Wise Aging Havurah

Wise Aging Havurah

Facilitated by Rabbi Debra Rappaport

1st and 3rd Thursdays 3:30-5:30 pm

Dec 3, 17, Jan 7, 21, Feb 4, 18, March 4, 18, April 1, 15, May 6 (11 sessions) 

Cost $275

Based on the CDC’s definition of vulnerable populations, many vibrant people have newly discovered they’re old! While ageism is rampant in our society, Judaism honors the wisdom that comes with years. Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel described older years as “indeed formative years, rich in possibilities…to deepen understanding and compassion, to widen the horizon of honesty, to refine the sense of fairness… One ought to enter old age the way one enters the senior year at a university, in exciting anticipation...” (from To Grow in Wisdom)

Wise Aging refers to a vision of how we can grow in our later years with consciousness and joy, within a supportive community. Conversations accompany the book Wise Aging: Living with Joy, Resilience, & Spirit, by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal.

The Wise Aging Havurah will gather to learn and accompany one another around topics of aging and eldering. Topics for exploration will include: exploring what is this stage of life, cultivating nourishing relationships, forgiveness & reconciliation, cultivating spiritual qualities for wellbeing, changing bodies, changing relationships / cultivating nourishing relationships, living with loss & finding light, legacy, and stewardship. 

We’ll use numerous modalities to connect with our own souls’ wisdom, including contemplative or active listening, text study, mindfulness meditation, tikkun middot: cultivation of spiritual qualities, traditional Jewish religious practices, gentle movement and journaling. We don’t imagine that participants will be experienced in these modalities, but do ask that you be open to the exploration.