Past Presidents
Yetta Stein*
1931-1935
Rosa Legum*
1936-1939
Sophie Dopkin*
1939-1940
Lillian Goldstone*
1940-1943
Rhea Offit*
1943-1945
Poppy Weiner*
1945 - 1947
Flo Fineman*
1947 - 1949
Lucille Colliver*
1949 - 1951
Ruth Marcus Thomas*
1953 - 1954
Etta Hornstein*
1953 - 1955
Teressa Snyder*
1955 - 1957
Margery Singer*
1957-1959
Sylvia Bear*
1959 - 1961
Frances Schwartz*
1963 - 1965
Gloria Harris*
1965 - 1967
Sue Kohn
1967 - 1969
Trudy Goldman
1969 - 1971
Barbara Sussman
1971 - 1973
Frances Goldstein*
1973 - 1975
Carole Fradkin
1975 - 1977
Eunice Heyman*
1977 - 1979
Louise Lebowitz*
1979 - 1981
Janet Feinberg
1981 - 1983
Alice Goodman
1983 - 1984
Sharon Kushner
1984 - 1986
Ina Feldman
1986 - 1988
Marcia Narun
1988 - 1990
Irene Sherman
1990 - 1992
Wendy Branoff
1990 - 1992
Catherine Max
1992 - 1993
Linda Hurwitz
1994 - 1996
Linda Elman
1996 - 1998
Elissa Ness
1998 - 2000
Amy Sloane
2000 -2002
Eve Vogelstein
2002 -2004
Laura Poliakoff
2004 - 2006
Rina Janet*
2006 - 2007
Barbara Hyatt
2007 - 2008
Sora Greenlinger
2008 - 2010
Betsy Narrow
2010 - 2013
Ellie Kagan
2013 - 2014
Esther Jacobson
2014 - 2016
Marcia Bornfriend
2016 - 2018
Rochelle Bohrer
2018 - 2020
Iris Miller
2020 - 2022
1899-2003
From early Colonial times to the present, Jews have played an important role in the life of
Baltimore. Whether in business, the arts or in public service, there was always the undercurrent of
caring for the community, a sensitivity for those in need that became the catalyst for today’s
Levindale Auxiliary.
The Jewish population in the 1880s increased as immigrants sought to escape the persecution of their
native European lands. Although the Hebrew Benevolent Society saw to the needs of a few, it was soon
apparent that a new agency was needed to cope with the growing numbers, and in 1890, a small group
established the Hebrew Friendly Inn, on Harrison Street near Fayette. When larger quarters were
needed, in 1892 it moved to 1153 E. Lombard Street. As some elderly Jewish residents became
destitute, several rooms were put aside for their care.
With increasing volumes, volunteers were needed to help with the care of the residents of the Inn.
And so, here is how the Auxiliary began, over a hundred years ago.
1899-1910
Presidents: Mrs. Paul S. Levy, Mrs. Selig Seidman, Mrs. Harry B. Wolf
On November 13, 1899, the Ladies Auxiliary Society of the Hebrew Friendly Inn at Lombard Street was
organized. They supplied clothing, bed and table linens, dishes and kitchen utensils for the
residents’ use.
The Friendly Inn moved again in 1904, this time to Aisquith Street. The Auxiliary was very active in
raising funds to finance the purchase, with strawberry festivals and whist parties. The dedication
of the Home culminated in a grand ball with entertainment to honor the Ladies Auxiliary Society.
Caring for the old was now a permanent policy, and the name was changed to the Hebrew Friendly Inn
and Aged Home.
In 1908, Jewish institutions and charitable organizations in East Baltimore consolidated as the
United Hebrew Charities. Auxiliaries of the various organizations also consolidated and raised large
sums of money for each of the agencies with a large and successful Purim ball at the Fifth Regiment
Armory.
1910-1930
Presidents: Mrs. Moses Rubin, Mrs. Getzel Levenson, Mrs. D. Glyder, Mrs. Wolf Becker, Mrs.
William Ribakow, Mrs. Herman Puretz
A separate auxiliary for the institution was again deemed advisable, and was organized under the
leadership of Mrs. Moses Rubin. As adjoining buildings of the Inn were acquired to accommodate the
sick and chronically ill, that part became the Hebrew Home for Incurables, with its own ladies
auxiliary and Mrs. William A. Ribakow as its president. Mrs. Wolf Becker was president of the Hebrew
Home for the Aged.
In time, with some of the buildings that housed the aged, infirm and "incurables" deteriorating,
consolidation of the two institutions became necessary, and the residents were moved to the current
Levindale site at Belvedere and Greenspring Avenues. Both auxiliaries were merged and became known
as the Ladies Auxiliary of the Hebrew Home for the Aged and Infirm at Levindale. Its first president
was Mrs. Herman Puretz.
1931-1940
Presidents: Yetta Stein, Rosa Legum, Sophie Dopkin
In addition to continuing its former activities of supplying kitchen and household necessities and
clothing, the Auxiliary was now involved in occupational therapy (with training received at Sinai
Hospital), recreation and patient welfare. Occupational therapy included knitting, weaving mats
and making baskets. Recreational activities included lay and professional entertainment and
festivals. Patient welfare included interior decorating, enhancing patient rooms, arranging weekly
outings and making personal contact with the residents.
1940-1949
Presidents: Lillian Goldstone, Rhea Offit, Peppy Weiner, Flo Fineman
The Auxiliary furnished the newly decorated Macht Nurses Home. Mrs. Goldstone began the Retention
Dues Committee and earned an outstanding record for collecting past dues. World War II created
personnel shortages, and 60 to 70 Auxiliary women became Volunteer Nurses Aides. Refurnishing the
Home was a major project.
The Auxiliary president was invited to participate in Levindale Day ceremonies. War efforts
continued, with donations of packages to USO and Volunteer Nurses Aides. Levindale residents
harvested a Victory Garden. An office for the Auxiliary was opened, and residents published a
newsletter.
The Auxiliary completely furnished an Occupational Therapy Department. Musical therapy and a
resident-operated tailor shop were introduced. The Nurses Home got its first TV set. The
Auxiliary president instituted weekly tours for Auxiliary officers to establish personal contact
with residents in the Home.
1949-1959
Presidents: Lucille Colliver, Ruth Thomas, Etta Hornstein, Teresa Snyder, Margery Singer
Dannenberg
A mobile library cart was started, and the first Occupational Therapy course sponsored by the
Auxiliary began. The Auxiliary hired its first full-time secretary. A residents’ beauty parlor
was established. The group joined the Maryland Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. The Candy
Kitchen opened. The Auxiliary funded a ceramics program and equipment for Occupational Therapy.
The Sewing Committee took special orders for maids’ aprons.
The Ladies Auxiliary took over the Men’s Board Visiting Committee and expanded the service to include
all residents. Funding activities began for remodeling the synagogue. The Candelabra Room was
dedicated. Straw hats were worn at the Village Fair for the first time. The Baking Group was
added to the Candy Kitchen. Auxiliary volunteer pins were designed and presented for the first
time. The first director of Volunteers was hired.
The new synagogue was dedicated. The Welcoming Committee was established as a branch of the
Visiting Committee. Monday night Bingo for Infirmary patients and live Wednesday night
entertainment pleased the residents.
The Junior Volunteer Program was established, and the first issue of the Levindale Light was
published. Advice columnist Ann Landers was the guest for a paid-up membership meeting.
1959-1969
Presidents: Sylvia Bear, Ethel Weiss, Frances Schwartz, Gloria Harris, Sue Kohn
The Special Feeding Committee helped residents unable to feed themselves. Distinctive gift cards
were printed for the first time in 1959, using sketches designed and donated by local artists.
Auxiliary volunteers staffed the canteen in the Klaff Recreation Room.
The Burk Building was dedicated in 1962. Volunteer smocks were changed to pinafores. Boxes of
artificial greens were placed in various areas throughout the Home. It rained both years of the
Village Fair during the presidency of Ethel Weiss, necessitating a Herculean move indoors.
The Volunteer Bake Shop was in full operation with large chocolate cakes going for $2.25. A
membership drive yielded 300 new members. Pearls were added to the volunteer pins, indicating
hours of service. The Village Fair became an all-day affair, attracting husbands and children.
New member orientation meetings were held. Levindale staffers and Men’s Board members were invited
to speak at Auxiliary board meetings. The Sheltered Workshop was started in 1964.
Membership totaled 4,500 women. "Friend Raising Tours" were given to outside groups in order to
showcase Levindale. The Auxiliary published Relatively Speaking for families of residents.
Volunteers led discussion groups. The 1968 Village Fair raised $12,350. The Store, later renamed
The Gift Shop, was stocked and staffed by the Auxiliary.
1969-1979
Presidents: Trudy Magarill, Barbara Sussman, Frances Goldstein, Carole Fradkin, Eunice
Heyman
Dial-A-Member effort brought in 500 new members. The Auxiliary refurbished the Kahn and Stein
Buildings, and donations brought in new hospital beds, furniture, wallpaper, and other items. With
7,500 members, the Auxiliary became the largest organization in the Maryland Association of Hospital
Auxiliaries The Village Fair had over 500 volunteers and 3,000 attendees.
The Auxiliary funded an outdoor patio and built-in grill, fans and window air conditioners. The
Multi-Purpose Room on the Aged side was refurbished and refurnished.
Lobby and executive offices were redecorated. Hurwitz House opened and was decorated by the
Auxiliary and staffed by volunteers. Professional beauticians staffed the beauty shop.
The Auxiliary office moved from the Kahn-Levy Building. The Bake Shop, the Levindale Sewing Ladies
and the Junior Volunteers were very active. The first Adult Day Care Center was established at
Levindale.
The name was changed to Levindale Auxiliary, and men were now allowed to join. Levindale celebrated
50 years at its present location. Chocolate cakes were now $3.25. A car was donated and raffled
for a profit of $21,000.
1979-1988
Presidents: Louise Leibowitz, Janet Feinberg, Alice Goodman, Sharan Kushner, Ina
Feldman
The Levindale Cookbook was printed. Funding for activities continued. Residents attended ball
games, theaters and concerts.
The synagogue in the Stein Building was refurbished. "Aloha Levindale," a three-day Hawaiian
vacation, came to Levindale. The Levindale Village Fair was replaced with "The Fair, Fashion Show
and Luncheon."
The Auxiliary furnished a family room for the Hospice Program. A tapestry, designed by Sadye Sklar
and handcrafted by Auxiliary members, was dedicated. It took six years to complete and was hung in
the Schwaber Multi-Purpose Room.
The Gift Shop was updated and became profitable with a paid part-time manager. The Auxiliary
donated its first specially equipped bus. The Auxiliary president began to attend monthly
Levindale staff meetings.
The Thrift Shop, previously for residents only, increased the Auxiliary’s income by opening its doors
to the community. Mezuzahs were placed on each doorpost in the Belvedere Building.
1988-1999
Presidents: Marcia Narun, Wendy Branoff, Irene Sherman, Catherine Max, Linda A. Hurwitz,
Linda S. Elman, Elissa B. Ness
"Shop ‘Til You Drop" was introduced as a successful fundraiser. The Welcoming Committee was
re-established and a new fund for the Large Print Library was established. The Auxiliary made
plans to provide Levindale Hospital with a $100,000 gift on its 100th Anniversary, in 1990. The
Auxiliary donated a second specially equipped bus.
The new Levindale facility opened in November 1990 and the Auxiliary moved to new, larger quarters.
The Gift and Thrift Shops moved to more prominent locations off the new lobby. The Auxiliary
became incorporated and new by-laws were written. The Auxiliary donated the third specially
equipped bus.
"Adventures in Literature," a book club with residents and Auxiliary members, was initiated. The
Auxiliary donated the fourth specially equipped bus. The Auxiliary Ad Pad was developed and became
a profitable fundraising tool.
The Auxiliary began its Cooperative Activities Program bringing together Auxiliary members and their
families with residents and their families. The annual "Face-to Face" event was initiated, as was
the "Thanks-for-Giving" program. The highly successful spring fundraiser, "A Night at the Races,"
maximized profits as a result of the Weinberg Matching Challenge Grant.
The Auxiliary office was totally computerized with state-of-the art technology. Life Memberships
were offered fort the first time and 112 Charter Life Members were honored in the Schwaber
Multi-Purpose Room. Levindale and Sinai Hospital merged. Mezuzahs were placed on every door at
Levindale.
The Junior Membership Program was initiated. Levindale became part of LifeBridge Health, and the
Levindale Auxiliary began joint ventures with the Sinai and Northwest Hospital Auxiliaries.
A "Won-to-Won affair for former Levindale board chair and Auxiliary financial officer, Betty L.
Waghelstein, garnered over $20,000 to benefit Levindale residents. Highlights included a dinner,
basketball sensation Tamir Goodman, Spinny Johnson and sessions with pros in personal training, Tae
Bo exercise, golf and ping-pong. The event was held at the home of Linda and Steven Hurwitz.
1999-2012
Presidents: Amy Sloane, Eve Vogelstein, Laura Poliakoff, Rina Janet, Barbara Hyatt, Sora
Greenlinger, Betsy Narrow
Our new millennium continued on with the introduction of "Companion Radio." Thanks to the $25,000
gift from the Auxiliary presented during the Auxiliary’s Annual fundraiser, Levindale and JC&NH
residents were able to enjoy the music and comedy shows of their youth whenever they please. The
radio provided four stations of programming for residents, 24 hours a day. On May 7, 2002, at the
Auxiliary’s spring fundraiser, “Remembering the Past, Building the Future," a check was presented to
Ron Rothstein, President & COO of Levindale, in the amount of $100,000 to benefit the Eden
Alternative Program at Levindale. Our "Wine and Dine for Levindale" was a smashing success honoring
John Abosch, immediate past Chairman of the Board of Levindale. Spinny Johnson from the Harlem
Globetrotters entertained our residents and Junior Auxiliary with his dynamic ball spinning and
trick shot artistry. Passover was enjoyed with our Auxiliary families at the child-conducted Seders.
"Pets on Parade" was started. Animals of all sizes came to parade around the halls to entertain the
residents. A horse, goat and many large dogs visited the Jewish Convalescent and Nursing Home as
well as Levindale. Five new beautiful contribution cards were designed to update our fundraiser.
Beautiful scarves and hats were distributed to the residents at Levindale and JC&NH for
Chanukah. A $25 gift certificate was also presented to all the employees during holiday time. The
Annual Face-to-Face Carnival was started. Popcorn, snowballs, cotton candy, carnival games,
caricatures, prizes and large stuffed animals were enjoyed by residents, families and Auxiliary
members. Eve’s daughter, Claire, made videos to showcase the Auxiliary events. The spring "Ways of
Pleasantness" fundraiser honoring the memory of Rabbi Jacob Pearlmutter, grandparents of Eve
Vogelstein. Kathy Shapiro was honored and the event was held at beautiful Alto Dale. A chance to win
one million dollars was offered at their casino night. The event raised $68,000. The Auxiliary
collected over 1000 Rosh Hashanah cards that were made by children in the community. The cards were
distributed to all the residents as well as the kosher meals on wheels. The Levindale Auxiliary web
page was born under the tutelage of Eve Vogelstein and email correspondence begun.
2012-2020
Presidents: Ellie Kagan, Esther Jacobson, Marcia Bornfriend, Rochelle Bohrer, Iris
Miller