About The Associates

About

In 1912, as LAJHealth’s history is told, a group of Jewish grocers and businessmen made it possible to provide food and shelter for five indigent Jewish men looking for a place to celebrate Passover. But who cooked, set the table, and washed the dishes? Of course, it was the women!

Times have changed since those early days, but women have remained the backbone of support of LAJHealth. The auxiliary names may have changed – Women’s Auxiliary, Junior Auxiliary, Ida Mayer Cummings Auxiliary, Associates-IMC, and, today, The Associates – but the determined resolve has always been the same: To support those in need regardless of their ability to pay.

In the Golden Days of the ‘30s and ‘40s, with subliminal anti-Semitism proliferating in healthcare and country clubs alike, supporting Jewish organizations was understood as a means to an end: If they didn’t, who would? So they did! From providing the basics of daily life like new shoes and eyeglasses to star-studded gala dinners, these women creatively used the skills and resources they honed to provide the necessary financial support to take care of the Jewish elderly in the Los Angeles community.

Today, the goal of The Associates remains constant: to build a membership base of support for LAJHealth that follows the lead of all the women before us; to continue to support seniors in need; to continue to follow the tenants of our faith by “not forsaking them in their old age.” Today, the emphasis is not only on philanthropy, but on education, social awareness, as well as creating meaningful connections, shared experiences and personal fulfillment.

As we emerge from the COVID -19 pandemic, we are excited to reestablish our regular meeting and event schedule, but also focus our energy as a vibrant women’s philanthropic group in support of LAJHealth, the premier senior health services provider in Southern California. Our group and community plays a vital role in that success. Financial support is crucial to meet the needs provided to the on-campus residents and community-based program recipients. Join us in making a difference in the lives of the seniors we serve.

Support LAJH, Become a Member of the Associates

We invite you to join and become more involved with The Associates, building a lifetime of friendships and philanthropy.  Visit our membership page for more information. The seniors we support thank you for your philanthropic support! 

2025 Mah Jongg Cards

Thanks to all that participated in our 2025 Mah Jongg Card sale program. We are closed to new orders. You may go directly to the National Mah Jongg League‘s website to place a new order.  

UPDATE: PRINTER ERROR ON FIRST PRINTING OF 2025 MAH JONGG CARDS

There was a printer error on the first printing of both the Large and Standard size cards. They discovered this after the first printing had been sent out (and are being delivered week of 3/31/25). They will be replacing ALL of those cards. Your patience is greatly appreciated. The revised cards are being re-printed and will be sent within a couple of weeks by the National Mah Jongg League. If you have any questions please call Shayna Silberman at 818/774-3332.

Tree of Life Luncheon

The Tree of Life Luncheon provides The Associates, the eminent women’s auxiliary, the opportunity to spotlight outstanding members of the community and to honor their personal accomplishments and dedication to LAJHealth. Special “Woman of the Year” and “Humanitarian” awards are presented to these deserving women – and men – who exemplify the true meaning of “tikkun olam and tzedakah”…healing the world and righteousness.

The luncheon also provides the opportunity for The Associates’ leadership, members, and friends to support the honorees, the residents, and LAJHealth through tribute journal advertising and financial donations to the auxiliary.

With the guests surrounded by a beautiful ambiance of stunning floral arrangements, gleaming china and crystal, the Tree of Life luncheon is the highlight of the year’s programming endeavors by the auxiliary. A fashionable boutique and enticing Opportunity Drawing, along with remarkable menu selections and engaging entertainment, provide a most-rewarding day for organizers and attendees alike, as well as successful fundraising for LAJHealth.

On Friday, April 5, 2024, we honored a very deserving recipient: Robin Greenberg. Robin has has been an avid supporter of LAJHealth for over 30 years, as well as serving on the JHA Board of Governors since 2017. We congratulate Robin on this honor and her ongoing commitment to LAJHealth!

If you want to make a difference in the lives of seniors, please join us in making a tax-deductible donation and the seniors in residence and through our in-home and community-based programs, residents and people served by the life-changing work done through Los Angeles Jewish Health.