The Early Years: 1906-1930

In 1906, the Moshav Zekanim, or Home for the Aged, was conceived when eight individuals, three men, and five women, came together to start a Home that would benefit the entire Milwaukee Jewish Community. The Home for the Aged was created to care for those elderly Jews who did not have the family or funds to sustain themselves without public charity. The B’Noth Israel Society, under the leadership of Mrs. B. Rubinsky, was instrumental in founding the first Home at 727 Galena Street in Milwaukee. Mrs. Rubinsky and the other women of the Society not only raised funds, but also worked as volunteers to aid in the comfort of the residents.

By the late 1920s, the growing needs of the senior Jewish community and the limited capacity of the house on Galena Street forced leaders to consider a larger facility. Nat Stone, Milwaukee’s leading Jewish philanthropist, made the largest donation in local history—$10,000—towards the building of the new Jewish Home. Mrs. Sig Ruscha led the largest fundraising drive of its kind, ultimately raising the funds for building the second Jewish Home.

Building a firm foundation: 1930-1950

The expansion of the second Home began in the 1940s and cost $275,000. The new addition was formally dedicated on September 27, 1950. With the expansion came new services and more professional attention to the residents. The main building housed an infirmary that was financially supported by the Milwaukee chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women. The facility also had its own medical staff and increased ability to offer recreation. A Physical Therapy Department was formed as doctors of gerontology became increasingly knowledgeable and aware of the need for improving the physical capabilities of the elderly.

Expanding to meet growing needs: 1950-1960

The 1950s were an important time in the organization’s history because it marked an explosion of “growth” in services to residents. Professional administrators were hired for the first time and Ferdinand Rosenthal became the first Executive Director.

As a leader in senior care, the Home drew the attention of the Wisconsin State Board of Nurses, who used it as a training center. The Home also received national recognition and praise from the U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare.

One of the most noteworthy events was the purchase of an apartment complex to house 30 residents, made possible by a generous donation from Regina Kaufer in 1951. The Regina Kaufer Annex was ready for occupancy in 1956.

As the Home grew in importance, it reached out to form relationships with Jews in Madison, Appleton, Oshkosh, and Sheboygan. It also drew closer to the Jewish Family and Children’s Service and Mount Sinai Hospital to better coordinate quality services to the elderly.

As the 1950s came to a close, the professionalism and quality of care continued to grow. The Home had long realized that its emphasis was not just on custodial care, but rather on expanded services improving the quality of life. Medical and dental care, psychiatric consultation, podiatry services, and social activities took center stage.

As the demographics and life span of Americans increased, the number of elderly who would need services in the final quarter of the century increased as well. The capacity of the second Home had already doubled with the addition of the Regina Kaufer Annex. Once again, it was time to expand.

A new home rises along the lakeshore: 1960-1980

The 1960s saw steady growth in the number of residents and the services provided for their care and comfort. Community leaders recognized the need for a larger facility with increased medical and social services. Under the direction of Bernard Soref, Philip Rubenstein, Ben Marcus and Benjamin Saltztein, over $2 million was raised to build the third Jewish Home on North Prospect Avenue. The impressive facility overlooks Lake Michigan and is located close to the cultural and entertainment center of Milwaukee. In 1973, 115 residents moved in and two years later, occupancy rose to over 200.

In 1978 Nita Corré, who began her service years before as a volunteer serving tea to residents, became Executive Director.