Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, Director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare, Honored at Retirement Luncheon for 23 Years of Extraordinary Service

A retirement luncheon was held to honor Rabbi Devorah Jacobson, Director of Spiritual Life at JGS Lifecare, for her remarkable 23 years of service and commitment to the JGS Lifecare community of residents, clients, staff, family members, and volunteers. Rabbi Jacobson, who was named one of America’s most inspiring Rabbis of 2016 by the renowned Jewish publication, The Forward, has been an integral part of the JGS Lifecare family. Over 100 people gathered to express their gratitude and appreciation to Rabbi Jacobson for her extraordinary leadership and spiritual support that has enhanced so many lives.

The event featured heartfelt remarks and tributes from colleagues from across the JGS Lifecare system of care, family members of residents, as well as personal friends. Susan Kimball Halpern, Director of Development, spoke about Rabbi Jacobson’s innumerable accomplishments and contributions. “Rabbi Jacobson radiates empathy and compassion and provides strength and hope,” said Halpern. “She is responsible for the spiritual well-being of residents of all faiths in our long-term skilled nursing facility and our assisted living residence, our short-term rehab, and also in our adult-day health, and our home health and hospice programs. She takes the time to truly understand each resident’s individual needs, bringing comfort and meaning to countless lives.”

Halpern also shared that in 2020 Rabbi Jacobson had been recognized by Healthcare News & Business West as a Healthcare Hero. This honor acknowledged that she was a “guiding light” based upon her extraordinary response during the COVID epidemic, where she found new and creative ways to serve the needs of not just residents and family members, but the staff of JGS Lifecare. “Our heroes are people we look up to and admire for their extraordinary actions and achievements,” remarked Halpern at the luncheon. “They are people we wish to emulate. Devorah, your countless acts of caring and loving-kindness, your concern for others, your efforts seeking justice for all have been inspirational.” Halpern concluded by announcing the naming of The Rabbi Devorah Jacobson Discretionary Fund at JGS Lifecare, which will serve as a lasting legacy of the spiritual guidance and support Rabbi Jacobson provided over the past 23 years to so many in the community.

Remarks and well wishes were also shared by colleagues Adam Berman, CEO; Rob Whitten, President of JGS Lifecare; Susan Goldsmith, Past Chair of the Board; Sarah Malzone and Ellen Rosemond, Hospice Chaplain and Hospice Social Worker at Legacy Lifecare VNA & Hospice; Ed Mack, Director of Housekeeping at JGS Lifecare, and friends. Mack emphasized the extraordinary efforts of Rabbi Jacobson to get to know and support all staff members at JGS Lifecare at all levels of care and occupation, sharing his gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the staff for her many acts of guidance and support.

Rabbi Jacobson shared moving reflections about her retirement and the tapestry of connections and friendships she’d woven during her time at JGS Lifecare, and the difficulty of saying goodbye. She offered her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who is part of the JGS Lifecare family, including staff members, residents, families, board members, volunteers, and clergy from other faiths. She spoke about the honor and privilege of collaborating with them and learning from them as she served the spiritual and emotional needs of the JGS Lifecare community.

“I’ve seen over the years how so many who came to work here or join our board or became a volunteer or donor, bring a certain set of values, including spiritual values, and know what the difference is between coming to work and coming to serve others,” reflected Rabbi Jacobson. “You seem to stay and stay connected because something about this place – including its unique history as a not-for-profit institution based in Jewish values and serving all faiths – feeds your souls and brings out your gifts.”

In her closing Rabbi Jacobson quoted from the renown Jewish teacher, Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who said, “The test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. It is easy to love children. Even tyrants and dictators make a point of being fond of children. But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, those who are frail, are the true gold mines of a culture. And that care for our elders has always been a responsibility not of private individuals but of the entire community.” Rabbi Jacobson connected this quote to the founding principles of JGS Lifecare, originally established in 1912 as the Daughters of Zion Home for the Aged in Springfield, highlighting the enduring spirit of communal responsibility that continues to guide the organization and allows families to entrust their loved ones to JGS Lifecare for compassionate care.

The retirement luncheon was a fitting tribute to Rabbi Jacobson’s remarkable career at JGS Lifecare. Her dedication, compassion, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. While she may be stepping down from her formal role, her legacy of service and her commitment to the JGS Lifecare community.