Whether you want to make sure you have chametz free options during Passover or you want an assisted living property that caters to Orthodox Judaism, you can find it in Los Angeles.
In LA, there are two types of Jewish retirement communities. The first are facilities that are Kosher and observant of halachic law. There are only a few of these in the Greater LA area. The second, and more prevalent, are Los Angeles senior living and retirement communities that are culturally Jewish catering to the large Jewish population that lives in LA.
Below is a curated sampling of what is available in Los Angeles. But, please don’t make your decisions based on internet lists! Mine provide first-hand inside knowledge of what is out there, but most lists you find online are computer-generated clickbait, with no real human understanding behind them. You should always consult with a senior living expert like me whose job it is to know the strengths and weaknesses of the various communities and make sure you are making a wise decision. So start here, have a look at some options, then give me a call. My service is available at no charge to you.
Kosher Jewish Senior Living Communities
Los Angeles Jewish Home, Reseda
First and foremost, there is the Los Angeles Jewish Home in Reseda. It is a sprawling campus with beautiful outdoor space, kosher meals and vibrant Jewish life. The residential buildings service seniors who are semi-independent, mobile and are mentally alert. The buildings offer single and shared rooms. Seniors needing a higher level of care or a secured memory facility live in one of the Jewish Home’s skilled nursing buildings.
The Jewish Home also operates two upscale continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), Fountainview Gonda at Eisenberg Village in Reseda and Fountainview Gonda Westside in Playa Vista. These luxury communities provide a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing. Residents “buy-in” paying a one time entrance fee and additional monthly fees depending on the size of their apartment.
Unfortunately, as of 2024, only one community on the Westside of Los Angeles offers kosher fare, Savant of West Hollywood. Below is information on Savant and the Pinnacles of Beverly Hills, formerly Beverly Hills Carmel, the two most known in the LA area as Jewish. Both have changed hands
The Pinnacles on Burton Way (Formerly Beverly Hills Carmel), Beverly Hills – Update 2024
2024 Update: This community has been sold and is no longer kosher. There are many legacy Jewish residents here, but Pinnacles no longer caters to a strictly Jewish clientele.
Savant of West Hollywood (Formerly Garden of Palms), Fairfax District – Update 2024
2024 Update: This community has been sold to a company called Savant. While it is still kosher and caters to its existing legacy resident base, new residents are not necessarily Jewish and may be entering under the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver program.
Culturally Jewish Communities in Los Angeles
Many of the other senior living communities, from Santa Monica to Beverly Hills, Encino and Studio City hold Shabbat services and honor the holidays. Whether you choose a Belmont Village property, Sunrise Senior Living, Brookdale or one of the myriad independent places, you will find Jewish community and a brand new group of mishpocha.
The Variel of Woodland Hills, Brookdale Gardens of Tarzana, Belmont Village in Encino and The Watermark at Beverly Hills have a particularly Jewish flavor. Shabbat is a regular feature. There’s usually matzo ball soup on the Friday menu and bagels and lox on offer at breakfast time. Special attention is paid to the Jewish holidays. Jewish holidays are observed and families are invited to celebrate along with residents. Of interest to those with an intellectual bent are the classes that some facilities offer on subjects such as Torah study, Jewish history and Jewish culture.
While I have yet to find a strictly Kosher board and care home, there are a number of board and care houses in Los Angeles owned by observant Jews. In these homes, they follow Kosher dietary rules like separating meat from dairy but the houses themselves do not serve koshered food. Of course, no pork or shellfish is on offer. In some instances, the proprietor will bring her own Kosher food from home for a resident but this is rare. I have had clients order in food for their loved one to supplement from some of the Kosher restaurants in the Pico/Robertson neighborhood.
Figuring out the best place for your loved one is not as simple as just calling the properties on this list. Each community has its own specialties, demographics, care offerings and of course, price. Understanding the particular agreements and requirements for move-in, knowing who has some flexibility on pricing, and working out the logistics of transitioning someone are big subjects to tackle. You use professionals like accountants and lawyers, even hairdressers, when you need expert assistance. This is no different but the big difference is my service is no cost to my clients.
Of Sarah’s work, Rabbi Steve Leder of Wilshire Blvd. Temple said “I want to thank you for the incredible care you provided to my family when we had only two days to find the right place for my father-in-law before he was released from the hospital. You calmed us down and went to work. I cannot overstate the sense of relief we had knowing you were in our corner and using all of your knowledge and connections to rescue my father-in-law from a potentially desperate situation. You are the best of the best. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
Assisted Living Locators Los Angeles owner Sarah Ordover is one of LA’s top senior living advisors. Certified in dementia care, Sarah is a trained aging specialist who holds an RCFE assisted living administrators license. She is an active member of Ikar, the Jewish social justice congregation. Sarah thoughtfully guides families through the senior living decision-making process, helping them find the best solution for their loved ones. Call Sarah at 310-853-8282 for a consultation. Assisted Living Locators is free to clients.
