MAY 2 • 2024 | 25

seniors with a song or other performance.
Prior to the first event, a lot of thought 
was given to just how much structure would 
be needed. “Summer 2023, our campers 
from Camp Gan Israel at The Shul had the 
first visit to Meer Apartments,
” Itty said. 
“The chairs in the rooms were set up so 
every other had a bright cushion marking 
the seats for the 4-year-olds.
“Every single pair worked!” Itty recalled. 
“The feeling in the room was literally like 
we were at a simchah. Really, really joyful.
”
Parents said their children came home 
and shared that Grandfriends was the best 
day of camp. “This was wonderful, yet 
surprising to hear considering how much 
more traditional fun is packed into camp,
” 
Itty shared.
One child particpant had recently 
lost his grandfather. After participating 

in Grandfriends, the child came home 
overjoyed and told his parents, “I have a 
new zaydie!”
Jennifer Kravis, mother of Harper, 4, 
shared she knew her daughter had an innate 
ability to bring joy to others. 
 “The Grandfriends delight in the kids and 
make them feel seen and loved,
” Kravis said. 
“Harper paired with Mar and they “took to 
each other right away,
” she said.
Not only were the program organizers 
initially unsure of just how much structure 
and facilitating would be needed, but the 
seniors also were worried of being able to 
do their part. One great-grandmother who 
would be meeting with her own great-
grandchild worried and asked, “Who will 
drive the child home?” 
The staff told the seniors their only “job” 
was to have quality and undistracted time 

with the child. Any other needs would be 
taken care of. 
“The seniors are giving a tremendous 
gift to the children,
” Itty said. “Children are 
not used to having someone there for them 
with no phones. Time fully engaged is a 
gigantic gift.
”
After the initial success in January 
2024, Grandfriends sessions took place 
at two locations, Meer Apartments and 
All Seasons of West Bloomfield. Plans are 
already in the works for further expansion 
of Grandfriends. Grandfriends Mini, 
next on the horizon, is a mommy-and-
me experience for even younger children 
accompanied by their parent to participate 
in the Grandfriends experience. 

To learn more, visit theshul.net/grandfriends or reach out 

to Mussie Shemtov at (248) 757-3015.

Shirley H. putting 
a mustache on 
Heshel Pinson

Ruth K. smiling 
with Arya

Rafi Mendelson with his 
great-grandma Rene Leiberman

Grandfriends at All 
Seasons playing 
parachute together