The Allendale Community for Mature Living Salutes Rabbi Gerald Friedman on his Retirement

June 14, 2012 - PRLog -- In recognition of his efforts to advance the Jewish faith and culture, The Allendale Community for Mature Living joined Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley and its congregants in celebrating the retirement of Rabbi Gerald Friedman. The religious leader was recently honored at the Park Ridge Temple's Annual Dinner Dance for his 14 years of service to the conservative synagogue, which serves northern Bergen County and southern Rockland County, N.Y.

Plans for his retirement include teaching, working with the elderly, enjoying Latin dancing and spending time with his three grandchildren; his daughter, who lives on the West Coast; and his son, a high school science teacher and professional Jazz musician from White Plains, N.Y. He also recently rediscovered his love of ping pong.

"I stopped playing ping pong almost 50 years ago and recently picked up the paddle again to play with some students," said Rabbi Friedman. "I am still quite good, if I do say so myself, and would love to start a club where I can coach."

Active in Jewish affairs since 1965, when he received his ordination from Yeshivas Kol Yaakov - Me'or Torah, Rabbi Friedman has been widely recognized for his efforts by the Federation of Jewish Philanthropies of New York, Institute for Jewish Life and was awarded senior director status by National Hillel. A former Hebrew school teacher and instructor of adult Jewish education, he has served as a program director for Jewish YM-YWHAs, director of Hillel Foundation and Jewish chaplain at the University of Florida in Gainesville for 21 years. Rabbi Friedman will continue to host religious observances, celebrations and seminars at The Allendale Community, including The Atrium, throughout the year.

"The Allendale Community's residents, their family members and staff congratulate Rabbi Friedman and his wife, Dora, on this wonderful milestone," said Mary Stampleman, ADC, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and Community Relations for The Atrium, which offers assisted living services.

Gitty Bender, Director of Social Services, added, "We wish the Friedmans well in this new chapter of their lives and hope they know the doors to The Allendale Community are always open to both of them, their congregants, friends and family."

Rabbi Friedman has been integral in advancing Jewish history and interfaith understanding throughout his career and at The Allendale Community. He hosts the annual Seder and Shabbat services as well as religious discussion groups.

"I absolutely love the 1940s and 1950s era, which bring me back to when I was a young boy listening to the radio and the experiences of my elderly relatives," said Rabbi Friedman. "Talking and reminiscing helps people to summon their own experiences and bring back an important time in life for others and myself. For this reason, I look forward to continuing my work with the senior residents."

Developed in stages beginning in 1967, The Allendale Community for Mature Living pioneered modern-day eldercare. Today, the continuing care senior campus remains physician-owned and operated, housing four full-service residences. In addition to The Atrium, where residents can utilize long-term care insurance and veteran's benefits as partial or full payment for the monthly rental fee, The Allendale Community includes Carlton Court, a memory-care neighborhood; The Allendale Nursing Home, a Medicare-certified skilled nursing facility; and The Rehabilitation Center at The Allendale Community, which provides subacute services to people of all ages who have suffered an illness or injury.

Throughout the course of its 45-year history, the Community has been renovated in stages to offer the most contemporary designs and latest services. The newest improvements include the addition of eternity waterfalls and hand-painted murals in The Atrium's lobby. The images depict a journey that begins in the United States and extends to African, Asian and European locales.

Located in a quiet suburban neighborhood in Allendale, N.J., just off Route 17 South, The Allendale Community for Mature Living was one of the first retirement communities in the region to incorporate four fully licensed levels of residency in one location. The Community also offers a Respite Short-Term Stay Program as well as the Senior Social Club, an adult day program. For more information about The Allendale Community for Mature Living, call (201) 825-0660 or visit www.allendalecommunity.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: The Allendale Community for Mature Living joined Temple Beth Sholom of Pascack Valley and its congregants in celebrating the retirement of their beloved rabbi, Gerald Friedman (right). The Annual Dinner Dance celebration was attended by more than one hundred guests, including Gitty Bender (left), The Allendale Community's Director of Social Services. Rabbi Friedman will continue to host religious observances, celebrations and seminars at The Allendale Community throughout the year.