Caring for your parents and respecting our elders were part of our family’s tradition which I observed early in my...
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SESQUICENTENNIAL
A big word befitting a major milestone.
Celebrate our 150th anniversary with us.
You can read about us, share your story and memories of our organization, continue to be a part of our dedicated supporters or join our family now. You might consider taking up residency in one of our beautiful apartments comprising our new Lynne & Roy M. Frank Residences located on our vibrant campus, or allow us to provide a haven for your loved one at Jewish Home & Rehab Center. There’s so much to explore. Let’s continue to make history together!
Read MoreLOOK WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Interactive Timeline
2022
1850 — 1865
Thousands of Jews are among the quarter of a million people making the arduous journey to Northern California. A number of these pioneering Jews become immensely successful, and are well represented among the early political leaders, judges, and sheriffs. Others distinguish themselves in business. In later generations, the extensive philanthropy of these first families makes their names well-known in Northern California to Jew and non-Jew alike.
1871
1871
This sees the year of our “birth,” when the Pacific Hebrew Orphan Asylum and Home Society is incorporated “to found and maintain an asylum for orphan children” and “to establish and support a Home for aged and infirm Israelites.”
1872
1872
The Society purchases our foundational site at Silver and Mission, constructing a rambling two-story wooden Victorian building.
1891
1891
What will later become so familiar a name as the Jewish Home opens its doors to 12 residents. How many residents have come through our doors since then!
1900
1900
Captain Julius Friedman dies; his estate gift enables the purchase of the nine-acre land parcel on which the campus is built.
1906
1906
A huge earthquake and fire destroys much of San Francisco. Many of our organization’s original documents are lost in this disaster.
1920s
1920
In accordance with the time and custom, proper dress benefits these two proper residents enjoying their spot in the sun.
1923
1923
Our old wooden structure is replaced with a red brick Roman-pillared building. Designed by prominent architect Samuel Lightner Hyman, it represents one of the few examples of American Georgian or Georgian Revival architecture in San Francisco.
1937
1937
After four years, construction of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge is complete. On May 27, 1937, as many as 200,000 people walked across the stunning span to celebrate the opening.
1940s
1940
Hatted and suited residents raise flags and their voices on a celebratory occasion. Even though the attire may have changed since then, celebrating our residents’ milestone events is something that has never has never gone out of style.
1950s
1950
Of course the visiting grandchildren can stand on the cake-bedecked table! After all, it is a party. It is worth noting that residents’ monthly birthday celebrations is one of our time-honored traditions. Grandkids may not nowadays be hopping on the tables, but staff and residents alike delight in the live music, some dancing and, naturally, the singing of “Happy Birthday.”
1969
1969
Construction of the campus’s Edward & Marion Goodman Building provides 176 beds for skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.
1980s
1980
If music be the food of love, play (and jukebox jive!) on. These residents show that aging is no barrier to having fun.
1984
1984
The campus’s 82-bed Koret Center comes into being, providing maximum medical and nursing care and rehabilitation.
1990s
1990
Our longstanding pet-friendly policy and community provides a delightful opportunity to have a parakeet from one of our aviaries perch on one’s finger.
1995
1995
Our new Howard A. Friedman Pavilion – a 120-bed skilled medical and nursing care facility – provides specialized rehabilitative services, as well as short-term and long-term care in a space defined by its soaring atriums and skylights.
2006
2006
The campus’s Barbara & Richard Rosenberg Family Center opens, housing a new modern kitchen, medical clinics, geriatric research center, synagogue, and centers for fitness and creative arts.
2016
2016
October of this year sees our organization making its most momentous move in its history to date – from the ground up. The ceremonial commencement of our campus’s most extensive redevelopment heralds the birth (and building) of The Lynne & Roy M. Frank Residences and Byer Square.
2018
2018
Due to the prohibitive cost of seismically retrofitting our Jewish Home’s landmark Roman-pillared building, the difficult decision is made to have it demolished. But wait until you see what takes its place!
2020
2020
Coronavirus pandemic strikes, presaging a global impact. Our organization’s response is swift: an entire floor of our Friedman Pavilion is converted to admit post-acute COVID-19 patients coming directly from a hospital stay. The ventilation is redone, an elevator is assigned solely for COVID patients, and a special shower room is set up for staff. From the donning and doffing of personal protective equipment to working in a buddy system, everything possible is carried out to provide safety for our staff and the patients who would be depending on us.
2020
2020
Our much broader spectrum of living and community-based options that will support thousands of older adults and their family members are realized. With its modern, bright apartments, outdoor terraces, innovative programs, and state-of-the art amenities, The Lynne & Roy M. Frank Residences offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The unique and dynamic community resource known as Byer Square is our on-site and online center that spans fitness and wellness, lifelong learning experiences, arts and culture, outpatient services, care and support, engagement and connection.
2021
2021
We celebrate 150 years of serving our community with care, compassion, awareness, responsiveness, and dignity.
WONDERFUL WORDS FROM
SOME OF OUR STAFF
We asked a number of our diverse staff to answer either “I make a difference at SFCJL by …” or “What I love about SFCJL.”
Hover over their photos to read what they shared.
“
What I love about SFCJL are the residents I get to meet and get to know. I love hearing the stories they tell me about their lives, so we always share personal stories and it means so much.
—Clifton Grigsby, driver (37 years’ service)
“
I love SFCJL because I found the love of my life here!
—Karen Barquilla, nursing (23 years’ service)
“
I love to work with my residents who I love very much. And I always say this, “Keep on smiling and everybody will smile back!”
—Frieda Saenz, beautician (50 years’ service)
“
I love that SFCJL is dog-friendly. Having my dogs come to work with me is awesome!
—Pam Biasotti, information technology (11 years’ service)
“
The staff at SFCJL are truly motivated by the impacts they have on the lives of our residents and patients. The vision of the future extends beyond what’s necessary and dares to ask, “What’s possible?”
—Josh Moomaw, information technology (5 years’ service)
“
When I was hired 25 years ago, somehow I knew I would stay for a long time because I felt the warmth, compassion, and respect from everyone. I remain thankful, for here I experienced growth not only professionally but also personally.
—Mediatrix Valera, life enrichment (25 years’ service; retired)
“
The people I work with have an amazing heart and the drive to help and do what’s best for our patients and residents.
—Mario Lemay, director/management (10 years’ service)
“
I love that SFCJL treats our residents and patients as individuals with their own preferences and needs, that it takes the time to get to know people, and demonstrates true caring. I always worked to motivate staff to think the same way and I hope I produced a ”family” environment to promote teamwork.
—Mark Fiedlander, executive director (41 years’ service; retired)
“
I love the feeling of community and family. I love the standard SFCJL has always set. I love having the privilege of working with people in their own homes. I love following the cycle of the Jewish year.
—Gary Tanner, art specialist (35 years’ service; retired)
“
It’s the community! There is so much heart and history at SFCJL. I love working with the residents and hearing about their rich life experiences. I am grateful every day to be a part of this community.
—Rebecca Holzman, life enrichment (3 years’ service)
“
SFCJL provides quality care to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Staff are friendly and dedicated to the mission.
—Victor Wright, business analyst (3 years’ service; past employee)
“
I love our residents, my co-workers, and most especially my team. The happiness that this organization brings to my every day does not make me feel that I am at work because it makes me feel that I am home. It’s like every day leaving home to go to my second home.
—Mary Anne “Mac” Cunanan, EVS supervisor (7 years’ service)
“
Being able to work with talented and great nurses who constantly amaze me by going above and beyond is truly inspiring.
—Marlon Musto, materials management (20 years’ service)
“
I feel like I’m always at home. It’s comforting and we take care of each other – like a family.
—Alice Sembrano, nursing (20 years’ service)
“
I am very proud of our organization for its mission statement to enrich the lives of older adults. I adore our dedicated and caring staff, and feel personally fulfilled every day to be a part of this family.
—Ran Malool, facility operations (12 years’ service; past employee)
SHARE YOUR STORY
You’re learning more about us, but we’d love to learn about you. Why not tell us your story? After all, you’re an important part of our history and you deserve to take your place in our narrative. Let us know how and why you’re connected to our organization. Share your special memories of SFCJL or your hopes for our combined future.
ROMA BARNES
Roma began her life in Demblin, Poland, a small town in just east of Krakow, in 1930. She was dearly...
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CLAIRE & JIM DAVIS
Congratulations to the entire SFCJL Community on our 150th anniversary. My family has been involved with the Jewish Home for...
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MEET THE KRIEGERS
Steve and Arlene first met when they were in primary school but didn’t start ‘dating’ until they were 13 years...
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ABOUT SFCJL 150TH
Since 1871, and with generous support from the community, we have thoughtfully and continually enlarged and expanded our facilities and services to align with the changing needs and wants of older adults and their families.
During the course of our evolution, we have offered the gamut of senior care options: independent living; a comprehensive day care center; skilled nursing; long-term and short-term care; specialized rehabilitation services; acute geriatric psychiatry; post-acute care; and our most recent additions, independent and assisted living, and memory care.
Should you or your loved one need short-term care and exceptional rehab services, we offer that, too. Also on our campus is our acute geriatric psychiatry hospital, devoted to providing behavioral health services exclusively designed for older adults.
And now, to accommodate seniors’ diverse and changing needs, interests and wishes, we’ve redeveloped our campus to serve a significantly broader range and a much larger number of the Bay Area’s growing older adult population (as well as their families and caregivers) – either at SFCJL or within individuals’ own homes and in the community. Our transformed campus offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care in the new Lynne & Roy M. Frank Residences, while Byer Square comprises an unique hub of wellness, engagement, and activities.
SUPPORT US TODAY; TAKE US INTO THE FUTURE
We couldn’t do it without you! With your continued or new support, you’ve helped us pay homage to the past, cement the present, and anticipate a bright future for all of us.
You can help support the rich and robust programs and services (or whatever else we offer that touches your heart) that make SFCJL this special place. No gift is too small, and our appreciation for your thoughtful generosity is huge.
Please click on the Donate tab. As you do so, please know that our heartfelt gratitude is similarly transmitted to you. Thank you for helping bring us to this momentous time. Here’s to the next 150 years – and beyond.
LEARN MORE
To connect with the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living,
please fill out and submit the following form.