Better Together in a Successful Intergenerational Program at Temple Kol Tikvah

By Sandy Levitt, Susie King, and Sylvia Gabrieli

Better Together, a grant initiative that began in the fall of 2022 at Temple Kol Tikvah, is a program that enriches the learning experience of the temple teens and the lives of seniors in the temple community while deepening relationships between generations.

It began this past October with a “Getting to Know You” outdoor brunch and mixer. Teens and seniors sat together around picnic tables and answered various questions, such as name all the places you have lived and reason(s) for moving there, describe an event or significant experience that has had a profound effect on you and why, what do you hope to gain from participating in this program? In November, the group came together for a presentation of Jewish genealogy led by temple member Rhoda Miller. In December, there was an enthusiastic game night along with a buffet of Chinese food. The seniors enjoyed teaching the teens how to play mah jongg, poker, and blackjack. In January, there will be a special revisiting of genealogy, where participants are asked to bring in a special family treasure. Teens are encouraged to ask their families for the story behind the treasure to share with the group. According to co-chairs of the senior group, known as HAL (Healthy Active Living), participation at these events has been quite gratifying. More than 10 seniors and 20 teens have attended each event, showing great enthusiasm.