Mehlman Cycle

The Mehlman Cycle of Academic Courses on Aging

Named for The Hon. Benjamin (Bill) Mehlman, z''l, a beloved founder of RRC and the Reconstructionist movement, these course offerings currently include:

This course provides a theoretical overview of the aging process and offers experiential learning opportunities to enhance students' understanding of the experiences of aging individuals. Students examine what Jewish traditions and Jewish life have to offer elders and families, as well as the ways in which older Jews can be resources for the Jewish community. In addition, students explore the pastoral, educational and spiritual dimensions of rabbinic work with elders.  Read the syllabus.

This course surveys biblical and rabbinic approaches to aging. Students study original sources related to key challenges of later life. Through class assignments, students apply these texts and values to rabbinic roles in education, pastoral care, worship and community building. Read the syllabus.

This course prepares rabbis to work with individuals and families around the challenges at the end of life. Students examine their own feelings and perspectives about death and dying, and look at texts on ethical dimensions of end-of-life decision-making, the experience of dying and life after death. Students develop insight and skills in accompanying dying people and their families. Read the syllabus.

If we are lucky, we grow old and fail, become dependent, lose everyone we love, and die.  These challenges of later life are the final exam of our lives. What is the spiritual curriculum that will prepare us?

This seminar will explore a lifespan approach to Judaism. We’ll investigate the emotional, spiritual and cognitive opportunities and passages of life stages beyond childhood. We will consider how rabbis, congregations and organizations can help adults to grow and hone qualities of character and spiritual practices to ennoble, inspire, and sustain them over the arc of their lives. We’ll develop strategies and tools for assessing, engaging and meeting Jews at each stage of their journeys. Together, we’ll create new approaches to nurture vibrant communities for all ages.

Eight 2-hour monthly sessions will include participatory presentations, text study, and hands-on, experiential opportunities to apply the Lifespan Judaism approach to case studies from congregations and communities. The final project will involve assessing a particular congregation or community and designing a new program for it.  Read the syllabus.