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.
“Useful to anyone who is dealing with older people in a personal or institutional setting.”
—Jewish Book World
“An essential book containing the wisdom of Jewish tradition about growing older.... Profoundly insightful and deeply Jewish.... Not only filled with moving rabbinical stories and admonitions on treating the elderly with kavod (honor), but with dozens of exquisite anecdotes of how much our aging loved ones long for companionship, respect, and often spiritual connection with their community and God.”
—Kolel: The Adult Centre for Liberal Jewish Learning
“Compelling.... Authoritative.... Well-researched.... Offers readers a challenge and an invitation to imagine how we relate to our elders.”
—Plainviews
“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 of Field Education of
the Rabbinical School, The Jewish Theological Seminary
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
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
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
Thomas R. Cole, PhD, is the McGovern Chair of Medical Humanities and
director of the Center for Health, Humanities, and the Human
Spirit at the University of Texas Health Science Center in
Houston. He is the author and editor of many books and articles
on humanistic gerontology, including The Journey of Life: A Cultural History of Aging in
America.
Dr. Eugene B. Borowitz is the leading theologian of liberal Judaism.
Distinguished University Professor at Hebrew Union
College–Jewish Institute of Religion, he is the author of
many books and founding editor of Sh’ma:
A Journal of Jewish Responsibility. He is the coauthor of A
Touch of the Sacred: A Theologian’s Informal Guide to
Jewish Belief (Jewish Lights).
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