--- title: Lessons Learned at the Northeast NORC description: At the Northeast NORC (naturally occurring retirement community) we had an incredible opportunity to use these skills to help older adults living alone in our own Philadelphia community. image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/chaya-litchman-1.png --- [![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/) - [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1) - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/) - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/) - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/) - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news) - 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For some of these homes, there was little physical work to be done; we ended up spending most of the time conversing with the homeowners. Hearing these people share their life stories was an eye-opening experience. The first family my group went to was a grandmother who had her daughter and her grandchildren visiting from Israel. As Diller eagerly awaits our trip to Israel, it was interesting to hear what it was like for someone who grew up in Philadelphia to make Aliyah. We got to discuss cultural differences and the difference in the way people do things in both countries. The second home my group went to was a women living by herself. She told us the story of her life and life lessons she had learned. Her advice to us was that being independent is a gift. Connection is meaningful, but first we need to learn about ourselves. She then spoke about anti-Semitic incidents happening in her neighborhood. It was the first night of Chanukah and she was debating not putting the menorah in the window, because she was afraid of what the neighbors might say. We talked it out with her and in the end, we lit the candles and said the blessings her. Knowing that Diller inspired someone to light their menorah was a very positive experience. Overall, the volunteering for NORC wasn’t just about housework, it was about interacting with these strong individuals and keeping them company. They benefited from our work, and we benefited from hearing what they had to say. ## CONTACT INFORMATION [teenprograms@jewishphilly.org](mailto:teenprograms@jewishphilly.org) Share [Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.jewishphilly.org/lessons-learned-at-the-northeast-norc&title=Lessons%20Learned%20at%20the%20Northeast%20NORC) [Share on Twitter](http://twitter.com/home?status=Lessons%20Learned%20at%20the%20Northeast%20NORC+https://blog.jewishphilly.org/lessons-learned-at-the-northeast-norc) [Share by Email](mailto:?subject=Lessons%20Learned%20at%20the%20Northeast%20NORC&body=Lessons%20Learned%20at%20the%20Northeast%20NORC%20-%20https://blog.jewishphilly.org/lessons-learned-at-the-northeast-norc) ### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter [Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) # Related Posts ## Blog June 30, 2026 # From Local Jewish Federation Real Estate Grants to Federal Investment: What Needs to be Done for Jewish Communal Security ## Blog June 29, 2026 # Upcoming Jewish Federation Events in July ## Blog June 26, 2026 # The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mobilizes Community Members for Advocacy Day in Harrisburg [Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Find us on ![JFGP_KO_rgb](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JFGP_KO_rgb.png?width=300&height=84&name=JFGP_KO_rgb.png) Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Two Commerce Square 2001 Market Street, Suite 2300 Philadelphia, PA 19103 [215.832.0500](tel:1-215-832-0500) | [info@jewishphilly.org](mailto:info@jewishphilly.org) *The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomes the participation of Jews across the religious spectrum, interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. 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