
Collat Jewish Family Services
Joel and Bunny Rotenstreich have been involved with Collat Jewish Family Services since its’ founding in the 1980s. Photo courtesy of Joel Blackstock.
Collat Jewish Family Services’ (CJFS) sixth annual Hands Up Together event will honor community volunteers Joel and Bunny Rotenstreich. The May 11 event at Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre marks the 25th anniversary of CJFS as an independent agency, which provides comprehensive social support services along with outreach and education programs to both the Jewish and general community and specializes in serving adults age 60 and older.
The Rotenstreichs have been involved as volunteers with CJFS since its founding, beginning with Bunny’s work in the 1980s to help resettle Russian immigrants in Birmingham.
“I visited several apartment buildings near the synagogues to negotiate affordable rent and to house these newcomers close to one another to establish their own community in Birmingham,” Bunny said. “They were all so far away from home and did not speak English. It was wonderful that CJFS started the English as a Second Language classes to help them acclimate, and I understand many of them remain engaged in the program today.
“We found several couples in the community who were open to extending their family and opening their homes to these people for celebrations and family meals. Sherri and David Romanoff were one of our Friendship Families, so that made it even more meaningful that they are chairing the Hands Up Together event this year.”
Bunny later served two terms on the organization’s board and now volunteers in the agency’s newest program, CJFS CARES, a respite and enrichment program for individuals and families affected by memory care issues.
Joel also noted the important of the organization’s Buz-a-Bus program for seniors.
“My mother was a Buz-A-Bus rider up through the time she was 89 years old,” Bunny said. “I was always willing to take her to doctor’s appointments, but she didn’t want to bother me. Maxine Lapidus, a CJFS volunteer at the time, made me understand that older adults value their independence and want to keep it as long as possible. A ride on Buz-A-Bus was a bright spot in my mother’s day. That program truly saved my life!”
The May 11 event will feature Euan Morton, who was nominated for a Tony Award for his starring role on Broadway in Taboo, a musical based on the life of ’80s pop star George Michael. He’s also received acclaim for playing the title role in the Tony Kushner/Maurice Sendak adaptation of Brundibar at New York’s New Victory Theatre and for his role as Leo Frank in Parade at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
“Euan is a phenomenal singer and performer, but he’s also witty and utterly charming with an audience. Add brilliant pianist Bryan Reeder to the mix and you have the perfect show,” said Sherri Romanoff, co-chair of this year’s event along with her husband, David. “In addition, Euan’s wife has family in Birmingham and all are familiar with the impact CJFS has on helping older adults live independently for as long as possible with enhanced quality of life.”
For sponsorship and ticket information for the event, visit cjfsbham.org or call 879-3438.
-Submitted by Collat Jewish Family Services