“Everyone’s at the doctor today,” says one woman, her hair pulled back into a loose bun.
But it’s the same woman, a Latvian emigre named Tauba Rozenblit, who lifts the service beyond the dim room and empty seats. When Rabbi Eric Weiss begins by leading a traditional “wordless melody,” Rozenblit’s high, clear vibrato moves others to join in. Shoulders relax and eyes focus. For this small pocket of Jews, it is the New Year.
Three rabbis from Ruach Ami, the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, are fanning out to 11 such non-Jewish facilities in San Francisco this year between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. They bring holiday bags from Jewish Family and Children’s Services stuffed with honey cakes and cards crafted by religious school students. They bring familiar prayers and melodies.
“Whatever happens to us in a dark spot, there’s always light, someone to talk to,” says Weiss, lighting candles at the St. Francis of Assisi service Tuesday.
The Healing Center’s trio of rabbis hope to shine light on the tiny clusters of Jewish seniors tucked away at the Broadmoor, Central Gardens, Nob Hill Health Care, Breders Villa and other nursing homes and independent living facilities.
“Even if they [the seniors] are well enough, they often don’t have transportation to synagogue, or staff members aren’t aware it’s a Jewish holiday. These are mostly unaffiliated Jews, without money or synagogue connections,” explains Healing Center Rabbi Jeffery Silberman.
Silberman sometimes leads services for just two people. He visits others who are too sick to leave their beds. He does his best to find Jews and deliver gift bags and holiday greetings.
His visits remind residents that “someone in the Jewish community remembered them,” he says. “Often, they have no family remaining.”
For Rozenblit and husband Yury, the service is a chance to sing Avinu Malkeinu, recite the Sh’ma, dip apples in honey and wish each other a sweet New Year.
Speaking softly, her words echo in the mostly empty room. “It is a great celebration for us.”