This month’s Jewish Link Superfan is Sophie Melman, a resident of Stein Assisted Living in Somerset, New Jersey.
Sophie was born in Brooklyn and grew up in the Brownsville section. When she was 5 years old, her mother sent her with her father to be registered in first grade, saying in Yiddish, ”She should go in first grade and not in kindergarten.” When the school said Sophie had to wait until she was 6, her father took her back home. She skipped several semesters when she finally was allowed to attend school and graduated high school when she was barely 16.
She began her college education at Hunter College and continued earning her degrees upon moving to Pennsylvania after she married. Sophie earned her school director’s license and certifications while in Pennsylvania. She lived independently in her own home (her husband passed away in 2004) and moved to Stein five years ago to be closer to her wonderful daughter, two amazing granddaughters, perfect son-in-law, and her incredible great-granddaughter.
At Stein, Sophie enjoys playing Bingo, making jewelry, arts and crafts, and attending the lectures of the rabbis who come every week.
Having celebrated her 100th birthday with family and friends, Sophie is currently the oldest Super Fan and is incredibly excited to see each edition of The Jewish Link, especially those with articles written by her daughter, staff writer Deborah Melman.
Do you read The Jewish Link every week?
Of course! There is so much material there. I learn what is going on in Jewish communities in the area, global Jewish news, and so much more.
What are your favorite sections of the paper?
Naturally, my favorite section is any article written by my daughter. I’ve loved the paper even before my daughter began to write (in 2017), as my daughter would bring me a copy of the paper each week when she would visit. I start with the front page and the headlines to get a sense of what is going on in the state and region, and then move through the paper. I enjoy the columnists who bring perspectives of the Torah portion, health issues, fashion and food. I find that even the advertisements are interesting.
Which ads do you like the most?
It may seem strange, but I like the food and restaurant advertisements and the ones for wigs.
Why those?
It is interesting to see what is new in the kosher world and amazing to see how high costs have gone. And the beautiful hairstyles on the wigs look so natural and not ‘fake.’ Definitely improved from the wigs of years ago.
How do you interact with the paper?
I have a scrapbook of the articles my daughter has written and I refer to the material I’ve read when they have a ‘Current Events’ presentation.
What does the paper mean to you?
It means a connection to the Jewish community, specifically the Orthodox community. I feel a part of the events I read about and feel as if I am there.
Has the paper made a difference in your life?
Absolutely! Mainstream media often don’t cover issues important to the Jewish community. I like the balanced approach the paper brings to political issues and how communities and synagogues are represented. I read it cover to cover each week—with special attention to articles written by my daughter. I wish it could be delivered here (to Stein) each week so I wouldn’t have to wait until my daughter brings it to me.
