Engaging with seniors is a win-win

RABBI DANIEL RABIN

Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting an aged care facility and spending time with an elderly woman who had recently lost her husband. She was feeling lonely and sad. As I began to walk past her, I could sense that she needed someone to talk to. I sat beside her and listened to her stories, and immediately I could see her face light up. She told me about her life and shared experiences with her husband. By the end of our conversation she was smiling and laughing, grateful for the time we had spent together.

Unfortunately, as our society becomes faster-paced and technology-driven, seniors often feel left behind and isolated. However, by simply taking the time to connect with them, we can enrich their lives and our own. Engaging with the third and, for the lucky few, the fourth generations in our community is a vital aspect of building a healthy and connected society. Our elders have a wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom that can benefit us all. So, please do take the time to listen to them, learn about their lives and hear their stories.

The Talmud teaches us to respect and value our elders, not only for their longevity, but also for the wisdom they have gained throughout their lives. Rabbi Yose bar Yehuda said: “One who learns from young ones is compared to what? To one who eats unripe grapes and drinks wine from its press. And one who learns from elders is compared to what? To one who eats ripe grapes and drinks aged wine (Pirkei Avot 4:20).” In fact, the Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tisa 27 ) tells us: “One should greet an elderly person as one greets the Shekhinah (the presence of God).’

By connecting with our elders, we can learn from their experiences and pass on their knowledge to future generations. At Caulfield Shule, we have a regular Tuesday Shmoozeday, where we gather