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.

Older Adult Services • Teen & Adult Mental Health 

Support • Financial Help • And So Much More

You can also chat 

with us online at 

Jhelp.org.

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund 
 and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

It’s FREE. It’s confidential. 
It’s here for you. 

Call 1-248-592-2650

