100 Years of Caring: Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center

Sterling Street property, 1908

Like the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, the growth and development of "Daughters", as it is affectionatly known within the MetroWest Jewish community, was heavily dependent on the hard work and determination of the women of the Jewish community. The idea of a facility devoted to feeding and housing the indigent Jewish elderly of Essex County was first discussed by Blume Hollander and future long-time President Rose Tepper in 1904, and Israel's Daughters Home for the Aged, as it was then known, was incorporated on December 15, 1906. Funds for a building were raised through linen showers, rummage and food sales, pushka drives and raffles, and by 1907, there were sufficent funds to purchase the former Eye and Ear Infirmary building on Sterling Street in Newark, as seen in the photograph above.

Celebrating the expansion of the High Street property, 1932

In 1928, in need of additional space, Daughters moved to Newark Beth Israel's recently vacated home on Kinney and High Streets, where despite the Great Depression, Daughters not only survived, but thrived; in 1932, addition was constructed that included a kitchen, a roof garden and a synagogue. In time it became clear that still more space was needed, and land was purchased in West Orange, and a new building was begun. In 1962, after a great deal of preparation, an impressive cavalcade of thirty-nine squad ambulances moved Daughters' residents to their current home on Pleasant Valley Way.

Ground breaking for the West Orange property, 1959

It is to the eighteen women who founded this indispensible institution, as well as those who have guided its progress for one hundred years, that we dedicate this exhibition

For more information about the exhibition, contact JHSMW Curator/Outreach Director Linda Forgosh by phone at (973) 929-2994 or click here to send an email.

For more information about the Daughters of Israel Geriatric Center and associated programs contact:

Daughters of Israel Plafsky Family Campus: Adena Twersky, Director of Social Services and Admissions, 973-731-5100, ext. 106 or 107;
Herr Adult Medical Day Center -- Essex County : Jennifer Rutberg, Director of Adult Medical Day Services, 973-731-5100, ext. 205;
HAREL-- Senior Supportive Housing : Daisy Pujals, Director, 973-303-7018 or 973-731-5100, ext. 204

For general information about senior living in MetroWest, click here.