Executive Director - Michael New

Michael New came to the Sephardic Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in the early 1980’s.

Michael’s parents were born in Czechoslovakia and survived the Holocaust. At the end of the war, Michael’s sister, Margaret, was born in a refugee camp in Germany. In 1949, his parents and sister immigrated to the United States. Michael was born on October 31, 1951 on his sister’s 5th birthday.

Michael’s Yeshiva education instilled in him a tremendous love and respect for Jewish values, religion, Judaism and the State of Israel. Michael along with his lovely wife Florence are the proud parents of six children and grandparents to two adorable granddaughters.

Michael feels fortunate that his life is blessed with a very caring wife and lovely children who exhibit wonderful qualities. With the help of G-d, they should all have successful futures.

However, since Michael’s childhood he feels a big loss in never meeting any of his four grandparents, all passed away in the Holocaust. Michael recalls hearing his friends talking about visits with their grandparents and wished he could have shared similar experiences. He believes it is his strong desire to help the elderly and learn from their valuable stories that led him to an illustrious career in Nursing Home Administration.

Michael received his Bachelor’s and Masters Degree from Hunter College of the City University of New York. Upon graduation in 1977, he began working for the New York State Department of Health as a Project Coordinator. From 1979-82 he worked at Kings Harbor Care Center, a 720 bed nursing home. In 1983 he was hired by the Sephardic Nursing and Rehablition Center where he served as the Assistant Director for 8 years. I asked Michael to recall some of his most memorable moments over the past 20 years at the Home.

Michael proudly admits that being hired by the Home was a tremendous honor. He states, “The Sephardic Home ranks among the top Nursing Homes in the United States; being a major part of the Home’s continued success and directing it for the past two decades is a daily pleasure and challenging opportunity.” Michael enjoys working with a fantastic group of dedicated staff members. In particular, he credits his right hand man, Senior Vice President of Administration, Mr. Norman Cohen for being a true and loyal partner in helping him guide the Home.

Michael is quick to point out that the success of the Home is directly attributed to the teamwork and the combined efforts of over 300 employees, comprised of health care professionals such as Nurses, Doctors, Therapists, Dieticians, Housekeeping, Maintenance, Dietary Workers, Clerical and Administrative Staff. He acknowledges the support from hard working staff and employees on all levels.

Michael is particularly fond of all the members of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee led by President, Ira Rousso and Chairman of the Board, Robert Cohen. He reminisces about the early years when he met the late Louis Rousso who made an impression of being a Sephardic leader who was highly respected by all. Michael thanks all the wonderful Board Members and Ladies of LASHA, led by Reggie Goldberg and Marion Crespi who provide support and wisdom in helping to guide the Home on the right course.

The highlights of his career are the construction projects that enable the Home to meet the ever-changing needs of the residents. During his tenure the entire Home has undergone extensive renovations and modernization. New dayrooms were constructed, a new wing was added to the 8th floor, a much-needed elevator was added, a state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility was established, many training programs with prestigious educational institutions were initiated for students in all geriatric fields, a successful Adult Day Health program and a short-term rehab. unit opened. New ideas are in the planning stages, such as a satellite dialysis facility and new community outreach programs.

Michael states, “helping our residents and families is the most rewarding part of the job. What is really special about the Home is the Board’s enthusiastic desire to uphold the mission of exclusively caring for members of the Sephardic and Ashkenasi communities.” This 54- year tradition gives the Home the distinction of being New York’s only “All-Jewish” nursing home. He enjoys praying in the Home’s synagogue where Rabbi Amar insures that the many residents who come down daily appreciate the services. We are probably the only nursing home that has a weekly “havdalah” service attended by over 60 residents.

Michael, being as modest as he is, was a bit surprised to be named, Man of the Year, however, the Executive Committee, along with the entire Board, wanted to express their appreciation to him for twenty years of outstanding leadership. To show his gratitude for the honor and appreciation for the wonderful care his own father receives at the Home the past 4 years, Michael will work very hard to insure a successful Journal Campaign. He is confident that the old and new supporters of the Home will come through with flying colors.