There’s no better feeling than making someone smile.

A Happiness For The Ages

Smile On Seniors supports Jewish seniors across Melbourne through social and cultural programs, companionship, intergenerational connections and pastoral care.

Who we are

Our Purpose

Smile On Seniors exists so that Jewish seniors can continue to experience wellbeing, belonging and connection to community throughout later life.

We are a not-for-profit community organisation that envisions a community where ageing never means becoming disconnected from Jewish identity, relationships or community life, and where seniors remain valued, included and connected across generations.

Today, Smile On Seniors

Reaches more than 300 residents across 25 facilities in Melbourne.

Our Beneficiaries

Jewish residents of non-Jewish Aged Care Facilities and their families.

Why We're Here

Our Mission

Smile On Seniors supports Jewish seniors across Melbourne, with a focus on those living in non-Jewish aged care facilities.

We promote social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing through intergenerational programs, social and cultural activities, volunteer companionship, Jewish celebrations and pastoral care, helping seniors maintain active connections with their identity and community.

What Guides Us

Our Values

Chesed & Compassion

We approach every senior with kindness, empathy, patience and respect.

Joy &
Positivity

We create opportunities for happiness, creativity, celebration and shared experiences at every stage of life.

Community & Belonging

We believe seniors remain an important part of community life, with relationships, experiences and wisdom to share.

Jewish Identity & Connection

Jewish culture, tradition and spirituality are at the heart of our work, creating opportunities to stay connected to Jewish life.

Intergenerational Connection

We bring generations together to build relationships, share stories and strengthen connection across our community.

Our Community

Who Supports Us

Our work is made possible by a community around our seniors. We work alongside volunteers of all ages, families, aged care facilities, community organisations, philanthropic partners and funders to deliver programs and reach seniors across Melbourne.

What Guides Us

Our Values

Happiness

Bringing genuine joy and laughter into every visit, program and celebration we share.

Positivity

Meeting every senior with warmth and optimism, whatever the day brings.

Compassion

Listening closely and responding to the real needs of every person we meet.

Kindness

Small gestures, freely given, that remind seniors they are seen and valued.

Empathy

Understanding each senior's story and walking alongside them with genuine care.

Creativity

Finding new and meaningful ways to connect generations and celebrate together.

Patience

Giving every relationship and every visit the time it truly deserves.

Judaism and Spiritual Awareness

Honouring Jewish identity, tradition and faith in everything we do.

Chesed

Acts of loving-kindness at the heart of our volunteer culture.

Community

Building lasting connections that bring generations together in shared purpose.

Our Journey

Our Story

Smile On Seniors was founded in 2016 by Rabbi Menachem and Esther Stern after seeing the impact of programs they were creating for Jewish residents living in non-Jewish aged care facilities.

They recognised a simple but important need: moving into aged care should not mean losing connection with Jewish community, culture and identity.

From those first programs, Smile On Seniors became the first organisation in Australia established to reach and support Jewish seniors living in non-Jewish aged care.

Today, Smile On Seniors reaches more than 300 seniors across 25 aged care facilities in Melbourne, alongside a growing program of community, intergenerational and volunteer activities.

Our value

Our Team

Behind Smile On Seniors is a small team supported by a much larger community of volunteers, partners and supporters.

Rabbi Menachem Stern

Co-Director

I am the founder of the pastoral care and religious programs at Smile on Seniors. I have a Rabbinical ordination and over two decades of experience in outreach work. I really enjoy seeing how the seniors love and enjoy our programs and I look forward to it every week and chag.

Esther Stern

Co-Director

I am the founder of the intergenerational programs at Smile on Seniors. I really enjoy seeing the beautiful smiles of the seniors when they interact with the children.

Adina Belfer

Program Co-ordinator

I’m the Program Co-ordinator at Smile on Seniors, bringing with me a background in teaching and studies in both Feuerstein methods and nursing. What I love most about this special organization is how we bring Jewish people together from all walks of life – there’s something magical about connecting different generations, sharing the joy of giving, celebrating Shabbat and holidays, and building lasting relationships in our community.

Esther Merel

Administration Officer

Before working for Smile On Seniors, I held an administrative role for another charity, and have also worked in another admin position in the past. I love working for such a special organisation; the senior generation deserves the best, and it’s a privilege to be able to help bring a little extra joy to their lives.

Rabbi Avi Welis

Pastoral Care Assistant

I am honored to join Smile On Seniors and contribute to the mitzvah of chesed by supporting Jewish residents in aged care. Maintaining a connection to Yiddishkeit and Jewish traditions is essential for nurturing neshama (soul) and fostering a sense of belonging. This opportunity allows me to fulfill the Torah value of honoring our elders while bringing joy and comfort to their lives. I look forward to being part of this incredible initiative and helping ensure our seniors feel spiritually and emotionally supported.

Eva Krinsky

Volunteer Coordinator

I have a social work background and have previously worked with seniors in a similar setting. I really enjoy working for such a special organisation as it allows seniors to express and explore their faith through various programs.

Yossi Salamon

Social Media Manager

With a degree in Visual Communication and Design and over 15 years of experience in advertising and marketing, I am passionate about what I do and thrive in dedicated teams. Additionally, supporting seniors in my community is my heartfelt passion, driven by a deep love, respect, and a genuine desire to combat social isolation, fostering an inclusive environment where every senior feels valued and cherished.

Renata Zimbarg

Outreach & Strategy Officer

I’m a cultural manager with experience leading programs and projects in the arts and community sectors. At Smile on Seniors, I support planning, communications, and fundraising efforts. I believe that caring for our elders and fostering intergenerational connections is a powerful way to strengthen our community.

Pesachya Adelist

Pastoral Care Assistant

I recently joined Smiles on Seniors, and it’s already been one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made. Everyone deserves connection, kindness, and a reason to smile, especially our seniors. This amazing organisation brings joy and companionship to those who often feel forgotten, and I’m honored to be part of that mission.

Rabbi Yitzi Schreiber

Pastoral Care Assistant

I grew up in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in the presence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, and was inspired by his deep respect for seniors and the wisdom they carry. I love being part of Smile on Seniors. There is something so special about seeing a senior’s face light up as they reconnect with a Jewish tradition or a song they’ve known all their life. When I’m not visiting aged care facilities, I’m at work, learning, or at home with my wife, Chomi, and our five beautiful children. I’m truly grateful to be part of an organisation that honours our seniors.

Get in Touch

We'd love to hear from you — get in touch using the details below or send us a message.

Email

rabbi@smileonseniors.org.au

Phone

0448504301