“What do I need the synagogue for? My children are already grown and out of the house.” This is a question that I hear all too often, and the short answer is that there is a very deep and powerful sense of meaning, purpose, wisdom, community, and holiness that a synagogue can offer regardless of one’s age and stage in life. There is also the value of “l‘dor vador,” passing on our tradition from generation to generation: Jewish institutions will only continue to exist for future generations if they are supported by those who have benefited from them throughout their lives.
Here’s the truth: The North American Jewish community is aging. More of us are living longer, and Jews beyond midlife comprise a growing proportion of our population. Low birth rates and assimilation mean we are not replacing ourselves. We may well be less numerous in the future.
…Every time a new population survey reveals the increasing numbers of Jews over 60 and the decreasing numbers of children, communal leaders resolve to redouble outreach to young adults and young families. They rarely mention what we might do about, or with, all of the aging Jews, and the promise such changes might mean for our future.
We can continue to quest after those who aren’t here – the elusive “young people.” Or, we can open our eyes to those who are: a community that includes enormous numbers of educated, talented, curious people beyond midlife. The age boom can actually be a boon for our Jewish community if we turn from dread to engagement with aging. Engaging aging in a vibrant, multi-generational community can transform later life. Even more crucially, engaging aging can also bring new meaning and vitality to our community and enhance our efforts to repair our broken world. (Embracing Reality: Engaging Aging, Rabbi Dayle Friedman)
We at Congregation Torat El are blessed to have activities for this segment of our community, such as those run through our amazing Hazak Program. And yet I know there are other avenues waiting to be explored as we create this new kehillah kedosha together and do our best to serve the needs, interests, and strengths of ALL of our members.
Here is a link to the rest of the articles in CONTACT magazine about this issue: http://www.jewishlife.org/pdf/autumn_2010.pdf As always, I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments about this important issue .