Class recordings archived HERE
Our Jewish texts tell us that we are to live to 120 and many are indeed living and flourishing up to and beyond the 120-year milestone. The Ethics of the Fathers associates each aging landmark with a quality and characteristic. The psalmist reminds us to “treasure our days” But how do we do that in a youth-oriented culture that (over-emphasizes) the eternally vibrant child, and in a culture that often dismisses eldering? In this course we will learn some skills to enhance the Eldering process of our life’s journey and emphasize our spiritual growth and incorporation of wisdom traditions. We will examine what it means to age and what we mean by “Elder” in a Jewish context, to live Torah while our bodies transform. In the trajectory of Rabbi Zalman’s language of Aging into Wise People: when and how does aging plus the accumulation and application of wisdom transform the elder into a “sage”? And finally: how do we age gracefully in the age of Covid with unprecedented social prohibitions and restrictions? Join Chaya for a lively and deep exploration of this crucial topic for our day.
Chaya Lerner received smicha from ALEPH Ordination Program in Jan 2021 She is the co-president of the Rabbinic Pastor Association. She has a License in Social Work. She has worked with older adults, particularly elderly Holocaust survivors.