Jewish Visions for Aging: A Professional Guide for Fostering Wholeness

by Rabbi Dayle A. Friedman, Thomas R. Cole PhD (Foreword), Rabbi Eugene B. Borowitz (Preface)

Discover the Jewish tradition's insights on growing older and eldercare in this groundbreaking resource―the only one of its kind! "Judaism can be [tremendously] powerful for those searching for new meaning and roles, for perspective on life’s profound questions, and for solace amid the inevitable loss and change of later life…. It is time to forge a new paradigm for the Jewish response to aging."
― from the Introduction From the rapidly changing retirement years to the sometimes wrenching challenges of dementia and chronic illness, spiritual questions and needs among today’s elders and caregivers are central. This rich resource probes Jewish texts to offer solutions and suggestions for finding meaning, purpose and community within Jewish tradition. With timely―and timeless―wisdom, this rich resource probes Jewish texts, spirituality and observance, uncovering a deep, never-before-realized approach to responding to the challenges of aging with a refreshing and inspiring vitality. The insights―spanning textual analysis and spiritual and pastoral perspectives―provide practical guidance in spiritual care and communal programming to dynamically engage and serve elders and their families. Accessible and honest, Jewish and non-Jewish clergy, chaplains, elder- and healthcare professionals, volunteers and family members will find this guide an invaluable asset as they explore how to empower elders and their families through daily spiritual and communal life.

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful handbook that should be revised as a second edition.

[Michale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A statement such as "We don't know how to value the gift of presence, the richness and connection we contribute in the moment, in the midst of the inevitable movement towards frailty and morality" demonstrates that this book is not written for those already working in the field, who have learned this lesson early and often. It would also have been helpful had she more fully addressed the growing challenges to relationships between potential caregiving children and parents who had not parented well, either as a result of divorce or other challenges. Physical distance between many elders and their family members is another area that begs for creative solutions. While she offers a nice introduction to the field, I wish she had been able to be both more substantive and source-based for professionals, as her title suggests.