JUNE 27 • 2024 | 19
J
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mother’s life meant to him.
“In instances like this, life
doesn’t get any better,
” he said.
“This makes life worth living.
And she really does. She’s been
a wonderful mother. If man-
kind could live like my mother,
with her thinking, we wouldn’t
have as many problems.
”
Rabbi Dovid Polter, who
leads the Jewish Community
Chaplaincy Program at JSL,
attended the festivities as well.
He has been close with Fox for
years.
“We’ve had some very good
talks over the years. She has a
strong Jewish heart,
” he said.
“109 years old in her state is
very unusual. She’s a very wise,
humble, sweet, special lady.
”
One of Fox’s granddaughters,
Fran Newman, spoke on behalf
of the family. Newman thanked
JSL CEO Nancy Heinrich, JSL
staff and the Jewish Federation
of Detroit at large for doing
everything they can to support
Rachel over the years.
“We are truly so incredibly
blessed, you guys have kept her
alive,
” Newman said. “Not every
community has something like
this. You all have a hand in this
special occasion. We’re so grate-
ful for your efforts.
”
The last time the JN wrote
about Fox was for her 105th
birthday in the middle of the
COVID-19 pandemic. For that
birthday, Fox was surprised
with a parade of decorated
cars driven by her family and a
visit from the West Bloomfield
police and fire department who
came in with their sirens and
lights flashing.
Fox was not only celebrating
her 105th birthday at the time,
but she was also rejoicing in
the fact she beat a mild case of
COVID-19.
This pandemic isn’t the only
pandemic Fox lived through.
When she was 3 years old, the
Spanish Flu, or the 1918 flu
pandemic, broke out world-
wide. She also lived through the
polio epidemic.
Above all, Fox is grateful.
“I’ve lived to 109. What more
can you ask out of life? God
has been good to me,
” Fox said.
“I’ve seen terrible things in my
life, but it ends up with good
things, not bad things.
”
One piece of advice Fox has
for the younger generation?
Simple. Just be kind to each
other.
“That’s the main thing. Be
kind to all people. Give to char-
ity. And to be decent. That’s
what life is all about.
”
Rachel Fox blows out her birthday
candles with help from family members.
Who to
who to
call
call.
when you
don’t know
During challenging times, the Detroit Jewish
community is here to help. Managed by
Jewish Family Service (JFS), Jhelp is staffed
by knowledgeable professionals ready to
guide you to the Jewish Detroit resources
you need.
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Support • Financial Help • And So Much More
You can also chat
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