#USA #New York #New Jewish Home #Eight Over Eighty #Aging Leaders

Celebrating Remarkable Lives at The New Jewish Home

On May 28, 2025, the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City was transformed into a venue celebrating resilience and impactful aging as The New Jewish Home hosted its 10th annual "Eight Over Eighty" gala. This event not only honored ten extraordinary individuals but also raised $1.1 million to support health care services for older New Yorkers.

Honorees of the Night

Among the honorees were versatile figures like Bob and Diane Abrams, who have made lasting impacts in public service and law, alongside Michael Bornstein, a vocal survivor of the Holocaust. The gala also paid tribute to Judy Collins, a celebrated singer-songwriter; Delia Ephron, known for her contributions to film and theater; and David Freeman, a staunch advocate for environmental justice. Other noteworthy figures included journalist Carol Jenkins, caregiver Marianne Kerner, jazz icon Houston Person, and author-poet Judith Viorst.

The Spirit of Aging

Dr. Jeffrey Farber, President and CEO of The New Jewish Home, welcomed attendees with a touching reminder that aging should be embraced rather than feared. His remarks resonated with the evening’s theme of celebrating those who continue to bring about significant change and creativity despite the passage of time. In his words, "Tonight, we honor trailblazers over 80—groundbreaking icons of the arts, journalism, and public service."

Highlights from the Evening

Hosted by CBS News' Dr. Jonathan LaPook, the evening was filled with inspiring moments. Each honoree was introduced through emotional video tributes that depicted their ongoing contributions to society and their remarkable life stories. These films beautifully illustrated that advancing age can be synonymous with continued dynamism and commitment, redefining perceived limitations associated with aging.

Among the evening's highlights was the presentation of the Spirit Award to Harold Iselin, who has dedicated himself to advancing The New Jewish Home's mission through his work in Government Law and Policy. His efforts reflect the evening’s overarching message about the capability and vitality of older generations.

A Platform for Future Leaders

The gala also featured graduates of SkillSpring, an initiative that empowers young adults from underserved backgrounds. Sharing their transformational experiences, these individuals highlighted how the program has cultivated their career aspirations in health care, emphasizing the importance of community and purpose in achieving ambitions.

A Stellar Guest List

The event attracted numerous notable figures, including previous honorees like Letty Cottin Pogrebin, a founding member of Ms. Magazine, and influential leaders from various sectors such as Ruth Messinger, who formerly served as the Manhattan Borough President. Their presence not only emphasized the event's significance but also served as a beacon of inspiration for all attendees, reinforcing that community support is paramount in fostering change.

With dignitaries like Hadassah Lieberman, former Senator Joe Lieberman's widow, and executives from major health and philanthropic organizations, the gala marked a high point in recognizing the vital contributions of 80-plus-year-olds.

Conclusion

The New Jewish Home, an organization committed to promoting the well-being of older adults since 1848, demonstrates through events like the "Eight Over Eighty" gala that age can be a platform for valuable contributions. As it continues to serve individuals of all backgrounds and ethnicities, the emphasis on aging positively and purposefully is a cornerstone of The New Jewish Home's mission. The powerful stories shared at the gala serve as a reminder of the potential that lies within every stage of life, and the importance of celebrating each achievement, no matter how old the bearer may be.