FOX POINT – It’s not every day that an executive director of a nonprofit struts around as Moses for 150 people.
“I didn’t realize that was her,” said attendee Gerrie Boym, at the event for older adults put on by L’Chaim Chaverut Clubhouse Northshore.
Judy Winnik, dressed as the best Moses impersonator ever, challenged the room to give her each of the Ten Commandments. An early answer: “Honor Thy Father and Mother.”
“Yes it is! Very Good! Who else wants to give one?” boomed an enthused Moses, at this June 11 lunch event.
L’Chaim Chaverut Clubhouse Northshore, often just called “the Clubhouse,” provides social engagement for older Jewish adults in the North Shore, primarily though a social luncheon that’s held every two weeks at Congregation Shalom in Fox Point. The Clubhouse is not a physical clubhouse but a club for local people. The events take place at Congregation Shalom, but the Clubhouse is not a project of the synagogue. It rents the space.
Lunch and a program are offered “at a minimum cost/donation” of $10, according to organizers. Events often sell out, usually with a limit of 150 people; attendees are encouraged to reserve their spots.
Winnik, the executive director and Moses stand-in, likes to say that the Clubhouse is to help people forget about their aches and pains for a bit.
“The important thing is good food and light entertainment,” Winnik said. “We do nothing serious; nothing sad.”
Attendees told the Chronicle that they appreciate that it gets them out and keeps them from being isolated.
Volunteer Coordinator Haje Black works with dozens of volunteers. “The volunteers are so helpful that whenever I say we are a little shorthanded, they come out of the woodwork with friends,” she said.
A roomful of fans
Jordan Atinsky, 89 met Lil Zaren, 88, at the Clubhouse in 2019. Both their spouses were deceased.
When they met, it was Atinsky’s first session ever. The only day since 2019 the two haven’t been together was when Atinsky took an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., he said.
“We only live about five minutes from each other,” Zaren said. The couple said they greatly appreciate the organization.
“I love it,” said attendee Gerrie Boym. “I like the food. You meet people. You see people.”
Gerrie’s daughter, Gail, drives her mother to the events and attends with her. Like so many others at a recent event, she praised Judy Winnik and the Clubhouse.
“We think that Judy is amazing,” said attendee Susie Delarosa of Fox Point, attending with her husband of 47 years, Roy.
“The food is terrific, and the entertainment is good. We look forward to it,’ Susie said. She added that every time she sends her check for dinner, she includes a note that says, “we’re so thankful for you.”
Gail said her mother, Gerrie, “sees friends here, from grade school, high school, college, from later in life.”
Gail added: “I think it’s a great asset for the community, to get people together, to socialize.”
Why do this?
“We do this to fight isolation and loneliness of older people in our Jewish community,” said Winnik, in an interview. “That’s the whole point of this, to get together and be with each other.”
The program is good for both physical and mental health, she said.
“We basically exist because of grants that we apply for, that cater to the aging, and also thanks to generous donations from the community,” Winnik said. “But I do live very dangerously. I never know where my money is coming from, but I keep planning events.”
The Clubhouse charges $10 per attendee, but it costs $45-$50 per person to put on an event each time. “We never want money to be an issue,” Winnik said.
Lori Kornblum was a founding board member and the Clubhouse obtained tax exempt status as a nonprofit in 2016, she said. Bader Philanthropies and the Harry Hoffman Family Foundation are among the supporters. There are also anonymous donors, and Milwaukee Jewish Federation is helpful, among others, she said.
“Judy spends hours on the phone with (older adults who attend). It’s a lifeline for them,” Kornblum said. “I’m very proud to be part of it.”
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How to go
L’Chaim Chaverut Clubhouse Northshore events are held every two weeks, except in some winter months. Events do sell out and can be reserved with a phone call or online. There is a kosher option when registering. Call: 414-882-1393. Visit: LchaimChaverut.org/event-registration
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