“I love the people here, and every day I feel surrounded by friendship, warmth, and a community that enriches my life.”

Marlena Taenzer (and Matana),
Independent Living Resident

Lions Gate offers residents many ways to stay active, engaged, and connected. For Marlena Taenzer, a retired cantor, the most meaningful part of community life is simple: the people.

“I love the people that are here,” Marlena said. “The people are the most important thing about being here — who they are, what they’ve experienced, hearing their stories.”

As she considered her next chapter, Marlena wanted to remain active and surrounded by people in a community where residents enjoyed living and staff genuinely cared about their well-being. Someone familiar with Lions Gate offered her a simple piece of advice: “You’ll never feel alone if you live at Lions Gate.” For Marlena, that has proven true.

Since moving to Lions Gate last April, Marlena has embraced the freedom to shape each day around her interests. “I have a very rich life,” she said. “I can choose what courses and classes I want to go to.” She especially enjoys music, theater, and learning, as well as opportunities to venture off campus — whether taking the Lions Gate bus into Center City for a performance, attending a concert, or sharing a meal with friends.

“There’s so much here,” she said. “I feel my life is enriched every single day.”

Music and Judaism have been central to Marlena’s life since childhood. She dreamed of becoming a cantor at a time when formal cantorial training was not available to women. While working as an executive secretary to support herself, she studied privately with Cantor Max Wohlberg, a renowned scholar of Jewish liturgical music. With help from Cantor Anita Hochberg, she eventually found her first pulpit at what is now Temple Beth Hillel-Beth Abraham in Carmel, New Jersey, becoming its first cantor. She served there for 40 years, bringing together music, teaching, and spirituality.

“I use what I have in me to reach other people,” she said.

That same spirit shapes Marlena’s life at Lions Gate. She enjoys hearing other residents’ stories and recently readily agreed to show her apartment to someone considering a move to the community.

Another important part of her life is Matana, her small rescue dog. “Matana” is Hebrew for “gift,” and Marlena believes the dog is a gift from her late husband, Uri Taenzer. Matana has quickly become a familiar presence at Lions Gate, warmly welcomed by residents and staff. Having Matana with her has helped make Marlena’s apartment feel like home.
The Jewish environment is another part of what Marlena values. She occasionally shares her experience in support of religious life at Lions Gate, while also enjoying the opportunity to participate simply as a resident.

Ultimately, Marlena returns to what matters most to her: the people.

“It was meant for me to be here.”