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!

Ever since that time, women have been 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 our foremothers 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 meaningful endeavors and personal fulfillment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a huge compendium of challenges for LAJHealth. The health, safety, and well-being of the seniors at the top of the list. Following the guidelines provided by the CDC, the State of California, and the City of Los Angeles, LAJHealth continues to rank as one of the top national senior healthcare success stories in the fight against the novel coronavirus. The 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.

Today is the first step towards tomorrow. Please take that step with The Associates!

Tree of Life Luncheon

Year after year, this 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.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and for the safety of our friends and members, this year’s 90th Tree of Life consisted of a virtual tribute journal and online boutique. This year we honored the Frontline Heroes of LAJHealth and their commitment to the health and safety of our residents. You CAN make a difference! Please join us in making a tax-deductible donation and support the residents and the wonderful staff.

For more information, please contact the office at 818.774.3375 or debbie.fishel@jha.org