Elderly Isolation

Elderly Isolation

Elderly Isolation  It’s Bad for Mom But Worse for Dad “We’re so worried about Dad.”  That’s how Karen began her email to me.  “He’s so lonely and my brother and I don’t know what to do.”  Karen’s father, Sid, lived alone in the condo he once shared with his beloved...
Eldery Jews and Psychotherapy

Eldery Jews and Psychotherapy

“I’m Getting Help” Eldery Jews and Psychotherapy   “Hilda, you look fabulous,” Gemma remarked as Hilda, her oldest friend, made her way to the table in their favorite restaurant. “No kidding!” Polly agreed as she noticed the positive change in Hilda as well....
Spiritual Bucket List

Spiritual Bucket List

The Spiritual Bucket List Well I made it another New Year,” Saul said.  “But will we make it to the next one?” mused Ellie. Saul and Ellie sat at a table sipping coffee (decaf, of course!) thinking about the year that was and the year ahead. “Rosh HaShanah’s come and...
Aging Jewishly

Aging Jewishly

The Talmud’s Take on Aging Parents Aging Jewishly – What Our Traditions Teach Us about Growing Old When I was about ten years old I knew enough Italian from my immigrant parents to understand the particulars of a heated argument.  That day my father, who was about 50...
Widowed Parents Find Love

Widowed Parents Find Love

When Our Widowed Parents Find Love Again   Several years ago I opened the door to my rabbi’s study to find an elderly couple, both well into their eighties, hoping that I would meet with them. At first I thought something terrible had happened. The man hung his...