The story of Haggai Sheffer from Palace Assisted Living Modi'in is one of transition. Having served in senior management positions, he decided the time had come to pamper himself. Now acting as chairman of the residents' committee at Palace Modi'in, Sheffer speaks about the seamless integration between a traditional-religious lifestyle, a warm community, and a Shabbat atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Moving to assisted living is a significant step. For an observant or traditional individual, a natural concern often arises: How will the new home align with their values?
When did you realize it was time to make this move?
"Emotionally, the first few months were not easy. But we knew what assisted living meant, as my wife's parents lived in an assisted living facility in Haifa, so we were familiar with the benefits. At age 75, after exploring several assisted living options, we made the decision and moved to Palace Modi'in. Today? I feel wonderful. I lack nothing, and I can say wholeheartedly that we feel truly pampered here. All the benefits of assisted living, alongside a complete solution for the needs of a religious person."
Many in the religious sector look exclusively for religious institutions. What made you choose a facility with a mixed community?
"I am a great believer in maintaining an open, integrated relationship with all segments of the Jewish people. I did not want to go to a place that was 100% religious. I chose Palace Modi'in because it is an assisted living facility of the highest standard, beautiful, pleasant, and worth every moment. Incidentally, online public opinion surveys show that Palace Modi'in ranks first across a variety of metrics and service quality standards.
"Out of roughly 300 residents, about 50 are Shabbat-observant, and there is a wonderful atmosphere of mutual respect between the religious and secular residents. We do not isolate ourselves. Every Friday evening, when we do not have guests or family gatherings, we sit down for the Shabbat meal with four or five secular residents who eagerly look forward to joining us, singing 'Shalom Aleichem,' and hearing Kiddush. There is a heartwarming sense of togetherness here."
What does the Shabbat and halachic accommodation look like in daily life for an observant person at Palace Modi'in?
"For the religious and traditional community, this place is simply wonderful. All the necessary conditions are present to live a full religious lifestyle without compromising a single detail on the holy and kosher Shabbat.
"There is a daily minyan, and on Saturdays the synagogue is almost completely full with religious residents and their guests. There are Shabbat elevators, and there is no Shabbat desecration that affects the residents.
"However, the greatest advantage on the Shabbat is the meals and the peace of mind. In most assisted living facilities in Israel, meals are not provided on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Here at Palace Modi'in, the Shabbat arrives fully prepared! The meals are wonderful, delicious, and much more cost-effective than what it would cost to prepare at home. What is more, on Friday afternoons I am suddenly free to visit the grandchildren, something I could not do in my private home because I was busy with hectic Shabbat preparations. You arrive at the Shabbat relaxed, available, and pampered."
One of the main concerns in the religious sector is being disconnected from family on Shabbats and holidays. How does your family experience the home?
"My family loves it! At least once every four weeks, we host our children and grandchildren for the weekend. What is wonderful about Palace Modi'in is that guest rooms can be rented in the facility for visiting families. The grandchildren are thrilled, and the children are overjoyed. They tell me every time that it is much better than staying in a hotel!
"During the holidays, the atmosphere is equally wonderful. There is close cooperation with management, and we as residents participate in selecting the cantors brought in to lead the prayers. This past Passover, we held a large traditional Seder in the VIP hall placed at our disposal. Facility management took care of every detail, adjusting meal times precisely according to the halachic schedule we requested. The atmosphere was moving to the point of tears."
As a former manager and current chairman of the residents' committee, how do you rate the level of service and management?
"Having managed many people in my life, I recognize extraordinary service consciousness. It starts with the CEO, who is personally involved in every event, attentive to our needs, and sets an excellent personal example. This reflects on the entire staff, service workers, lecturers, and class instructors. As committee chairman, I find that the CEO consults us on every important matter, maintaining an open and fruitful dialogue."
What does a typical day look like for you? Your schedule seems quite full...
"Full and rich with content! I start the morning in the gym or the pool (and the pool also offers excellent, adapted conditions), attend the minyan, and then go out three times a week for a game of pétanque in Modi'in.
"When I return, I work on committee matters, read the press, and help my wife. At noon, we eat at the in-house restaurant, which is a major social event in itself, with nearly 150 residents dining there daily. In the afternoon, I play bridge or engage in my hobby of building model aircraft, while my wife paints and attends classes. Toward evening, we sit in the lobby for coffee with friends, and in the evening we attend a lecture, performance, or cultural event. There is never a dull moment, all in a relaxed, rich, and respectful atmosphere."
Are you seeking quality of life, a warm community, and the preservation of a religious lifestyle?
Palace Modi'in invites you to an embracing community featuring an active synagogue, kosher Shabbat meals, and Shabbat elevators.
For a tour and further details: Palace Assisted Living
This article was written in cooperation with Palace Assisted Living