Ruth Neinstein

When all my children moved out, and my husband passed away, I prided myself in being totally independent. I think I got that trait from my mother who passed away at the age of 97, and though she lived with me for the last ten years of her life remained completely independent. After a short while though, it became difficult for me to walk making shopping too hard to do alone. I also felt lonely due to my inability to go out. To me, moving in with a child was something I would never even consider. First of all because I am so proud of the beautiful lives they have made for themselves that I in no way want to impose on them. Second, I shuddered at the thought of feeling dependent on other people, even my family.

Then, a dear friend recommended Ateret Avot. When I understood that what they offered was a retirement hotel I just couldn’t wait to make the move. The wonderful Scharf family welcomed me with open arms and for all the time I’ve been here have been nothing less than anxious to please. They are very giving people. Living at Ateret Avot has been a dream. I receive three absolutely delicious meals every day. The days fly by as there is a full daily program of entertainment. They also provide us with a truly enriching religious experience, from daily lectures to the highest standards of Kashrus.

The most wonderful part of Ateret Avot for me though, is the friendship. I am surrounded by friends I have truly come to love and there is a feeling of us all being in this together. There has not been even a moment of loneliness for me because my entire experience here is shared by my “Ateret Avot family”. We spend our days together and boy do we have fun. The Scharfs really make sure of it. “We all know we’re old fogies but we like to be treated like kids.