Jewish Tradition

In 1993, our founders dreamed of a community where every resident and every staff member felt truly like family, or misphucha! To see their dream fulfilled the decision was made to found the organization as one inspired and led by Jewish values. Over the years, the results of this inspiration have evolved but it remains still at the heart of everything we do.

Inspired by Jewish Values

Shmirat HaGuf – The idea that it is vital to care for one’s physical health and safety. This isn’t just about wellness; it is pure reverence for life and the insurance that all are given the dignity of aging.
Chesed – Represents loving-kindness, or prioritizing actions of compassion, empathy, and helping others without expecting anything in return.
Kibud Av’V’em – Traditionally refers to respecting and caring for one’s parents but at Aviva we hold this value at the heart of the care we provide our residents.
Shalom Bayit – We strive to ensure that every resident can enjoy a peaceful home across our campus.
Tikkun Olam – We cannot only focus on our campus, both residents and staff maintain committed to improving the world through activism, philanthropy, and volunteerism.

Jewish Life on Campus

As a Jewish organization, we ensure a vibrant Jewish life is available for all residents across our entire campus. Our community regularly engages in the celebration and recognition of Jewish tradition and practice while maintaining options for choice. Jewish life looks different for every resident but those who spend time on our campus can expect:

Celebration of Shabbat every Friday night including a brief afternoon service and specialty meal in our dining rooms.
Activities and programs connected to the major Jewish holidays including Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, and more.
An onsite Rabbi who leads our Jewish practice and is available for residents in need of spiritual counseling.
Kosher-style dining across campus, which excludes the serving and consumption of pork-products and shellfish.
Regular programming and events inspired by Jewish tradition, history, and culture.
A strong connection to local Jewish organizations including the Jewish Federation, and area synagogues.

Jewish at Heart, Welcoming to All

When our Founders decided to build Aviva through Jewish values, they were also very clear that our campus was a place for everyone to enjoy. Aviva maintains a very strict acceptance policy to ensure that all seniors, no matter their background or faith, can feel welcomed and loved in our community.

Residents of all faiths are invited to continue attending religious services in the area and when possible, transportation can be arranged. Residents are also encouraged to share their traditions with all residents and staff through regular practice and holiday customs. No resident should ever be made to feel like they are considered “other,” due to the religion they practice or a lack of a religious practice.

Aviva also makes every effort to invite residents of all faiths to participate in our Jewish tradition, particularly around the holidays. Many residents will happily share stories from their first Aviva Passover seder or getting to experience the joy of decorating their first sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot. Staff members are also encouraged to share their religious traditions with our community and to join in during our holiday celebrations.