A new model for purposeful aging, made in Jerusalem

Nofei Yerushalayim is a customized assisted living residence situated in the heart of Jerusalem, Israel's capital. Overlooking the city’s spiritual and scenic landscape, it offers residents a close connection to Jerusalem's rich history and culture, alongside top-quality care and support.

What distinguishes Nofei Yerushalayim from other senior living communities are its core principles, called ‘Customized Assisted Living’. This philosophy goes beyond a mere idea, embodying a belief that seniors thrive when given opportunities to contribute, such as volunteering in cultural committees or administrative roles.

The management considers such involvement essential and an integral  part of  the social fabric of the community. The residents view participation as empowering and vital for building a shared sense of responsibility and social bonds.

This belief is reflected in the community’s diversity, which includes religious and secular residents, immigrants and native Israelis, and seniors who speak Hebrew and English. This mix, along with shared decision-making, has fostered a culture of mutual respect, which the administrators believe is key to the community’s positive environment.

For decades, senior living facilities have struggled to balance independence with care, providing a safe environment but often leaving residents with little control over their daily lives. At Nofei Yerushalayim, a resident-managed senior campus in the scenic heart of the capital, this philosophy is more than just an idea; it embodies the core principle guiding daily life.

Nofei Yerushalayim is distinguished not just by its location or amenities, but by how deeply residents influence their own lives. They elect leaders, serve on committees, shape policies, and volunteer in nearly all community activities, from cultural programs to the on-site library and café.

This renewed sense of agency forms the true foundation of the residence’s three guiding principles: protection, accessibility, and belonging. These aren’t just abstract goals; they serve as the daily framework that enables the community to foster a model of aging focused on involvement rather than isolation. The result is an environment where residents continue to direct their own lives into old age, supported by infrastructure designed to promote both independence and security.

Residents of Nofei Yerushalayim actively participate in their community's cultural and recreational life, enjoying activities like exercise, chess,  art workshops, ceramics, painting, choir, weekly lectures, concerts, films, and trips within Jerusalem and across Israel.

These activities, offered in both Hebrew and English, showcase the diverse mix of long-time Israelis and new immigrants, fostering a community that feels more like a campus than a traditional senior home – with learning, creativity, and social engagement shaping everyday life.

Its prime location near Jerusalem's cultural and historical hubs provides easy access to museums, theaters, festivals, and main city attractions, supported by modern public transit. Staff emphasize that proximity to Jerusalem’s vibrant cultural scene helps residents stay involved,

Meanwhile, the community offers comprehensive healthcare, including a 24/7 clinic with healthcare professionals, routine tests, and assistance with prescriptions and appointments. Emergency services are available, and residents can receive extra help or move to on-site nursing care if needed, supporting independence while offering advanced treatment options.

Housing options are flexible, featuring accessible studio and multi-room apartments tailored to residents’ tastes, with staff helping customize interiors while maintaining safety. A core message throughout Nofei is that aging should expand opportunities, not restrict them.

Nofei Yerushalayim treats residents as partners rather than patients, challenging conventional senior living models. As Israel’s senior population grows and more elders seek meaningful, community-oriented environments, this Jerusalem campus offers a pioneering approach – an active, connected, purposeful life in later years.