RJ Blog

I do not know of any colleague who has not, at one time or another, sat with a family as a loved one neared the end of life. It can be a heart-wrenching, spiritual, troublesome, anxious and fulfilling encounter — all at the same time. Sadly, too many families find themselves alone and adrift in a sea of medical terminology and health care controls. The physician, having tried “the arsenal of medical technology,” may ask what the family wishes to do next. This month’s edition of Atlantic Monthly includes a thought-provoking piece on the need for “The Conversation.” Author Jonathan [...]

A “vouchers for taxis” program helps the elderly and disabled get to congregational events. It can also be a tzedakah and teaching opportunity. Many congregations, concerned about liability and volunteer-driver burnout, negotiate with a taxi company to provide transportation to synagogue services and events. This approach allows the elderly and the disabled to participate without being dependent on others’ schedules. Such a program is often funded as a budget item or by specific-use contributions. This program reassures everyone that they will always have a way to get to synagogue events. The logistics are simple. First, work out with a taxi [...]

The current debate on health care issues must find its way into every one of our congregations. The fear mongering about the so called “death panels” is a fabrication of the highest order, and President Obama is correct when he says that much of this comes down to fear vs. hope. It is also imperative that congregations get involved in teaching how Judaism can inform and guide us in making sacred decisions as life ebbs. The Sacred Aging project of the Union for Reform Judaism has long been involved in setting up such model programs in congregations, creating safe and supportive environments to teach these [...]

A recent article in the New York Times highlighted the impact of the current economic difficulties on the elderly, especially those who are on fixed incomes and frail. The article reminded me of ways that our congregations can enhance their mission of being  a “caring community” (with no or little cost to the congregation).

In developing our project on the aging of the baby boomers (Sacred Aging) a host of questions have emerged. Many have to do with how we, given the gift, we pray, of longevity, can continue to answer God’s question of Genesis 3: “where are you?” (ayecha) So, I decided to try and start a small dialogue on our blog about these issues.