Aging Jewishly – Rabbi Barbara’s Book

Aging Jewishly – Rabbi Barbara’s Book

What our traditions tell us about growing old In 2009 I began a Jewish journey that led me to not only serve as rabbi to men and women in a Jewish retirement community but to live among the residents as well.  I viewed my apartment in the Independent Living wing of...
Is It Me or Are Packages Too Hard To Open?

Is It Me or Are Packages Too Hard To Open?

What Our Traditions Tell Us about Growing OldBy Rabbi Barbara Aiello “Hey, Stan, that’s quite a handle you got there!” Macey shouted in surprise as he noticed the giant bandage on his friend, Stan’s hand. And indeed the mass of tape and gauze was enormous and yes the...
Trauma at the Seder Table

Trauma at the Seder Table

With the “good dishes” gracing the table, wine glasses gleaming and places set for 26 guests, the annual Passover seder was, as PopPop pronounced, “ready for prime time.” But in seconds the tranquility of the evening was disturbed by the shrieks of the two youngest...
The Swastika Tattoo

The Swastika Tattoo

By Rabbi Barbara Aiello “It’s always a good day when my grandson comes to visit!” Lillian’s smile said it all as she gave a quick wave to her friends. “I’ve got to rush. Kyle loves kugel so I’m making it for him and his friend, Joe.” Lillian got to work and just like...