Featured Residents: Ronni and Jack Hirschfield

Ronni and Jack Hirschfield have plenty of love to go around: for one another, for their senior living community, and for Jewish Pavilion Senior Services (JPSS).

When the couple moved to Central Florida from Delray Beach five years ago, they weren’t sure which local community would be the best fit.

“Our daughter was asking around at the various synagogues to find out which facilities had the best Yiddishkeit,” says Ronni.

After a short stay at a different senior community, the Hirschfields found a warm, welcoming home at Grand Living Park at Lake Mary.

“We love it at Grand Living. Every day, we are happy here,” says Ronni. “And we love the Jewish Pavilion for helping to get us here.”

Both she and Jack grew up in Parkchester, a middle-class development in the east Bronx, New York City. One of Jack’s friends suggested that he take Ronni on a date, and the two have been a couple ever since.

“My friend asked how the date went, and I told him, ‘It was pretty good. I think I’ll marry her,’” recalls Jack.

And he did. Jack and Ronni were wed in August of 1963. Now, nearly 63 years later, the Hirschfields have three children and seven grandchildren. Soon, they will also have a great-grandchild to add to their joy-filled lives. They also find joy through JPSS and their senior community.

“Grand Living has a vibrant Jewish community, and we have many Jewish friends here,” says Ronni. “Friday night services are twice a month, and we get to celebrate at Passover, at Chanukah, and at Purim.

Ronnie and Jack were both fans of Susan Bernstein, a former JPSS program director who led Shabbat services at Grand Living. Susan has since moved out of state, but she and the Hirschfields still stay in touch. JPSS program director Sindi Ackman now leads the services, and the Hirschfields have been impressed with her, as well.

“The Jewish Pavilion, combined with good facilities like Grand Living, serve a really valuable function of bringing Jewish people together,” says Jack.