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

“Life returns itself to Life.”

What I am Coming to Know: Vayeitzei

“Your birthright renews every breath”

Tomorrow

“I imagine a field where they gather: those / grandmothers”

Daughter of Your Bones
“See, I set before you this day, a blessing and a curse. Choose blessing.”
Re’eh
“We have the opportunity / To become a re-creation”
Hayyei Sarah: My Prayer

“Resist the call to silence and beat your big drum”

Be Not Still

“Please give me the strength to care for this parent in their suffering”

hands on top of hands

Poem honoring a grandmother’s story of survival

Sophie

Source sheet pairing verses from Eicha with voices of immigrant parents separated from their children

Third Age Ritual
Elders’ Prayer

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

Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion

Join us for Count On Telling Your Story: A Ritualwell In-Person Immersion on Sunday, June 9th. Mix and mingle with old and new friends, enjoy delicious kosher-vegetarian food and engage in a variety of creative, thought-provoking sessions exploring rituals, writing, and art.

Get the latest from Ritualwell

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

The Reconstructionist Network