"I’m not retiring !" Ruth Bick Richman said at her 95th Birthday, hosted by the Friends of Melabev. "Not retiring" from what? From being a volunteer. Granted, Ruth Richman is a particularly spirited soul, who looks some 30 years younger than her chronological age. She still enjoys yoga, and wouldn't consider leaving home without wearing heels.
Ruth only came to live in Israel at the age of 78, when she arrived with her husband, Nathan, after he had already been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Ruth registered him in the Melabev day care center in San Simon, now led by Sarit Doron. "The staff at Melabev treated Nathan with such respect, said Ruth. "Melabv saved me." Shortly after Nathan began attending the center, Ruth started helping there and working with the Friends of Melabev on fundraising events. "I am proud that I can help by volunteering," she explained in her birthday address.
Motti Zelikovitch, Director-General, said , "Ruth's adventurous spirit touched me deeply. We at Melabev are grateful to her for her volunteering and wish her to continue until 120." Several well-wishers, including Leah Abramowitz, described Ruth as an "inspiration." Nancy Brown, Chairperson of the Friends of Melabev, is shown here presenting birthday flowers.
Melabev is not the only non-profit organization in town to benefit from the youthful energy and "go-getter" spirit of Ruth. Members of her synagogue and of Hadassah came to join the celebration the Friends of Melabev arranged in her honor at the Zionist Archives.
By the same token, Ruth is not the only Senior citizen who volunteers with Melabev. More than 30 of the active crew of volunteers are well past "retirement" age.
Whatever your age, if you volunteer in Melabev you too might find it the elixir to a long life !
To choose a volunteer possibility that's right for you click here or contact Naomi Adelman, Coordinator of Volunteer Services at Melabev: 052-720-3039
