provides much needed respite for families of Dementia (Alzheimers and Related Disorders) families, and gives a day of care and fun and meaning to the Dementia and other seniors. I am so very proud of Melabev Beit Shemesh! When I visit or volunteer (singing), I am always in tears, from being so moved at seeing the joy on the faces of the participants, the volunteers and staff. This is a miracle place which blossomed so greatly under the management and leadership of Shoshana Lichtman! They are 5 Star!!! Barbara Brown BSW/MSW, Founder of Melabev Beit Shemesh

Thank you to all the wonderful people who volunteer at Melabev.May they all be blessed to stay well and continue to give of themselves for many years to come.B'hm, they are really special. Chani

Confusion, terror, aggravation, and fear. Those words amongst many others are triggered in a person's mind when he hears the word “Alzheimer’s Disease". An Alzheimer's sufferer is vulnerable and hopeless. He is vulnerable and hopeless when he has yet been introduced to Melabev. Melabev is a wonderful organization giving hope and life to those whose days left are few. Melabev gives the Alzheimer’s patient a reason to wake up in the morning and hope for a brighter future. Melabev has day care centers for elderly around Jerusalem and in Beit Shemesh. As the daughter of the director of the Beit Shemesh branch I really know what goes on there. The optimistic attitudes and golden hearts of the warm and caring staff at Melabev is what keeps the place going and keeps the patients alive! The staff at Melabev prepare many activities. They have baby parades, a monthly unique sandwich project (preparing sandwiches for local needy children), preparing packages for IDF soldiers, arts and crafts, music, magic shows, and many more enjoyable and productive activities. Melabev has a great computer program that focuses on memory and cognitive skills. What is really special about this organization is that it stresses the act of giving. Melabev functions mainly on donations and volunteer staff. I wish this wonderful organization much continued success.

I have had several experiences with the organization all of which were very positive. I have had the opportunity to visit the Bet Shemesh facility many times during my trips to Israel. I always come away feeling uplifted after I see the smiles on the faces of the many individuals that attend the facility. They are very well cared for and are receiving wonderful care during their attendance at the facility.

I really enjoyed working at melabev as a social worker. it is a very warm, caring, and incredibly devoted senior center. the staff and clients have such a special bond, . it is run professionally with the highest level of respect for all truly an incredible place!!!

An absolut fantastic organization that helps all groups in a community. From the elderly that cannot always be cared for at home to the young whose families may not have a money to feed them. I have bought my baby to a baby parade to give joy to old people and my son has helped perform for elderly.

I was accompanying an elderly lady at a Jrusalem moadon of Melabev and the lady in charge sat everyone around a long table and read an article from a local English newspaper about how laughter was so good for a person that it raised the endorfins which help to keep a person well. Everyone there was very impressed, and actually started laughing!

I volunteered at Melabev for one week last year. I had just graduated from High School and was looking for something to do. My parents suggested I try working at Melabev. The people who go there are older, some have Alzheimers, and Melabev helps keep them occupied in the mornings. I sat and learned with one older man. Every morning he asked me the same questions, but it was okay. They have a Yoga class. When the balls dropped out of their hands and rolled away, I was there to pick them up and help them work out once again. The people who work there are very dedicated. Everyday they are there helping and helping.

Amazing organization, run by dedicated people who help enrich the lives of the elderly ,particularly loss afflicted with memory impairments.Provide them with a structured ,enriching and fun program to spend their time at with peers who become their friends!

Melabev Beit Shemesh is a program that I was afraid to join but did so at my wife's urging. I had had a bad experience with a similar center in Teaneck, New Jersey. She convinced me to try it and it was the right decision for me. I now attend 4 days a week and love it!! A big factor is the staff led by Shoshana Lichtman. The others who have made a difference are Red,Yehudis,Rachel, Linda,and Miss Yoga. I really like the place and would suggest anyone who might be interested to check it out.

Going to Melabev lifts my spirits. It is really a good discipline for me. It gives me a reason to get up each morning, to get dressed and to get out of the house and at the same time it gives my family some time without me around!! If I didn't go to the club, I would be bored at home with not much to do and would be noshing all day unnecessarily. I have made many friends at our English Speaking Melabev Club and look forward to socializing with them on a regular basis. It's good to know that there are people who share some of my day to day experiences and can sympathise with me about the trials of getting older. Everyone around has a smile on their face. The activities are varied and interesting, ranging from daily exercises to gardening therapy and music, as well as arts and crafts, discussions of current events and mind stretching word games. These activities enrich all of us and even at our age, we learn something new (almost) every day. The staff are outstanding and very professional and respect us and our needs. They understand elderly people and encourage our interaction. I am so glad that I am a member of Melabev.

אנו מאוד מרוצים מהמועדון, הטיפול שאמנו קבלת טוב מאוד ומועיל. מקום יוצא מן הכלל, אמנו מקבלת סיפוק רבה והנאה תודה רבה בתיה מימרן

אנו מאוד שמחים על כך שאמנו מגיעה למלב"ב, היא מאוד שמחה בעלת מוטיבציה גבוהה. היחס אנושי וחם כלפי אמנו. בברכה בני לבטוב.

ברצוני להודות לכם על היחס הנפלא והאנושי שאתם מעניקים לבעלי אריה. כל בוקר הוא מתעורר עם חיוך והתרגשות לקראת ביקורו במועדון, מספר חוויות מדי יום ונהנה כל רגע. צוות העובדים מתייחס מאוד יפה לחולים, מעניק חום , אהבה, סובלנות ואנושיות מדהימה. בברכה פורטונה לוסקי

ברצוננו לשבח את כל הצוות במרכז- המזכירות, הנעימות והסבלנות, צוות המטבח, צוות ההפעלה והצוות הטיפולי. במיוחד אנו מבקשים לציין באופן יוצא מן הכלל את אסתר האחראית המדהימה, הרגישה, הקשובה, נעימה, אוהבת ואהובה על כולם. שתמיד מוצאת להביא את הדברים לידיעתנו במאור פנים ובסבלנות. בברכה ובהוקרה ילדיה של הגב רינה בן רובי

אנו משפחת רפאלי מודים לכם מקרב לב על הטיפול המסור שמקבלת אישתי רינה הנמצאת במועדון מלב"ב פסגת זאב, אשר מפעיל אותה בצורה הכי טובה. מי ייתן ויוקמו עוד מרכזים כאלו בארץ. מה שנותר לנו להגיד- ישר כח לצוות הנהדר. בברכה כל משפחת רפאלי.

ברצוני להודות מעומק ליבי על טיפולכם המסור באמי. מאז שחלתה במחלת האלצהמייר הגעתה לטיפול במועדון מלב"ב בפסגת זאב וזאת משנת 2000. אתם צות נכבד, מהווים משענת נחוצה לטיפול המסור באמי, עידודכם, סבלנותכם, אמונתכם במתן טיפול תומך באמי, מעניקים לי ולמשפחתי את הכח להמשיך ולחיות עם מצב זה. בהוקרה בראשי יעל

המועדון הוא מקום חם ואוהב שנותן תקווה ועזרה לכל קשיש וקשישה, מקום שמתאמץ ונותן המון לאוכלוסייה מיוחדת כזאת ומעניקים לה את המקסימום האפשרי מכל הלב ואכן חיוך גדול. תודה מכל הלב, רותי גילה.

אנו כמשפחה מרגישים רגועים ויודעים שטוב לאבא ושיש על מי לסמוך בעיניים עצומות. כמו כן אנו מרגישים שמעבר לכך יש אוזן קשבת במלב"ב גם לנו המשפחה ושאנו יכולים לפנות ולהיעזר בצוות בשאלות שונות. ישר כח לכם ותודה מכל הלב. ורד חיימוביץ

ברצוני להודות לכל צוות מלב"ב היקר. אמא שמחה להגיעה בכל בוקר למועדון ולהיות בחברת אנשים, מרגישה שייכת למקום שמעניק בראש ובראשונה חום, אהבה ואכפתיות מעבר לכל מגע אנושי. ברגשי הערכה וכבוד אורלי כהן.

I am very familiar with the work of Melabev from two perspectives- both as the son of a regular client for more than two years, and also as an internal medicine physician caring for diasbled debilitated elderly. Simply put, the Melabev center and its activites are the central point of my mother's day. It gives her pleasure and refreshment. It is her "home-away from-home" and in being that- it has been an anchor and support that has allowed her to continue functioning and living (with 24 hour assistance) in her own home. My mother's life would be sad, lonely and depressed without Melabev- and with that, our lives would all be much more difficult. I am grateful to Melabev and its caring, involved and dedicated staff. They take a special interest in all their clients- eager to serve the special needs of this special population. Melabev is looking for ways to expand its services and provide care to elderly with limited resources. This is a very worthy cause for contributions!!

I am writing to express my aprpreciation for the excellent job you are doing in providing an activity center for my mother. My mother, Ruth Berger, has been going to Melabev for over two years. She is 90 years old, and suffers from demetia and spinal stcnosis she attends Melabev five times a week. Melabev provides her with an environment that is both therapeutic and caring. All the best, Avraham Berger

Without Melabev, a doubt my grandmother would still be living in her own home. Attending Melabev five days a week provides her and her full time caregiver with stimulation and structure. thank you for your devoted care and spport over the past decade. As my grandmother's functioning has declined, my family's appreciation for Melabev has only grown. In gratitude, Leah Taurog

Many thanks for the help and support we receive from Melabev. It gives us a wonderful feeling to wake up and heve a place to go where we are surrounded by a positive attitude and cheerful staff. We enjoy being part of a circle of friends and we share many things in common. Melabev provides us with a safe and protected environment where we know someone is always willing to go out of their way to help and listen to us. group spokesman

אבי, מזרחי יוסף, הצטרף למועדון יום מלב"ב בפסגת זאב ירושלים, לפני כארבע וחצי חודשים. לפני הצטרפותו למועדון מלב"ב, הוא שהה בביתו במשך 24 בשועת ביממה וזאת לאחר שהפסיק את עבודתו כנהג מונית, לפני כארבע וחצי שנים. בדיעבד התגלה שהוא סובל מדמנציה שפגעה בתפקוד הקוגנטיבי שלו בעשר השנים האחרונות. בתקופה שלפני הצטרפותו למועדון מלב"ב, חלה הרעה חמורה במצבו של אבי. בנוסף לבעיות בזיכרון שסבל מהן, הוא הפך להיות אפאטי וחלה התדרדרות בתפקוד הקוגנטיבי שלו, דבר שהתבטא בעיקר בתזונה לקויה ( חוסר רצון לאכול בצורה מסודרת ), ורצון עז להשאר במיטה שעות ארוכות במשך היום והלילה. דבר אשר הביא לאשפוזו בבית חולים למשך זמן של 10 ימים. עם שחרורו מבית החולים נוצר קשר עם מועדון מלב"ב בפסגת זאב בירושלים בעקבות הרצאה שנערכה במעלה אדומים להגברת מודעות המשפחה במצב קרובי משפחה הלוקים בדמנציה. בסוף חודש יוני 2009, אבי החל לקבל טיפול יום במועדון מלב"ב שבפסגת זאב, וכבר בשבועות הראשונים, אנו כבני משפחתו ראינו סימנים חיובים של התקדמות במצבו הקוגנטיבי וההתנהגותי בבית, דבר שלא היינו רגילים אליו בתקופה שלפני הצטרפותו. עם חלוף הזמן חל שיפור מסוים במצב זכרונו הקצר ובתפקודו הקוגנטיבי בבית. הוא החל לגלות עניין בנושאים יומיומיים בבית, התייחס בצורה חיובית יותר לבני הבית ונראה שנהיה רגוע יותר. הפעילות הענפה במועדון בתחום שיפור הזיכרון בעזרת תוכנות מחשב ייעודיות, פעילות של מלאכת יד ואמנות, פעילות של מוסיקה ריקוד והתעמלות, ארוחות מסודרות ופעילות במסגרת חברתית בניהול וסיוע אנשי הצוות המסורים, נתן את תוצאותיו המבורכות בשיפור בתפקודו והתנהגותו של אבי.ידוע לי כי קיים מספר רב של אנשים שסובלים מבעיית הדמנציה והאלצהיימר אשר לא מקבלים את הטיפול המסור והטוב בגלל חוסר מודעות של בני המשפחה ובעיקר בגלל חוסר תקציב להקמת מועדונים נוספים אשר יקלטו ויטפלו באותם אנשים נזקקים ובכך נמנע מהם שיפור באיכות חייהם. מי ייתןוימצא המקור לתקציבים הנדרשים לשיפור מצבם של כל הנזקקים לעזרה הברוכה. בברכה, מדן עמוס.  

Melabev serves the needs of many people and at all levels. When my mother in law made aliyah, she had some memory loss, but was physically stable. The Bet Shemesh moadon was just about to open, and she was the first on the list! B"H, it did open soon after she arrived in Israel. The kindness, loving interest, concern of all those associated with Melabev was constantly in motion. Her caregiver, who attended the moadon with her, also felt the great affection that was given to her as well. For the family members, as my mother in law declined, it was a difficult task to watch. Melabev staff never showed anything but concern and caring as she lost many of her abilities, including needing tube feeding as she could no longer swallow. They always treated her with the greatest of dignity and love. They showed great appreciation to her caregiver as well as she managed the most difficult of situations. We are forever greatful for all that Melabev gave to my mother in law...it is how they treat each and every individual client in each moadon.

אני אדרי נעמי, בתה של אדרי מרים שמנוייה בין חברי מלב"ב. אמא מגיעה כל יום באמצעות הסעה, משעות הבוקר ועד הצהריים. אני לא ממש יודעת היכן להתחיל אבל בהחלט יכולה להסכים עם העבודה שמלב"ב ממש מצילים לנו את אמא. אם מכל סיבה שהיא יום אחד היא לא מגיעה למועדון- אפשר להבחין על פניה, היא אוהבת את הצוות, את הפעילויות, את החוגים ,את ההדרכה, חברה והישיבה ביחד סביב השולחן בארוחות. גם אנחנו המשפחה מאושרים שהיא נמצאת במלב"ב ויש לי ( ואני מדברת בשם כל המשפחה ) את כל המילים הטובות לומר על כל הצוות, אם זאת פרנסיס האכפתית והאחראית בהסעה בבוקר, המדריכה קרינה שמשקיעה ונותנת שירות ויחס מכל הלב, מעדכנת אותנו במה שנעשה עם אמא ומתעדכנת על מה שקורה בבית ואמא מאוד אוהבת ומעריכה אותה, מרים פריד שתמיד תהיה זמינה, תקשיב ותטפל במה שצריך ובמה שמבקשים. ההדרכה שהן נותנות למטפלות שמגיעות כמלוות למועדון חיזקו ואימצו. הלוואי וירבו כמותכם. מי שנמצא במעגל של האנשים המבוגרים היקרים לנו- יודע כמה חשובה תשומת לב, הקשבה ואהבה. שוב תודה מכל הלב, משפחת אדרי.

אימי, הגברת בתיה ליו, מטופלת באהבה רבה במרכז היום של מלב"ב בפסגת זאב בירושלים. אין בפי מילים לתאר את תחושתי כלפי הצוות המדהים העושה עבודת קודש ממש וברצוני להודות לכם על העבודה הברוכה. אמי הנה "עוף מוזר" במלב"ב, היא אניה קשישה, בת 57 בסך הכל, אולם עקב גידול במוח וטיפולי הקרנות שעברה, היא נושאת תסמיני דמנציה ברמה לא פשוטה. עקב המחלה איבדה אמי את עצמאות, היא נאלצה להפסיק לנהוג, פרשה מעבודתה, יכולותיה הקוגניטיביות נפגעו באופן בלתי הפיך וכיום היא נתמכת בידי מטפלת צמודה 24 שעות ביממה.עקב מצבה של אמי התקשינו תחילה לאתר עבורה מקום מתאים לפעילות יומיומית, בעוד השהיה בבית הייתה בלתי אפשרית ופגעה קשות בתפקודה הכללי. עת התוודינו למלב"ב ולאחר שאמי התקבלה בטבעיות ובהרבה רצון טוב היא הייתה מגיעה למועדון שלושה ימים בשבוע אך מהר מאוד היה ברור לנו, בני המשפחה, וכן לאנשי הצוות המקצועי בפסגת זאב, כי הטוב ביותר עבורה יהיה לשהות במקום כל ימות השבוע. כיוון שלא יכולנו לעמוד בהוצאה הכספית , ועל אף המצב הכלכלי של העמותה, אף אושרה לנו הנחה לתקופה מסוימת. כיום אמי שוהה במרכז חמישה ימים בשבוע והוא מהווה "בית" שני ולעתים אף הראשון. בין יתר הפעילויות המגוונות להן זוכה אמי להיות שותפה אציין את המסיבות בחגים, הטיולים ברחבי הארץ, ריפוי בעיסוק, מספרה, ריפוי בדיבור, התעמלויות, ארוחת צהרים חמה כל יום ועוד. הכל כמובן מתוך אהבה וקבלה מדהימה של הצוות במקום למרות כל הקשיים היומיומיים הכרוכים בעבודה ובטיפול מאין אלה. חשוב להוסיף כי בכל בעיה ועניין בהן דרוש לנו סיוע מפעם לפעם, עקב מצבה של אמא, אנו נהנים תמיד במאור פנים בתוך מתן הרגשה טובה ונעימיה. כאמור, במלב"ב חותרים כל הזמן לשדרג את תנאי המטופלים וברור כי כל סיוע יעלה לאין ערוך את היכולת להמשיך בפעילות השוטפת של המרכז, תוך שיפור מתמיד ברמה היומיומית וכן העלאת רמת התדירות והפעילויות האחרות הנערכות מפעם לפעם ומחוצה לו. החשיבות הרבה הטמונה בכך עבור אמי ועבור יתר באי המקום ברור לכל. לסיום ולאור כל האמור לעי"ל אבקש רק לומר תודה רבה מקב לב לחזק את ידי כל העוסקים במלאכה. בברכת ישר כח, גיל לוי

My name is Don Channen and I work as a volunteer at Melabev Beit Shemesh. I give a class on keeping kosher in and out of the home. This subject always gets a big response because kashrut is very significant to elderly Jews who grew up before kosher food was so available. Most of them were raised in kosher homes and still keep kosher today. During my class, I like to describe a certain situation involving questionable food and the members have to decide if they can eat it. I was delighted to discover how passionate the seniors can get about this topic. It's a good feeling to facilitate an enthusiastic argument between normally quiet members and it's a lot of fun as well. One time I brought in a bottle of tequila that had a worm inside it and passed the bottle around asking, "Are we allowed to drink this?" Everyone had a strong opinion one way or the other and they made some pretty good jokes besides. I was surprised how much the elders knew about certain kosher practices and customs. A few of them told me how their Bubbes used to kasher pots and silverware and some remembered seeing their fathers shecht chickens for Shabbes. I enjoy volunteering at Melabev because I forget about old people sometimes. In Ramat Beit Shemesh you don't see too many and my elderly relatives live in the states so I rarely visit them. Being at Melabev is like a step out of time. The members remind me of my grandparents and there is sweetness and slowness about them that I find very relaxing. Melabev Beit Shemesh is a great place but they could use a bigger and better facility. I understand the place is growing and they need more space. That is the only thing they are lacking because the staff is both professional and creative and the activities are very well thought out. There's a lot of positive energy at Melabev, it's very upbeat despite the fact that most of the seniors there are coping with difficult physical and/or mental disabilities. Hashem should bless Melabev with all the financial assistance it needs to continue serving the elderly. Everybody gets old someday and some of us may end up there. If it's me, I'll bring my tequila.

Melabev is a non profit organization providing daycare centers and outreach services to help older people with dementia and support to their families. My Mother was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago and began attending our local Melabev Center 5 years ago when she could no longer plan her own daily activities at home. Melabev gave her a reason to get up in the morning and a group of like minded friends and helpers who accepted her for who she is now. They validate her contributions and provide a structure to her day with laughter, familier traditions a good lunch and some respite for her family and carers. With Melabev's help we have been able to care for Mother throughout all the difficulties that demetia brings and she is still living in her own home. My family and I are convinced that without the expert support and warm welcome Mother gets 5 times a week we would not have been able to look after her at home. Dr. Benjamin I. Czaczkes

Melabev is a non profit organization providing daycare centers and outreach services to help older people with dementia and support to their families. My Mother was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago and began attending our local Melabev Center 5 years ago when she could no longer plan her own daily activities at home. Melabev gave her a reason to get up in the morning and a group of like minded friends and helpers who accepted her for who she is now. They validate her contributions and provide a structure to her day with laughter, familier traditions a good lunch and some respite for her family and carers. With Melabev's help we have been able to care for Mother throughout all the difficulties that demetia brings and she is still living in her own home. My family and I are convinced that without the expert support and warm welcome Mother gets 5 times a week we would not have been able to look after her at home. Dr. Benjamin I. Czaczkes

For the past 20 years I have been associated with the special, caring organization, Melabev as a volunteer, counselor and family member of 2 Melabev members. I have been so proud to be a part of such special, professional, loving staff who give their heart and soul to the Altzheimers' patients and their families. I personally felt the happiness of my mother who said,"I had such a wonderful day-I wish I could remember what we did; wish you could have been there"...she always returned in such a good mood which helped our whole family's mood!

Eldercare is not just a booming business; it’s a new form of real service and genuine giving. The State of Israel has posed a unique challenge in this field for the Jewish People. After thousands of years in Exile, Jews, mostly young, are returning to their homeland and their enduring ancient heritage. But what happens to their parents? They can’t just pack them up and bring them along. The older set have built their work, their friendships, their whole lives in the US, England, France, South Africa… how can they leave it all? Their children are torn between love and devotion to their parents and realizing their own dream of building new lives in Israel. As elderly parents deteriorate physically and mentally far away, their adult children must leave their families behind and travel at great expense to visit, make appropriate arrangements and handle medical emergencies. Should they place (or even force) their parents into new eldercare communities, most poignantly after the death of a spouse? What about moving increasingly incapacitated parents to Israel? Will the change cause further confusion and disorientation? How will the differences in healthcare affect these seniors? Can they cope with a new culture, language and lifestyle? These were just a few of the dilemmas we faced in moving my mother to Israel after my father left this world. My mother, peace be upon her, was a proud, intelligent, iron-willed woman. We had to “trick” her into coming to Israel so that we could care for her personally, despite the additional strain and challenge to my family, especially my wife. We were blessed to fulfill the commandment of honoring one’s parents. She lived in an apartment across the hall with a live-in care provider. She had her family, her grandchildren, her Sabbath meals, a life next door to her loved ones. But something crucial was missing. She needed a place to meet people to whom she could relate. She needed a peer group. A place where she was valued and where she could contribute to society using her remaining talents and skills. A warm environment with methodical physical and mental therapy. A place to go when the kids were at school and their parents were working. An atmosphere of connection with the community and with Israel itself. And then, thank G-d, Melabev opened its doors in Beit Shemesh. Our dream was a reality, and every day it became better. A wonderful, devoted staff and a lively daily routine with special seasonal activities were available. For Chanukah my mother worked to assemble gift packages to be sent to the Israeli soldiers. The members often participated in other projects to help the disadvantaged. Musicians were brought in, classes arranged, guest speakers appeared. And most of all, the elderly had each other and their professional and affectionate caretakers. No words could possibly express the debt of gratitude we have to Melabev. We can only pray that G-d will continue to bless all their efforts with success. That Melabev should continue to grow and provide a place of peace and friendship, cultural tradition, dignity and healthcare – in the midst of a chaotic world – for the burgeoning society of precious men and women in the sunset of their lives.

I recently started volunteering at Melabev, and ever since I got here, I have only experienced kindness and generosity. The people that I work with are wonderful and they dedicate themselves 100% to Melabev and to helping out everyone that is involved. From the point of view of the people that are donating, I constantly see the same people coming back time and time again to give more and to help out in any way that they can. I constantly see new donors coming, as well. This organization knows no bounds, and it goes above and beyond what you can imagine. The amount of people that Melabev has helped out is innumerable, and I can only begin to imagine the amount of people that it will continue to help in the future.

I worked for Melabev for just under 4 years. The people working on organizational level, group coordinators and staff working in direct contact with service users, are what makes this organization special. Unlike similar organizations (and as a sociological researcher I have visited many in Israel and overseas, Melabev is marked by a warm family-like atmosphere. The humane, person-oriented approach enable the most severely impaired of individuals to feel loved and at home from the first moment. Melabev showed me how well a top professional workplace and a human service organization can operate when everyone has the same agenda. It taught me that such organizations can both have a heart and a head - enabling demented seniors regain a sense of dignity, individual accomplishment, joy, togetherness and love.

As a volunteer for melabev, I have received an enormous amount of satisfaction these past three years. Seeing the professionalism of a very dedicated staff and the joy and appreciat- ion the patients have for them, is most reward- ing. After having worked ten years here in the diamond and jewelry industry, and upon retire- ment, I decided I needed to do something that would make me feel good. And it's a wonderful feeling when you see the smiles on their faces knowing that you have made them happy.I see the difference in the patients lives and know the time I give at Melabev is time and energy well spent. And Melabev has made a big difference in easing the burden on the families of our patients. Lore

My first exposure to Melabev was 15 years ago when my paernts made aliyah and my mother was already suffering from early Alzheimers disease. They made a successful transition to living in Jerusalem and Melabev was the highlight of that success. THh center in San Simon was an ideal setting for her and we spent 6-7 years there until my mother passed away nearly 8 years ago. My Dad, who has suffered from a series of mini-strokes, first attended the Bet aHakerem facility and now attends the Shaarei Zedek Moadon. The most amazing part of Melabev is the staff - simply amazing, warm and giving people who do their utmost to bring smiles to the faces of the elderly. They are a professional organization who fills a vital need for today's aging population. They certainly rate as the GREATEST non-profit organization and I thank G-d that they exist here in Jerusalem.

When my neighbor asked my mother how she likes it in Israel, my mother responded "I love it here". I'm sure that a large part of her response is due to Melabev. It gives them something interesting and exciting to do; otherwise she would just be stilling in front of the TV all day. The neurologist was very pleased with my mother's level of functioning, and I'm sure that the stimulation that she gets at Melabev has slowed the progress of her disease. A couple of weeks ago I personally went to see it myself (again), and the staff there is phenomenal. They treat all the "member of the club" with such dignity and do so much for them. I see why my mother loves it so much. Thank you Melabev!

When I got the call a year and a half ago that my Mom was selling her apartment and coming to Israel, I knew our lives were about to change. Those first months that she was here felt like a Tsunami! Our initial trials and tribulations made us realize that the most important thing was to find a place where my Mom could be herself. She needed to be in a place where people "got her". I happened to read an article in the Jerusalem Post about Leah Abramowitz winning the Yakir Yerushalayim for her "pioneering work in initiating and fostering innovative eldercare". YES! This seemed to be exactly what we were looking for. I had a feeling that Melabev would become life changing for us so I saved that article and soon contacted the Bet Shemesh branch. Shortly after, I was bringing my Mom there once a week. (she was living in Netanya at the time!) Eventually we moved her to Bet Shemesh and now she attends Melabev full time. It's such a relief to know that she is finally in a place where no one is judging her. I feel that the warm and caring environment at Melabev brings out the best in her. In a world that can be very confusing, where the language and culture is unfamiliar, Melabev has become a haven for her. I've also benefited from the support group, the wonderful staff and I love the books I have read from the Melabev library. My understanding and compassion for my mother have been enriched. As a result, our relationship continues to deepen and evolve. I will be forever grateful.

My experience as a volunteer for Melabev the last three years has been very uplifting and rewarding. There has always been an emphasis on what the clients can do as opposed to their limitations. I personally enjoy doing art projects and chesed projects with them and feel the satisfaction of bringing out each persons potential. I also find inspiring the dedication and caring of Shoshana Lichtman and her staff at the Beit Shemesh branch where I volunteer.

My experience with the Beit Shemesh Melabev has been extremely positive. Whenever I have gone there to help or to visit I have seen the clients busy and involved. There was always an activity going on and no one was left out. If the client wasn't able to do the activity a volunteer was at their side helping them. There are a variety of activities going on every day and it is a stimulating experience for all involved. Even the clients aids that congregate outside are happy and smiling to be there. One never knows when it will be needed for oneself. I saw a few volunteers turn into a client. They then feel very much at home and secure. Melabev is a needed and inspiring place.

Melabev has been invaluable for my mother (and, in consequence for her children)during the last years. A wonderful staff takes care of the elderly with love and devotion, while also trying to keep them mentally and physically active. For my mother, Melabev is the reason to get up in the morning, not an easy task when you have Alzheimer's. Melabev is certainly a GREAT nonprofit, which deserves to continue thriving and helping the elderly.

A Volunteer's view of Melabev Caring for the Aged By Meryl Karbe There's a hill - a steep one - laced with non descript houses, small shops. All so ordinary in Beit Shemesh, Israel . It meanders past a small library, kindergarten and a messy building site. It leads to a a very ordinary but ordered building. Nothing grand, nothing pretentious. You step into the hallway. It looks like one of a thousand of any community centres. Seconds later the mundanity stops. A serious and focused world opens up. This is Melabev. Melabev is a four-mornings-a week programme, designed primarily for seniors with Altzheimer's Disease. There are nine branches country-wide staffed by nurses, social workers, teachers and many committed volunteers, of which I am one. It is open, however, to any senior who is in need of a place to go to. That's just some of the basic information about Melabev. What happens there transforms into something inspirational. In abundance, it offers qualities that cannot be taught; compassion, patience and joy. Take Freydee Geberer, one of the staff. ''What we do here,'' she says, ''is to recognize and maintain what is innate to each client, and maximize quality of life.'' Artistic client Myra makes a simple 'colour-in' picture, magical. It is immediately laminated and given back to her. Melabev goes way beyond offering two meals, overseeing medication and offering care and safety. Yoga, art therapy, music, exercise are just some of the activities. Birkat Hamazonn (Grace after Meals and Shacharit (Morning Prayers) are a given as is the weekly Parsha. Here, the clients are encouraged to express their individual interpretations, spiritual thoughts and feelings. Picture the clients in a circle, all safely seated. Each is given the same picture. This elicits memories, insights and perceptions from the clients, guided by the uniquely creative Yehudit Channen writer and facilitator, she of the wicked and delicious wit. All this is recorded and goes into a book which is then published. This reminds us, that though the clients have a myriad of health difficulties, memory impairment being just one of them, there is still much we can learn from them and their wisdom. Tall, talented and funky art teacher Esther Cohen works in such a way, as to give clients enormous satisfaction in seeing what they have achieved. This forms the basis of craft, which is then sold to help Melabev on the financial front, modest though that may be. ''Creativity is the gateway to the soul''' says Esther. ''It can lead the client to anywhere, everywhere.'' Chana might be short of sight, but there is no deficit when it comes to music, movement, dancing, clapping and foot stomping. When stately Anna smiles, it does all of our hearts' good. Imperial in dusty pink, she's in on the joke; maybe a certain reluctance to be at Melabev but concedes in her own way, that being at Melabev is helpful to her. She is a Holocaust survivor. Piexie Patsy in her delightful striped woolen cap, has a gleam in the eye and an energy all her own, and I really enjoy a good ribbing with the feisty Zahavah. Articulation, wit and an ability to laugh at herself emanate from Patricia and Danny's singing gives it stick with the best of them. Morris and Bertha, a many years old married couple tells us, in ways spoken and unspoken, what loyalty is all about. When dear Freydee sees I'm having a difficult-new -Olah - day, with her superb sensitivity she assigns me to be door monitor, a passive but important function that ensures that the clients are safe and no-one vulnerable leaves the room unaccompanied. The Beit Shemesh Branch of Melabev is headed by Nurse Shoshana Lichtman. With utter serenity and centeredness, she works her way through the many challenges that present themselves each day, with energetic and cheerful Mira Aronson, social worker at her side. Melabev is privately funded and as with all caring institutions, especially in these times, financial concerns have to be wisely handled. ''How are you today?'' I ask the fine wheelchair-bound lady. With stoic determination, she replies ''If I wasn't allright I wouldn't be here.'' Margaret tells it like it is ''I wanna go back to America'', at which point a sing-along of all the old American standards, bursts through. . When Genya tells me that she loves me, I feel filled with enormous warmth. Another time, when I ask her how she is, she says, in her thick European accent ''I'm fine. I'm trying to be fine.'' Shoshana Lichtman conveys the essential philosophy of Melabev. ''This is a place of love, safety and care. Each client is respected and accepted. It also operates very much within the community. The community helps us, and in all sorts of imaginative ways, we serve the community. This helps to give the clients an enormous sense of self-esteem. '' Staffer Rachel Elias works calmly and reassuringly, making sure everyone is safe. Her modest demeanor belie a wry and gentle humour. Teacher Sharon Goodman sums up her perception of the programme, 'Here we do everything we can, to maintain as much functioning as possible. But most importantly, we accept each client, lovingly, for exactly who she or he is. The Melabev programme is superb. It has become akin to a home to me, in this very big adjustment of mine.

Melabev is an amazing organization! My Dad, (may his memory be a blessing) suffered from Alzheimer's disease. I contacted Melabev and met three "angels on earth": Prof. Arnold Rosin of the Sharei Tzedek Memory Clinic, Leah Abramowitz and Miriam Fried. Leah, Miriam and Prof. Rosin assisted my entire family learn to cope with Dad's condition. Later, when my mother began suffering from serious dementia, I again consulted with Leah and Prof. Rosin, and met more members of the caring Melabev team. I learned of the Savion computer program, and became familiar with the assitance offered by Melabev's occupational therapist and social worker who came to visit my parents. There is no question in my mind that Melabev offers professional, caring service which changes the lives of both the elderly and those family members who surround the elderly. I will always be grateful that Melabev became part of our lives, and led us through our most difficult times as a family. I give Melabev the highest marks possible!

I am a Professional Caregiver.I am from a kibbutz called "Tzora".My client was suffering from Alzheimer's and the day-care centre on the kibbutz wasn't very forthcoming with regards to help,I was on my own and very much isolated.Relying on the courses that I had behind me,I looked for creative alternatives and come up stuck everytime.I had remembered doing a pratical with an organization called "Melabev" and asked the kibbutz social worker to investigate the matter.After enquiring I was surprised at how efficient the were and before I new it I was at Melabev Beit Shemesh.The organization is a wonderful,caring and warm place to which my client feels completely comfortable.Melabev makes my client feel like a king.Melabev makes my client smile really BIG.Melabev always has a shoulder to cry on.Thank you Melabev for your support and enthusiasm.Melabev makes sure no client gets left behind.

I made aliyah on December 31, 2008 and was told about Melabev. I resisted attending because I had gone to a senior center in Teaneck and not only was I bored but I really didn't like it. I fought tooth and nail with my wife not to go there. In Eretz Israel, I decided to try it with the expectation that I would have the same experience. Needless to say I enjoyed every minute of it. The food is fine and most of the activities are to my liking. The breakfast on Tuesday is superb and the Dvar Torah on Thursday are high points for me. Yoga has helped me a great deal both with my leg and arm. Thank you Rivka for pushing me. All in all I would recommend the program to any senior who needs or wants it. Keep up the good work. Red and Yehudis are great and Rabbi Siegel is very inspiring. Thank you all for making my retirement and stay in Israel such a pleasure.

As an Olah Chadasha, I wanted to occupy my free time doing something worthwhile. As a retired teacher, I thought that working with children would be my choice. I was asked to visit someone I knew from the States who was a client at Melabev and immediately was hooked on volunteering there. The atmosphere is so cheerful and busy during the several hours there. From the morning, upon arrival, greeting everyone so warmly, preparing and eating breakfast, davening and going to the various activities such as yoga, arts and crafts,challah baking, yiddish, music etc. A great time is had by all- even the volunteers. Melabev is the place for me!!

Melabev Beit Shemesh is like a second home. The people are familiar. I look forward to coming because it feels like home. There is always a new program and the people attending are involved and are enjoying themselves. Life can be very dull at times and this program makes the week go faster. I look forward to seeing the people who attend and the warm coffee and rolls make it seem more like a picnic. Needless to say, the staff is caring and warm and we look forward to seeing them. Members enjoy the program and being part of something continuous. As a former teacher, I enjoy the stimulation and also making new friends.

Melabev Beit Shemesh has helped me to adjust to life in Israel by introducing me to many wonderful people of varied backgrounds. Israel is truly a crossroad, with different cultures, and it seems to me that each person, when taken individually, has their own personal story. The most fascinating point, I find, is just finding out why they are here. I myself still cannot understand all of the reasons why I left Florida. I was not in the least a religious person in America, but yet I have been able to adjust to a religious way of life. Returning to Israel in itself makes me feel closer to my late husband, who was born and lived the first 20 years of his life in Tel Aviv. The many activities here, i.e. the art, the music, the yoga, the ulpan, the parsha, the baking, and general discussion, (not to forget our scrabble games), are really of secondary interest to me. The main thing is the many friendships I have made here with many wonderful people as well as staff members and volunteers. For this I am grateful to Hashem.

What Melabev Means to me? Dignity of Life! Nobody cares as much for you like the special group of people at Melabev Beit Shemesh. The staff and volunteers care for you. In a home you may be thrown in a corner, here no one is forgotten. There are activities, ulpan, and exercise and these things give us hope to live longer and to stay with your friends. Fred Abraham, Dob: 1933 Elizabeth, New Jersey

Melabev for my mother and us was more than just the four mornings she attended. We were once walking through the mall in Modiin when someone came running over to greet my mother. My mother sat regally in her wheelchair with a big smile. I am not sure she recognized who it was but the Melabev volunteer took the time to greet my mother and make her happy. My mother's apartment was decorated with arts and crafts she did at Melabev. She was proud of her accomplishments and would explain to us how she did it. As well as being proud of her work, it gave us ideas of what she could do at home. Melabev gave her a chance to learn new thing, to be active, and to interact with others and to share her life's experiences. The staff of Melabev encouraged her to talk about her life and to express herself. Melabev welcomed family and friends to come visit my mother in Beit Shemesh. My mother was always so proud to show off her children , grandchildren, and great grandchildren who came to visit. Melabev wasn't just a place for my mother to go and be occupied but the staff kept in touch with us letting us know how she was doing and if they noticed her withdrawing meaning maybe she needed a physical check up or her hearing or eyesight should be checked. They offered us a support group facilitated by an experienced professional, Rabbi Wolicki, and with a staff person in attendance. We were able to contact them at other times and discuss concerns. We greatly appreciate Beit Shemesh Melabev, the director, Shoshana Lichtman, her staff, and the volunteers for all they did for my mother, Molly Andelman, z"l, for the last two years of her life. Dov and Elayne Greenstone

Melabev is a wonderful organization that was my parents lifeline for several years. The care and thoughtfulness of the staff as well as the activities kept them inspired and entertained on a constant basis

bs'd Wisdom from seniors at Melabev Bet Shemesh 1.'F': Organise and prioritise what I want to do - first, second,... Write it down. Stick to it until I finish it. (This works beautifully for me especially on Friday when I'm preparing Shabbat. I add time estimates and then can decide to swap activities around or postpone planned ones till Sunday). 2.'C': Don't jump up and down. Can't change all at once. Be interested and responsible for thing one has to concentrate on. Much more effective to stick with it. 3.'D' It's like that when we're older.

God bless Melabev!! My father said he had a young mind trapped in an old body. He was very vibrant in his younger years and was now slowing down physically. Melabev allowed him to use his talents with a group of like minded people. The staff of Melabev is kind, generous with their time, love and devotion. My mother started as a volunteer and just continued with the group to add her positive attitude to the activities in general. The whole week was centered around their Melabev schedule and even their devoted family could not interfere with it. The volunteers became our extended family. Even though I am highly involved with the Jewish community, I have never seen a more devoted, loving and more purposeful organization than Melabev. From yoga, to music, artwork, exercising, language lessons, birthday parties, visits from educators, visits of babies to brighten everyone's day....the list is endless. There is no other organization that can come close when we get older and still want a full life to look forward to. May their efforts continue for a very long time to come.

At what age does a person become old? Is there ever a time when you look in the mirror and think, hey, I need a nursing home! If you would have asked my grandparents, they would have told you that they are 78 years young. But despite the fact that they always felt young, at a certain point, age catches up to you. My grandfather started to forget our names, and began to get disoriented among lots of noise and commotion. My grandmother was confined to a wheelchair, and while her mind was sound until the day she died, she was in tremendous pain. They sat at home in their apartment, getting old despite their efforts to the contrary. Then in stepped Melabev and saved the day! My grandparents were told about Melabev from a friend, and they started going every Sunday and Tuesday morning for years. Melabev kept them young. They sang, they prayed, they went on trips, and most importantly, they socialized with people who were also born in the nineteen-twenties and thirties, and appreciated things like cantorial music, yiddish songs, and hugging and kissing everyone you meet. The volunteers were wonderful, they really made them feel loved. Sundays and Tuesdays were the highlights of their week, their time to feel young again. Melabev did for my grandparents something that we, their family, could never have done, and for that, we all say thank you, Melabev, for providing this wonderful service for the elderly.