Growing Older

Several generations ago, a woman got married in her early 20s, had children immediately, and by the time she was finished having children, she was well on the way to being a grandmother. And life was shorter. Today, most of us can hope to enjoy many years when our focus shifts back to our own goals and purposes, much as it did in our 20s. Questions of meaning and purpose again present themselves. At the same time, we have acquired the wisdom of years, and some of us long to have that recognized and celebrated within our communities. Other important events characterize this time of life: our bodies change, some of us become grandparents, some of us retire from long-established careers, and at some point we may move out of our homes and downsize, or even move in with children or into a facility. All of these changes present opportunities for ritual.

Latest Rituals

“My grandchild, at three, is imperious”
small white boy in orange t-shirt playing with toys at a table
“Shine to me, stars. / There’s too much light.”
pinkish dark night sky with clouds and stars and person sitting on a boulder looking up at sky with headlight on their head
“We all have a name / given by the mountains we climb”
person standing on mountain in front of sea of clouds and sunshine
“This year we have someone new joining our Seder table”
My Newborn Grandson’s First Seder
“My ancestors speak to me there in that small, windowless room”
Safety Box
“My knees creak and twinge / as I bend to bless”
Bending to Bless

“Whatever makes you weep / may it open your eyes”

Alchemy of Blessing

“It has been set before me to choose, the curse or the blessing”

I Set Before You Curses and Blessings

“Jacob gave his blessings, / although some say he faltered”

Vayekhi: Words

Ritual for moving into new phase of life post-childbearing

Fill Your Plate: An Earth-based Ritual of Transition to Post-childbearing Stage

The Reconstructionist Network

Jewish Art as
Self-Defense

Join Black, Queer Jewish artist Ayeola Omolara Kaplan for a deep dive into creating artwork informed by Jewish social justice work. 

Four sessions, starting Feb. 28th

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