Preserve the memory of your loved one with a plaque on our Yahrzeit Wall. Learn More ->

Search
Close this search box.

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

“We have been waiting for you”
closeup of newborn white baby held by adult white hands
“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”
johnny-cohen-OxOxqLAWvE0-unsplash
“My ancestors speak to me there in that small, windowless room”
A pile of old, assorted black-and-white and color photographs is placed in a wooden box.
“My knees creak and twinge / as I bend to bless”
lucas-clarysse-pJlJSnmv_uY-unsplash

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

jake-givens-ocwmWiNAWGs-unsplash

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

vince-fleming-Vmr8bGURExo-unsplash

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

hunt-han-d9Emsd3zM3I-unsplash

The Reconstructionist Network

Serving as central organization of the Reconstructionist movement

Training the next generation of groundbreaking rabbis

Modeling respectful conversations on pressing Jewish issues

Curating original, Jewish rituals, and convening Jewish creatives

Get the latest from Ritualwell

Subscribe for the latest rituals, online learning opportunities, and unique Judaica finds from our store.

The Reconstructionist Network