The history of the Jewish Home of San Francisco can be traced back to 1871 when the Pacific Hebrew Orphan Asylum and Home Society were incorporated “to found and maintain an asylum for orphan children” and “to establish and support a Home for aged and infirm Israelites.”
In 1872, the Society purchased the site at Silver and Mission, constructing a rambling two-story wooden Victorian building. In 1891, the Home opened its doors to twelve residents. The old wooden structure was replaced in 1923 with a red brick Roman-pillared building, which today remains the Home’s main entry. Designed by Samuel Lightner Hyman, a prominent and prolific San Francisco architect, this building represents one of the few examples of American Georgian or Georgian Revival architecture in San Francisco. The character-defining features include the Palladian five-part composition (a central pavilion connected by hyphens and identical wings) with an axial entrance, giant-order portico, rigid symmetry, coursed brick walls, and sash windows.
Over the years, with generous support from the community, the Home has enlarged and expanded its original facilities and services in response to the changing needs of elders and their families.
A new wing was added in 1945; further expansion was completed in 1959. A comprehensive day services center opened in the mid-1960s. In 1969, construction of the “A” (Annex) building (renamed the Edward and Marion Goodman Building in 2007) provided 176 beds for skilled nursing care and rehabilitative services.
The 82-bed Koret Center was opened in 1984 to provide maximum medical and nursing care and rehabilitation. The Howard A. Friedman Pavilion, a 120-bed state-of-the-art skilled medical and nursing care facility, opened in 1995, providing specialized rehabilitative services, short-term and long-term care in a space defined by its soaring atriums and skylights.
The Home’s newest addition, the Barbara & Richard Rosenberg Family Center, opened in October 2006. It houses many of the main services of the Jewish Home, including a new modern kitchen, state-of-the-art medical clinics, and geriatric research center. This outstanding addition provides facilities that continue to support the Jewish Home’s high standards for quality care and services.
Click for larger view
 Synagogue c. 1920 |
 Dining hall |
 Enjoying afternoons at 'Home.' |
Past president Howard Friedman points to the construction site c. 1967. |
