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Discover the Jewish tradition's insights on growing older and eldercare in this groundbreaking resource—the only one of its kind!
"Judaism can be [tremendously] powerful for those searching for new meaning and roles, for perspective on life’s profound questions, and for solace amid the inevitable loss and change of later life…. It is time to forge a new paradigm for the Jewish response to aging."
—from the Introduction
From the rapidly changing retirement years to the sometimes wrenching challenges of dementia and chronic illness, spiritual questions and needs among today’s elders and caregivers are central. This rich resource probes Jewish texts to offer solutions and suggestions for finding meaning, purpose and community within Jewish tradition.
With timely—and timeless—wisdom, this rich resource probes Jewish texts, spirituality and observance, uncovering a deep, never-before-realized approach to responding to the challenges of aging with a refreshing and inspiring vitality. The insights—spanning textual analysis and spiritual and pastoral perspectives—provide practical guidance in spiritual care and communal programming to dynamically engage and serve elders and their families.
Accessible and honest, Jewish and non-Jewish clergy, chaplains, elder- and healthcare professionals, volunteers and family members will find this guide an invaluable asset as they explore how to empower elders and their families through daily spiritual and communal life.
"Teaches us how we may be present with our elderly regardless of their life stage. Compassionate and sensitive … a valuable and useful addition to the growing dialogue on the implications of aging for the Jewish community."
—Rabbi Richard F. Address, DMin, director, Department of Jewish Family Concerns, Union for Reform Judaism
“Powerfully argues that people advanced in years are ripe with possibilities for spiritual growth and offers guidance that is both practical and inspiring.”
—Rabbi Mychal Springer, associate dean and director, Field Education of the Rabbinical School, The Jewish Theological Seminary
“Impressive … draws on rich Jewish tradition to help reframe and revalue later life, a task now indispensable for our aging society.”
—Harry R. Moody, director of Academic Affairs, AARP
“[Draws] a new map of old age … connects aging with meaning with caregiving with community and makes a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts. [Will enrich] the American conversations about aging, wherever they take place.”
—William H. Thomas, MD, president, Eden Alternative; author, What Are Old People For? How Elders Will Save the World
“Wise and wide-ranging … addresses some of the profound challenges for all who care about the elders in our communities and institutions…. [Will] help bring about more skilled, sensitive, holistic engagement.”
—Rabbi Natan Fenner, BCC, Bay Area Jewish Healing Center; coordinator, Torah Reflections
“An important text for social workers and chaplains of all faiths who seek to instill the wisdom and insights from a long heritage that honors our elders.”
—Rev. James W. Ellor, PhD, editor, Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging; director, Center for Gerontological Studies
Acknowledgments
Foreword by Thomas R. Cole, PhD
Preface by Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz
Introduction: Seasons of Splendor—New Visions for Jewish Aging
Part I: Text and Tradition
1. Crown Me with Wrinkles and Gray Hair: Traditional Views and Visions of Aging
Part II: Aging and Meaning
2. The Mitzvah Model: Meaning and Mission in Late Life
3. Everything I Need to Know I Learned in the Nursing Home: Torah for Confronting Fragility and Mortality
4. Seeking the Tzelem: Making Sense of Dementia
5. Lilmod U'lilamed: Elders as Learners and Teachers of Torah
Part III: Family Caregiving
6. Help with the Hardest Mitzvah: Spiritually Supporting Family Caregivers
7. Beyond Guilt: Perspectives from Tradition on Obligations to Aging Parents
8. Balancing Parents’ and Children’s Quality of Life: Ethical Dilemmas in Family Caregiving
Part 4: Livui Ruchani: Spritual Accompaniment in Aging
9. Enabling Their Faces to Shine: Spiritual Accompaniment with Aging Individuals
10. PaRDeS: Compassionate Spiritual Presence with Elders
11. Spiritual Challenges and Possibilities for Jews in Long-Term Care Facilities
12. An Anchor amidst Anomie: Ritual and Aging
Part V: Aging and Community
13. L’Dor Va-Dor: Living the Chain of Tradition through Intergenerational Programs
14. Weaving the Generations: Congregations as Communities for All Ages
Afterword
Notes
Glossary
Credits
Index