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Resources on Aging
Under the direction of Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism at RRC generated innovative spiritual resources and scholarship on aging and Judaism from 2003-2011.
Guide for synagogues seeking to engage aging Jews
Sacred Seasons kits
Resources on spirituality beyond midlife
Prayers for when the body begins to fail
Publications/scholarship on aging
Guide for synagogues seeking to engage aging Jews
In 2004, Hiddur convened a conference in collaboration with the Union of Reform Judaism Sacred Aging Project to explore the "age wave" and its impact on synagogues—on everything from the programming they plan to the way they structure their organizations. The report "Gearing Up for the Age Wave: A Guide for Synagogues" (PDF) summarizes highlights from the think tank and offers direction to congregations seeking to address and engage aging Jews as part of a multigenerational community. A brief executive summary (PDF) also is available here.
Each Sacred Seasons kit provides everything needed for a leader without previous knowledge of Judaism or Hebrew to facilitate the celebration of a Jewish holy time with elders in a residential setting—such as a nursing home, assisted living facility or continuing-care retirement community. The kits are appropriate for Jewish individuals from a range of backgrounds and are adaptable for frail or well elders. Sacred Seasons kits can improve the well-being of elders navigating the spiritual challenges of loss, isolation, frailty and mortality. Download a kit for Hanukkah, Passover or Oneg Shabbat.
Resources on spirituality beyond midlife
In 2009, Hiddur and UJA-Federation of New York’s Caring Commission co-sponsored a conference on spirituality beyond midlife. Explore audio excerpts and the conference toolkit.
Prayers for when the body begins to fail
"When the Body Begins to Fail: Reaching Out in Prayer," is a collection of original prayers by Tamara Arnow. The prayers are designed to offer support and inspiration for individuals facing the challenges of physical decline.
Simply download the two-page file (PDF); the printed pages can be folded in thirds for easiest use.
Publications/scholarship on aging
Books
Jewish Visions for Aging: A Professional Guide for Fostering Wholeness
By Rabbi Dayle Friedman, Jewish Lights Publishing, 2008
Jewish Pastoral Care: A Practical Handbook From Traditional and Contemporary Sources
Edited by Rabbi Dayle Friedman, Jewish Lights Publishing
Popular Publications
"Lessons from the Journey of Aging," an article in Zeek: The Journal of Jewish Thought and Culture
"Walking the Narrow Bridge: Religion, Spirituality and End-of-Life Decision-Making," an article in Aging Today
"Schisms That Surfaced During Katrina Point to the Need for Soul-Searching," an op-ed article in JTA
Jewish Religious Publications and Press
"Until Our Last Breath," an article in Jewels of Elul
"When Someone You Love Needs Long-Term Care," LifeLights, Woodstock, VT: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000
