Shalom Club Offers a Warm Welcome to All

When Alex and Gloria Weinstein moved to Windsor Run, the Erickson Senior Living community in Matthews, N.C., they already knew they were interested in getting involved with the community's Shalom Club.

Working in partnership with Community Resources Coordinator Becky Dinello, Alex reenergized the club, which now organizes religious services, holiday observances, entertainment, and--most important--an open forum for faith and socialization for all Windsor Run residents.

"I appreciate the fact that we, as a Jewish community, and those interested in Judaism have an outlet to celebrate our faith without having to leave Windsor Run," says Alex. "Gloria and I quickly discovered that this is a very welcoming community."

Something for everyone

Meeting on the first Monday of each month, the Shalom Club addresses topics that members have shown interest in. The group also takes special care to welcome new residents in attendance.

"At the end of the meeting, we do two things to help members get to know each other better," says Alex. "First, I invite people to share any celebrations coming up, such as birthdays and anniversaries."

He continues, "Then, we pick a topic and I invite members to go over to someone they aren't too familiar with and address the topic with them. As a retired school psychologist, I know this is a good way to help people socialize and get to know each other better."

The meetings also provide a forum for members to share the different activities and events they'd like to get involved with. As a result, the Shalom Club partnered with Better Together, another resident group, to schedule a monthly entertainment event. Recently, Israeli Folk Dancers performed on campus.

"These events are open not just to Jewish community members but the entire Windsor Run community," says Alex. "When the Israeli Folk Dancers performed, we had almost 100 people in attendance. It was a wonderful show. The dancers performed and then called people up on stage to learn the dances."

Celebrating together

The variety of activities and welcoming nature of the Shalom Club is attractive to many retirees considering a move to Windsor Run.

"Being Jewish, it is important to my husband Pete and I to live in a vibrant and welcoming Jewish community," says Marsha Kalison, who moved to Windsor Run from Williamsburg, Va., in March 2023. "The Shalom Club has given us the opportunity to join together with other Jewish residents and participate in events and activities that enrich our religious life. We also enjoy sharing stories about growing up Jewish in diverse communities."

Lively discussions

Since the couple's move, Marsha has enjoyed the Shalom Club's book club.

"Our book club allows us to enjoy wonderful discussions based on our reading and related topics. I especially love my Jewish sisters, as they are bright, lively ladies who always bring intelligent and thoughtful comments to our meetings," says Marsha.

In observance of the Jewish holidays, the Shalom Club works with Windsor Run's head chef to develop menus, pick an on-campus dining venue, and secure a time for a special dinner. These dinners are open to the entire community.

"Windsor Run management, guided by the Erickson Senior Living philosophy of inclusion and belonging, ensures that we have access to facilities for our Jewish holidays, space for appropriate seasonal displays, and special holiday dinners, well-attended by the entire community," says Marsha.

All are welcome

Although not Jewish themselves, Connie and Al Rogers appreciate the openness and inclusiveness of the group.

"When our youngest daughter was planning on marrying a man who is Jewish, we were delighted--he's a wonderful guy!" says Connie. "And when she decided to convert to Judaism, we were very supportive of her decision."

She continues, "When we moved to Windsor Run and learned about the Shalom Club, I asked if a non-Jew could join. The answer was a very warm and welcoming ‘Yes!' It's been a wonderful experience, exposing us to even more learning opportunities, including attending our first Shabbat service. I've also been able to make a contribution to the group by partnering with another member to implement a plan to expand our Hanukkah decorations this year."

"I think the Shalom Club is a wonderful example of how warm and welcoming the Windsor Run community is to all of its residents," adds Connie.

Marsha agrees, saying, "I hope that any Windsor Run resident, whatever their [religious] practice, feels welcome to join the Shalom Club for brotherhood and sisterhood as well as our many fun activities."

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By Kelly Shue