At Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, we believe in nurturing the hearts and souls of our community’s seniors. Our experienced Program Directors bring Jewish holidays, Shabbat services, and Jewish culture to seniors in long-term care and assisted-living communities across Central Florida. More importantly, they bring warmth, friendship, and love.
There are so many ways you can help
Join Lauren Sharfstein for this “Day in the Life” of a Jewish Pavilion Senior Services Program Director
The official signing of the Jewish Pavilion Senior Services documents of incorporation back in 2001.
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services was founded in 2001 by Sheryl Meitin and Claire Chepenick to ensure our elders living in senior communities throughout Central Florida can stay connected to their traditions. The organization was originally focused on opening the first “Jewish home” in Orlando, but realized the mission could be served by visiting seniors where they live – in more than 50 communities throughout our region.
Our team of experienced professionals is ready to give you the expert advice and referrals you need
The most common questions called in to the Orlando Senior Help Desk are like this…
“I live in California and my mother lives in Orlando. I need to help her find independent or assisted living. What senior community do you recommend where my mother can be with other Jewish people?”
In fact, it was this very question that led to the formation of the Orlando Senior Help Desk.
How Can We Help You?
We Help Senior-Living Communities Meet the Needs of Their Jewish Residents
The staff at Central Florida's elder-care communities may not be familiar with Jewish culture and traditions. Our Program Directors work closely with Activities Directors at local communities to help Jewish residents feel included and valued, and we work with community chefs to ensure every resident can enjoy their most delicious cultural traditions.
Grief Support is Available
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services offers FREE, 5-week Grief Support Groups for anyone grieving the loss of a spouse, partner, parent, child, sibling, or other loved on. These free courses explore bereavement and healing through the Jewish lens and can help anyone dealing with a loss.
The Orlando Senior Help Desk
Offering free, expert advice and referrals to help older adults and their loved ones navigate the entire senior journey. Call 407-678-9363.
Inter-Generational Programs Are a Delight!
Jewish Pavilion Senior Services partners with synagogues, religious schools, day schools, youth groups, and families to create opportunities for children, teens, and seniors to connect through Jewish traditions, creativity, and friendship.
Opportunities are available for children of all ages, and Bar/Bat Mitzvah students can participate as part of their mitzvah projects. Older teens can earn community-service hours, too.
Our mission is to reduce isolation and bring joy, purpose, and connection to seniors. When young people and older adults spend time together, everyone benefits.We would love to partner with your school, synagogue, or youth program to create meaningful experiences for your students and our seniors.
Our Staff
Nancy Ludin, CEO/Executive Director
Nancy Ludin has been the CEO of the Jewish Pavilion since 2008. With her background in Jewish communal service and social work, the job was a perfect fit for her personality and skills. Nancy has a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees as well as certifications in fundraising and nonprofit management. During her tenure, the agency has expanded, and thousands of seniors have enhanced their connection to the Jewish community.
Vanessa Stein, Assistant Director
Vanessa is a true native of Central Florida’s Jewish community. She attended what was then known as the Hebrew Day School. Her first job was a lifeguard at The Roth JCC, she was active in USY, and spent her summers at Ramah Darom (where she met her spouse). Vanessa graduated from UF in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, with minors in Gerontology and Jewish Studies. She then obtained an MSW from UCF in 2008. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Project Management Professional.
Alexandra Lehrer, Administrator
Alex was born and raised in the former Soviet Union. At a very young age, she immigrated to Israel with her family, where she resided on the kibbutz. While living in Israel, she embraced the opportunity to learn Hebrew and the core values of Judaism. Alex’s background is in finance – primarily consumer banking, investments, and insurance. She brings her passion and 25+ years in the business world to Jewish Pavilion Senior Services and shares her considerable talents in helping seniors stay connected to their Jewish heritage.
Emily Raij, Program Director
Emily Raij has written more than 50 children’s books and edited dozens of K-12 educational resources and nonfiction books. She is also a Jewish Book Council Network Author and a contributing writer for J Life magazine. Hearing and sharing people’s stories inspires Emily’s work, and she has been fortunate to weave her love of Judaism into that, as well. She is a native of Chicago, where she earned her journalism degree from Northwestern University and met her husband, Andrew. They live in Winter Park with their two children
Lauren Sharfstein, Program Director
Lauren Sharfstein graduated with her BA from UCF. She held a position at Kinneret Apartments as Activity Director where her love for the Jewish senior community began and eventually joined the Board of Trustees (KCOA) for several years to continue to serve this community. After starting her family, she taught preschool at The Roth JCC Early Childhood Learning Center where she continued work within the Jewish community. Lauren joined the Jewish Pavilion team as Program Director in 2022.
Judy Appleton, Program Director
Judy Appleton happily shares her culture and religion with all, and her programs and services are filled with love, joy, and deep meaning. A true Florida native, Judy grew up in Central Florida before she moved to Tallahassee to attend Florida State University. She graduated with a B.S. degree in Family Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Sociology and Education. Her many years of community service, temple involvement, and experience as an educator give her a strong background for her role as a Jewish Pavilion Program Director.
Dale Danuff, Administrative Assistant
Dale Danuff grew up in Bethesda, MD. She moved to Florida to attend FSU, where she met her husband, Ed, at Hillel. Dale graduated from FSU with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and practiced in her field until her first daughter, Jennifer, was born. In addition to her work at Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, Dale volunteers at her synagogue and at other nonprofit events.
Sindi Ackman, Program Director
After growing up in New York City, Sindi moved to South Florida, where she started a family before moving to Central Florida. She graduated from UCF where she earned a B.A. degree in Behavioral/Social Sciences, Middle School Education and Jewish Education. Sindi earned several certificates in Holocaust and Judaic Studies from UCF, as well. Sindi continues to be involved in several Jewish organizations and in many aspects of Jewish life in the Central Florida area.
Samantha Taylor, Marketing Consultant (Lifeline Media)
Samantha Taylor is the founder and publisher of J Life, Orlando’s Jewish lifestyle magazine, and the CEO of Lifeline Media. A graduate of the Bornstein Leadership Development Program, she has been a fixture in Central Florida’s Jewish community for more than 15 years and has previously served on the Boards of The Roth Family Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Chamber of Commerce, and Jewish Pavilion Senior Services. Samantha, who has lived in Central Florida since 1987, currently resides in Longwood.
Our Board of Directors
Ursula Cutler, Chair
Jane Edelstein, Past Chair
Jason T. Mendelsohn, Vice Chair
Michael Cohen, Vice Chair
Lisa Eichenblatt, Vice Chair
Scott Miller, Legal Advisor
Toby Vandemark, Treasurer
Dr. Gabriel Nuriel, Secretary
Mike Brown
Carina Borkon
Kevin Colley
Ken Davis
Cindy Gray, RN
Dr. Mitch Maulfair
Eric Peisner
Dr. Fitz Harry
Russell Goldberg
Paul Stenzler, Emeritus Director
Faye Novick, Emeritus Director
Elise Schilowitz, Emeritus Director
Elliott Davis, Emeritus Director
Say Hi to the Friends of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services
The Friends of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services is a committee of dedicated JPSS volunteers. This vibrant social group offers friendship and camaraderie, often enjoying lunch together after meetings. They organize events such as the annual Pavilion Fashion Show and Grand Cocktail Party, and the Friends volunteer at 40 elder-care facilities to support JPSS programs for Jewish holidays and Shabbat. They also provide one-on-one visits with seniors, offering personal connection and companionship.
Friends meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at One Senior Place in Altamonte Springs. We welcome your ideas and support in helping Jewish Pavilion Senior Services bring joy and Jewish culture to residents of elder-care communities. Join us and make a difference!
To join the Friends of Jewish Pavilion Senior Services, call 407-678-9363 or email Nancy Ludin at NancyLudin@JewishPavilion.org.