Photo credit: Mayerson JCC
David Hirschberg
Submitted by Mayerson JCC
When David Hirschberg moved to Cincinnati six years ago after retiring from a successful legal career in Nashville, he expected to spend his days enjoying more time with family. His sister had lived in the city for decades, and he was eager to be closer to her and her family.
But arriving just before the COVID-19 pandemic made building a new life far more difficult than he anticipated. Opportunities to meet people were limited, and like many newcomers, Hirschberg found himself without a strong social network.
His sister offered a simple suggestion: join the Mayerson JCC.
That decision changed everything.
“She encouraged me and I joined the J,” Hirschberg said. “I told the membership office I was interested in some adult activities, and they suggested 60 & Better. I came up here and met some wonderful people.”
The Mayerson JCC’s 60 & Better Center offers social, cultural and educational programming designed for adults over 60. But for Hirschberg, it became something much deeper: a gateway to friendship, belonging and a renewed sense of purpose.
“It’s opened up some opportunities,” he said. “It’s enabled me to cultivate some friendships, good friendships.”
Those friendships grew over time. One of the people he met through the program, Peter Teitelman, is now one of his closest friends. After Teitelman lost his wife two years ago, the two supported each other through difficult moments.
When Hirschberg fractured his arm during a visit to Nashville, Teitelman was the first person he called.
“I said, ‘Are you available to take me to the emergency room?’ And he said absolutely,” Hirschberg recalled. “Then I pay him back. I get up at five in the morning to take him to a medical procedure. It works both ways.”
Along with another friend, Mac Hickman, the group regularly shares meals and time together — simple moments that have become deeply meaningful.
“There are really no strangers,” Hirschberg said. “Each time you come along on an activity, you tend to meet a couple people, and it grows.”
That sense of connection is no accident. Hirschberg credits the 60 & Better staff, particularly Program Manager Melissa Shrimplin and 60 & Better Director Susan Bradley Meyer, with intentionally creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
“They’re so organized, and they work very hard,” he said. “Whenever we’re on a trip, Melissa introduces everyone: ‘We’ve got a new person here, please make them welcome,’ which is really nice.”
Through the program’s outings and excursions, Hirschberg has also discovered his new city in ways he never would have on his own, from local landmarks to day trips beyond Cincinnati.
“My sister jokes that I know Cincinnati better than she does,” he said. “And she’s been here since she was 18.”
What began as a way to stay active has become something far more transformative. At a time of major life transition—retirement, relocation and isolation during the pandemic — the 60 & Better Center helped Hirschberg step outside his comfort zone and build a meaningful new chapter.
“If it wasn’t for 60 & Better, I’d probably just come here to work out and walk on the track,” he said. “They’ve kind of pushed me to do more things and be more outgoing.”
It’s that transformation, and the sense of community he found, that inspired Hirschberg to give back. His significant commitment to support the 60 & Better Center will ensure that others have the same opportunity to connect, explore and belong.
“I want to see the programming continue to connect people in meaningful ways,” he said. “I know budgets are always a challenge, and I want to make sure they are able to continue, and possibly take it to another level in the future.”
His gift will help sustain and expand programming, including outings that rely on transportation, one of the center’s most significant expenses.
“Those motor coach buses are nice, but they’re expensive,” Hirschberg said with a laugh. “I figured it was my opportunity to pitch in and help out.”
More than anything, Hirschberg hopes his generosity will make it possible for others — especially those facing the same uncertainty and isolation he once felt — to find their place.
Ultimately, his story is not just about what he received, but what he is making possible for others.
“It’s just a really good cause,” he said. “Because I see everyone enjoying it.”
