The ABCs of Kinneret
By Emily Raij
As the first non-synagogue facility built by the Orlando Jewish community more than 50 years ago, Kinneret Apartments have a long history of providing affordable housing to independent, low-income seniors. Since the construction of the two towers in downtown Orlando in 1968 and 1978, respectively, and the establishment in 1985 of the supporting nonprofit organization, Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA), a lot has changed in the Jewish community. Read on to learn about more exciting changes ahead and to find answers to all your Kinneret queries.
Q: So how do you pronounce Kinneret?
A: A Kih-NEHR-et. Located near Lake Lucerne in downtown Orlando, Kinneret Apartments derive their name from the Hebrew word kinnor, meaning harp. The harp-shaped Lake Lucerne reminded Abe Wise – one of the original founders who located the site – of Israel’s own harp-shaped Sea of Galilee, known as Lake Kinneret.
Q: Why and when were Kinneret Apartments built?
A: The idea came about in 1960, when members of the local Jewish Community Council learned about a federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that provided low-interest mortgages to build affordable senior housing. According to the exhibit Kehillah: A History of Jewish Life in Greater Orlando, Kinneret (now known as Kinneret I) opened in ‘68 with 168 apartments starting at a monthly rent of $75. A second tower, Kinneret II, opened in ‘78 with 112 more apartments and a central dining room and kitchen connecting the two 15-story buildings.
Q: Who lives at Kinneret?
A: The 280 apartments serve seniors who have a maximum yearly income of $32,100 (which is between 40 to 60 percent of the area median income). Preserving existing affordable housing and providing services for these seniors are goals the City of Orlando has as an AARP Age-Friendly Community. The city’s Age-Friendly Initiative Action Plan shares these goals and aims to help seniors age in place despite rising housing costs throughout Orlando.
Q: Do you have to be Jewish to live at Kinneret?
A: No. Kinneret was founded on Jewish values, but older adults of all backgrounds and faiths can and do live at Kinneret Apartments.
Q: Wasn’t Kinneret recently sold?
A: Yes. Kinneret’s trustees recognized the need for a complete renovation of the apartments that were built decades ago. In 2022, after much research and consideration, it was decided that the only feasible way of accomplishing such renovations was through a sale. The two towers comprising Kinneret Apartments were sold to Fairstead, a private developer and manager of low-income housing projects. Fairstead’s history of preserving affordable housing and experience with building rehabilitation made it the top choice. The company’s expertise was evident when renovations were completed in June of this year. Those renovations included façade and roof repairs, common area improvements, modernized kitchens and bathrooms, new flooring, senior-friendly accessibility improvements, and upgraded building systems, as well as energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and plumbing fixtures in every unit. The buildings’ many amenities remain: a community room with an accessible kitchen, a computer lab, a beauty salon, a library, a boutique, laundry facilities, an emergency mobile call button pendant system, controlled-access entry, elevators, storage, and a service coordinator.
Q: Is KCOA still needed?
A:Yes. While Fairstead has taken over as Kinneret’s property owner and manager, Kinneret Council on Aging’s mission of “caring for those who cared for us” remains. In fact, a big part of what made Kinneret so appealing to Fairstead were the unique services KCOA provides to residents. Fairstead has asked the organization to continue offering these services.
Neal Blaher, president of Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA), often volunteers his time leading Friday services at Kinneret.
fridays with neal
Neal Blaher, president of Kinneret Council on Aging (KCOA), has a long history with Kinneret that includes many personal and family connections. In the mid-1990s, Judy Kahan (then the onsite manager of the apartments) asked Neal to lead services on Fridays. Neal initially used the prayer booklet Judy’s daughter Michelle had created and then updated it in 2005 and 2018 to include additional readings he thought the residents might enjoy.
“One resident had a permanent impact on me,” recalls Neal. “She liked this prayer with the words, ‘If any little word of mine may make a dark life brighter.’ This prompted me to leave in the prayer, without change, all these years.”
That’s just one of the many warm memories Neal has of Kinneret. He joined its board of directors in 1997 and is currently the longest-serving member. Decades of service are quite common when it comes to Kinneret, with little board turnover. KCOA past president Ali Polejes served on the board for 40 years and encouraged her father, Dick Appelbaum, to join as well.
“Kinneret is recognized around the country for how well it has been managed and maintained for so many years, as well as for the many unique, additional services it provides its residents,” says Neal. “I know 90 percent of the board members and went to school with their kids. Some of the founders’ parents lived there.”
In 1990, Neal’s grandfather moved to Kinneret and lived there until his passing less than a year later. And, Neal’s brother Michael moved in during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
KCOA has always adapted to meet the needs of its residents, whether new approaches are warranted because of a pandemic or changing demographics. However, one thing that hasn’t changed over the decades is the commitment of devoted volunteers like Neal.
Q: What services does KCOA provide?
A: Currently, KCOA is providing Kinneret residents who are most in need with numerous food programs, including a food pantry twice a month, fresh produce on the non-pantry weeks, bread and jambalaya kit distribution, continental breakfast twice a week, cooked meals four days a week, and kosher holiday meal delivery, as well as a special Thanksgiving meal and gathering for all residents. Health and fitness remain another focal point, with weekly chair exercise classes and Orlando Ballet’s Gentle BeMoved program, along with health fairs and informational presentations from outside healthcare providers and insurers. Musical programs, movie nights, and arts and crafts provide additional engagement and socialization.
And then there’s Shabbat! Friday Kabbalat Shabbat services are led by several KCOA volunteers, some of whom have been giving freely of their time for 30 years. Morris Rashi led services almost every week during the 2000s and 2010s. Neal Blaher, current KCOA president, has led countless Shabbats as far back as the 1990s and continues to do so to this day. In recent years, Cantor Nina Fine has brought a more musical Shabbat service to Kinneret, and the newest volunteer, Cary Siegel, now regularly leads services.
Q: Do you have to be Jewish to take advantage of KCOA’s services?
A:No. All of KCOA’s programs and services are available to every resident. Many non-Jewish residents attend and enjoy Shabbat services and other Jewish holiday celebrations. Although KCOA was originally formed to provide a kosher dinner program to Jewish residents, services have expanded over the years to meet the physical, social, and psychological needs of a broader demographic. As part of its mission to help older adults age in place with enjoyment and peace of mind, the council’s new KCOA on the Road program will bring Shabbat services, Hanukkah festivities, and other events to venues outside of Kinneret Apartments.
Says Susan Godorov, KCOA’s executive director, “It is our goal to move appropriate services out into the community to serve a Jewish population that is being underserved.”
Q: Can I still donate to KCOA?
A: Yes. The money from the sale of Kinneret Apartments to Fairstead was moved into a new, entirely separate organization that will be issuing grants to help the greater community. This charitable foundation will seek to fund programs and projects primarily benefiting Jewish seniors in Central Florida. As Neal explains, “To continue carrying out our programs as we have in the past, KCOA needs to maintain our nonprofit status, which means we need to continue receiving donations.” Adds Susan, “We must fundraise to keep our nonprofit status. There is still a great need at the property to cover food and social events and social outings.”
Q: How can I learn more about Kinneret Apartments and KCOA or inquire about getting an apartment?
A: The waiting list for Kinneret Apartments is approximately four years, so it’s best to call 407-425-4537 before you or your loved one needs to move. You can also visit KinneretCouncil.org to find out more.
This story was originally published in print in Winter 2024.