Rabbi’s Substack

Where Has Our Time Gone? We Blinked!

Rabbi Richard Address — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:34:03 GMT

It is funny how things trigger feelings. I was watching an episode of a John Hamm show the other day. He and his co-star, they play a divorced couple, were sitting on a front step discussing the turmoil caused by their teen-aged daughter. The mom just sighed and said that it was just the other day that we brought her home from the hospital: “what happened?” “We blinked”, responded the John Hamm character.

Funny, but so many of us have played out that conversation in a variety of ways. We may look in the mirror and ask how that person staring back got there and who is this person anyway? It may be a flash moment with a grandchild, seeing them dressed up for the Prom or behind the wheel of their car and the thought flashes across our consciousness: “where did the time go?”. We blinked! Chaim Potok, in his book “The Chosen” has a take on this. In a wonderful section his two main characters discuss life. The rabbi reminds the young man who is the main character. that we are here, in the grand scheme of the universe, for what amounts to a blink of an eye. We blinked! Where did the time go and where is our place in it?

Time is a precious commodity in Judaism. Our rituals are timed to it, our calendar, our life cycle, and it is the one thing that, try as we might, we cannot control. This reality becomes more meaningful as we grow older and so the question emerges as to what do we do with the time we have left knowing that we cannot control the time we have left? Let me suggest that this is THE spiritual question of our moment. It is not unexpected that recently we have seen some articles that have raised the idea that how we see the time we have left determines how we see our own aging. A recent article in the Yale School of Public Health by Dr. Becca Levy has become a beacon in this revision of how we see our aging.

Dr. Levy drew on information gathered from a national longitudinal study, the Health and Retirement Study of more than 11,000 people. How people thought about their own aging was a major determining factor in their ability to thrive as they aged. Levy reported that they found “that improvement in later life is not rare, it’s common, and it should be included in our understanding of the aging process”. That study also indicated a very interesting insight that we often hold views of aging based on the messages we received as we grew up. Scholars thought that “baseline age beliefs” were very meaningful, considering that whether people “had assimilated more positive or more negative views about aging by the start of the study”. It would appear that how we viewed and assimilated views of aging as we grew up fashioned how we viewed our own aging.

Now, think about many of the differences between how our generation were raised viewing aging and how we are living it. Boomers have reshaped growing older. We are much more involved with living, our grandchildren and creating experiences. This parallels our emphasis on wellness and, of course, is hugely dependent on having the economic security to do all of this. The first Boomer wave is now turning 80. Where did the time go? Yes, we blinked, but we still have much more to see, experience and live.

Shalom,

Rabbi Richard F. Address

Passover: From doubt to redemption through community

Rabbi Richard Address — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:41:06 GMT

Photo by Juno Jo on Unsplash

In the Fall/Winter edition of the Hartman Institute journal “Sources,” Rabbi Jonathan Zasloff wrote on this age of uncertainty in which we find ourselves. He wrote that this age is like living on a “knife-edge” and “relishing that ambiguity as the cosmic test of this generation.” To live in this age of uncertainty, he wrote, “requires a collective moral struggle to preserve both our people and our values, particularly when these two goals seem in contradiction.” Rather than seeing a sense of meaning from the outside/political sphere, Zasloff asks us to consider re-examining and returning to a sense of “devakut” or clinging to what is sacred. This, he noted, is not a “state of mind, but more profoundly, it is a way of life.” As we enter the Passover season, I wanted to suggest to you that we think about this concept of “devakut” and what it may mean to “cling” to the core values of how we choose to live our life. There may be no better symbolic representation of this than the Seder ritual itself.

The Seder begins with a question, as so many of us have now. “Why?” Not only do we ask why the night is different, but communally we have been asking for a while now, “why” is this happening? The burning and shooting of synagogues, the attacks on Jews here and abroad: “Why?” Why do we as a community that felt so secure within the embrace and promise of the United States, now feel so alone and vulnerable after October 7? Is there one answer, or several answers that represent the spectrum of human experience, much like the Four Children whose section follows the Four Questions? So, we begin to tell our story, the “Magid,” the Seder, the story that goes from slavery to hope, told against the symbolism of the Exodus and the Wilderness, itself a metaphor for each of our lives. How many of us will open the door for Elijah, sing “Eliahu Ha-Navi” and wish for peace, for the world and for ourselves in ways we never thought we would live to see?

Passover, I suggest, is a powerful ritual, done in community, but very personal. One of the rituals associated with Passover can be considered as a preview of this duality. For many Jews, the days leading up to the Seder are involved with the cleansing of the home of “chametz,” the leavened products forbidden during the festival. We clean out that which is impure from our home, but what of our soul? As one Hagaddah notes on this ritual: “Take time to look scrupulously within for parts of yourself that have fermented and gone sour, that have become ‘old stuff,’ outdated.”

The Seder thus calls on us to free ourselves from that which continues to enslave us, our own personal Egypt! This speaks to one of the most important tensions that confront us as we grow older. I speak of the tension of holding on and letting go. Our Jewish festival cycle speaks to us of this tension many times. Often, we are called upon to reexamine our life and to have the courage to let go of that which binds us, enslaves us.

The Book of Leviticus, which occupies many of our current Torah portions, deals a lot with sacrifice. That Hebrew, the word “korbon,” has the sense of drawing near to God. The need to be in community now seems to be increasingly present. A recent sermon by Rabbi Jennifer Frenkel of Cong. Kol Ami on the day following the Temple Israel attack pointed out that, amid so much uncertainty, it is community that allows us to draw near to the sacred and, equally if not more important, each other. In this way, we “cleave” to core values of the power of our relationships. This Passover season is a perfect time to re-energize and renew our sense of community and relationships through the power of a sacred and ancient ritual.

May your Passover be one of peace, life, memory and health.

Remembering Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss: A Legacy of Leadership – Seekers of Meaning Rebroadcast from 2019 (3/13/2026)

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, we are reposting a conversation from May 2019 with Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss, Ph.D., the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Provost at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR), Cincinnati. Rabbi Weiss died March 3, 2026.

“Rabbi Weiss has been a transformative presence at Hebrew Union College for more than two decades,” said HUC-JIR President Andrew Rehfeld, Ph.D. “Her scholarship, vision, and fierce commitment to the formation of Jewish clergy have shaped this institution in ways that will endure for generations. We are grateful beyond measure for her service and hold her and her loved ones in our hearts.”

During her tenure, Rabbi Weiss championed several landmark initiatives, including a curricular redesign, the launch of the Virtual Pathway for Rabbinical students, the creation of the Seminary Hebrew Program, and a renewal of spiritual and professional formation as a core component of clergy studies.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

In this interview, recorded in April 2019, Rabbi Weiss discusses the new book, American Values, Religious Voices: 100 Days. 100 Letters, which she co-authored with Lisa M. Weinberger.

You can listen to the audio podcast version at this link, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

In 2016 and 2020, Rabbi Weiss created the interfaith public scholarship project called American Values, Religious Voices, bringing together 100 leaders across religions and denominations to write letters to the president and Congress for the first 100 days of the first Trump administration and the Biden administration, calling the project ‘a national, nonpartisan campaign created from the conviction that scholars who study and teach our diverse religious traditions have something important to say about our shared American values.’

A scholar of the Hebrew Bible, she won the American Jewish Book Award in 2011 as co-editor of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary (CCAR Press, 2008), the first-ever Hebrew Bible commentary made up of scholarship by women rabbis, poets, and scholars.

After the 2016 presidential election, Rabbi Weiss teamed up with graphic designer Lisa M. Weinberger to create an “innovative volume” that addresses the concerns over the deep divisions in our country. While looking for ways to respond, many Americans turned to their respective religious leaders for guidance. These 100 letters —addressed to the president, vice president, and members of the 115th Congress and Trump administration—were written by some of America’s most accomplished and thoughtful scholars of religion. Dr. Weiss’s book is one of the first publications of the University of Cincinnati’s recently established press.

As provost, Rabbi Weiss led one of the United States’ oldest Jewish institutions through a decade of transformation, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the creation of the seminary’s first remote curriculum. As a professor at Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Weiss taught generations of students who would go on to lead congregations and Jewish communities across the world. She rarely turned down invitations to lead Bible study and share her scholarship, visiting synagogues and institutions across the country as a scholar-in-residence.”

Her daughter noted in an email from HUC-JIR that “Rabbi Andrea Weiss was a prominent American rabbi and global leader in the Jewish community. As provost of Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Weiss became the first-ever woman to ordain rabbis in the Reform movement and was one of very few female rabbis to ever ordain Jewish clergy.”

During her time at Hebrew Union College, Rabbi Weiss shaped generations of students. With each graduating class, newly ordained rabbis, cantors, educators, and communal professionals enter the world inspired by her example. Her work embodies a calling at once scholarly and spiritual: to draw out new voices from ancient words and to guide a vibrant Jewish future. Jewish Sacred Aging sends condolences to her husband Alan Tauber, their children Rebecca and Ilan, her father Marty Weiss, her siblings Mitch, Laura, and Roger, and Roger’s wife, Catherine Corrigan.

May her memory be for blessing.

To read tributes to Rabbi Weiss or share yours please visit this special page.

The post Remembering Rabbi Andrea L. Weiss: A Legacy of Leadership – Seekers of Meaning Rebroadcast from 2019 (3/13/2026) appeared first on Jewish Sacred Aging.

How Welcoming Converts to Judaism Enriches Community – Seekers of Meaning 3/6/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address interviews Rabbi Jon Cutler about his new project, the New Jew Podcast. They discuss the changing landscape of Judaism, the importance of welcoming non-Jews into the community, and the challenges faced by the Jewish community today, including rising antisemitism and the need for innovative approaches to engagement and education. The conversation emphasizes the significance of storytelling in understanding the Jewish experience and the potential for converts to enrich the community.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

You can also watch this week’s show in the player below. The shows now include closed-captioning for the deaf or people with a hearing loss. Click the “CC” button on the video player to activate closed-captions.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Rabbi Jon Cutler

Rabbi Jon Cutler, a native of Philadelphia, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Temple University in Religious Studies. He earned a Master of Hebrew Letters and received his ordination as a Rabbi from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, PA. He then earned his Doctor of Ministry (Counseling) from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.

On September 1st, 2015, Rabbi Cutler become the rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Chester County and continues to serve the members of Beth Israel.

Rabbi Cutler’s extensive pulpit experience includes serving four congregations in his civilian career – Congregation Bet Tikva, Flemington, NJ (1993-1999); Congregation Tiferes B’nai Israel, Warrington, PA (1999-2007); Darkaynu, Warrington, PA (2009-2015); and an interim rabbi at Congregation Beth Hatikva (JRF) in Summit, NJ (2013-2014).

Rabbi Cutler retired (2017) as a Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserves after serving 32 years. He served on active duty for five years – Philippines, Camp Lejeune, NC and Japan.

As a reservist, his last assignment was Deputy Chaplain for the US Marine Corps (2015-2017) at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. He served as the Force Chaplain for Naval Sea Systems Command and as Deputy Force Chaplain, Commander Navy Installations Command in Washington, DC (2013-2015) and Deputy Command Chaplain for the US 6th Fleet, U.S. Forces Europe and Africa (2012-2013).

Rabbi Cutler served as a hospice chaplain for Abramson Center for Jewish Life. He is an adjunct professor teaching Judaic Studies at Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA, Philosophy and Religion at Philadelphia University in Philadelphia, PA, and Counseling Psychology (graduate program) at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, PA.

He is married to Thierry Steenberghs and has a son (Thomas), daughter in law (Crystal), a granddaughter (Ariel), and a step-son (Cedric).

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Come Grandpa Meow: Engaging Young Minds with Alzheimer’s Awareness – Seekers of Meaning 2/27/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Carol Steinberg about her book, Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly, which addresses the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease through an intergenerational lens. They discuss the personal impact of Alzheimer’s on families, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need for support for caregivers. The conversation highlights the significance of maintaining connections and engaging in meaningful activities with loved ones affected by the disease.

About the book

“In the face of this devastating disease, we are all looking for that ‘moment’—a twinkle of joy, laughter, connection, or remembrance,” author Carol Steinberg writes in the book’s introduction. Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly offers that — and so much more.

Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly is a sensitive and true-to-life children’s book to help families meet the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia with understanding and respect. A heartfelt story with age-appropriate language and beautiful watercolor illustrations explains the brain disorder, and it is uniquely complemented by a collection of intergenerational activities designed to strengthen connections between children and loved ones experiencing memory loss and other symptoms.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Carol Steinberg

Carol Steinberg is an accomplished writer and editor and a former award-winning journalist who contributed regularly to The New York Times, Success magazine, Long Island Jewish World, and other publications. She left journalism mid-career to serve for 15 years as an executive at local and national nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer’s disease—a way of giving back after her father died as a result of the disease. Currently, she writes the biweekly newsletter for Voices of Alzheimer’s.

Based on her family’s experience and her knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, Carol is the author of a new children’s book—”Come Grandpa Meow, Let’s Fly.” The book, which is available on Amazon, uniquely features a heartfelt story about Alzheimer’s plus a collection of intergenerational activities. It has been recognized by AlzAuthors as a valuable resource for caregivers and by Ella’s Way for demonstrating the power of kindness.

The post Come Grandpa Meow: Engaging Young Minds with Alzheimer’s Awareness – Seekers of Meaning 2/27/2026 appeared first on Jewish Sacred Aging.

What Allows You To Flourish?

Rabbi Richard Address — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:21:23 GMT

In the past few weeks, I have been involved with some very interesting conversations with a variety of people around the issue of what allows them to flourish as they age. This began with a conference sponsored by the Jewish Studies Department of Arizona State University. It dealt with the issue of Judaism, and the Science of Flourishing. A wide variety of scholars discussed and debated this issue. It led to suggesting this issue for discussion in several classes and study groups that we have been involved with.

Some of these academics reported on surveys that indicated that elements in our society were not flourishing. There were concerns about teens and one report about middle aged people, especially men, who were having trouble dealing with post Covid, post 2008 issues as well feeling increased pressures from family concerns. There were even reports on a decline in life spans depending on which state one lived in. All together, some sobering statistics.

To flourish is to thrive. Does this become more challenging as we age? There are so many challenges that we face, from changes in our bodies to changes in relationships; from adapting to losses and the rapidity of time passing. Add to this the anxiety so many feel given the state of the world in general and the Jewish world in particular, and you can see the challenge in trying to ascertain what allows us to flourish and thrive,.

Curiously, in these sessions, there was an eagerness to have this issue discussed. So often we are focusing on what is wrong or concerning, that when we are invited to talk about what gives us joy or allows us to thrive, we are surprised. As you know, Judaism has a major focus on life and these discussions validated the reality that people want to share their joys and passions. They are great lessons in that they teach and remind us that life IS to be lived and that there are always things to learn, to do, to share and to enjoy.

So many of the people in these classes spoke of the enjoyment and spiritual joy in giving back to someone, or some group. Others spoke of their passion for learning and the emotional high that discovering new ideas provided. Just about everyone spoke of the power of and the acute need for being with others; the need to be in relationship with others and that need to be needed and the need to need. This stress on relationships provided recognition, validation and connection in life, despite any physical or emotional challenges. There were several ideas that led to great conversation. One was the fact, as a few mentioned, of working with young people on projects. The inter-generational idea is often overlooked in many congregations. Too often we silo groups, yet, a few who have had this experience were so positive in working with teens or young adults in ways that allowed for mutual learning and growth. Then there was a discussion that emerged just recently during one of our monthly Both Sides Now webinars for older adults. It was pointed out that one of the participants was going to celebrate his second Bar Mitzvah as he turned 83 ( three score years plus thirteen). The reaction was wonderful as people saw this as another way to combine so many of the positive aspects of life that allow us to flourish and thrive.

One of challenges remain to seek out and engage in those activities that allow us to grow and thrive and flourish as human beings. Judaism teaches us that as long as we live we seek meaning and our place in this world.

Shalom,

Rabbi Richard F. Address

Striving to Be Human: Reflections on Technology and Ethics: Rabbis Douglas Kohn and Leah Cohen Tenenbaum – Seekers of Meaning 2/20/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages in a profound discussion with Rabbis Doug Kohn and Leah Cohen-Tenenbaum, co-authors of the book Striving to be Human: Jewish Perspectives on 21st Century Challenges.

The conversation delves into the motivations behind the book, which emerged from a serendipitous meeting at a CCAR conference. The authors explore the pressing issues of the 21st century, emphasizing the need for a reflective pause in a rapidly changing world, drawing on Jewish wisdom to navigate contemporary challenges. They discuss the importance of understanding what it means to be human in an age dominated by technology and the complexities of modern life, including the existential crises that arise from our relationship with technology and the quest for belonging.

The discussion also touches on the significance of the essays in the book, which provide a framework for processing the challenges of modern existence. The authors highlight the necessity of striving for humanity amidst the overwhelming influx of information and the ethical dilemmas posed by advancements in artificial intelligence and medical technology. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to action for listeners to engage with these themes and reflect on their own humanity in the face of contemporary challenges.

About the book

In his clarion call for ethical behavior, Rabbi Hillel tells us, “In a place where there is no humanity, strive to be human.” But what exactly does it mean to be human, especially in an age of rapid transformation? Striving to Be Human: Jewish Perspectives on Twenty-First-Century Challenges confronts this question with boldness, hope, and a foundation of Jewish wisdom. The volume begins with “Challenges from Within Us,” addressing such topics as moral justice, belonging, queer theology, and good and evil. In part two, “Challenges from Beyond Us,” the authors delve into artificial intelligence, robotics, reproductive technologies, and the animal-human relationship. The result is a profound conversation about Jewish values and human dignity in our evolving landscape.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guests

Rabbi Leah Cohen Tenenbaum

Rabbi Leah Cohen Tenenbaum, DMin, BCC-PCHAC (HUC-JIR 2000), serves as the inpatient palliative care chaplain and as a member of the Ethics Committee at Yale New Haven Hospital. She is a faculty member of FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics) and has served on the CCAR Board of Trustees, the CCAR National Ethics Taskforce, and currently the CCAR Press Council. She has written chapters for The Sacred Struggle: Jewish Responses to Trauma (CCAR Press, 2025) and Fragile Dialogue: New Voices of Liberal Zionism (CCAR Press, 2018) and is the coeditor with Rabbi Douglas Kohn of Striving to Be Human: Jewish Perspectives on Twenty First-Century Challenges (CCAR Press, 2025). She frequently teaches and presents on spirituality, serious illness, and medical ethics.

Rabbi Douglas Kohn

Rabbi Douglas Kohn serves Temple Beth Jacob in Newburgh, New York, having previously served congregations in Buffalo, Baltimore, Chicago, and Southern California, and is happily busy in all aspects of congregational and community endeavors. In addition to coediting Striving to Be Human (CCAR Press, 2025) with Rabbi Leah Cohen Tenenbaum, he is the editor of two other volumes, Life, Faith, and Cancer: Jewish Journeys Through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery (URJ Press, 2008) and Broken Fragments: Jewish Experiences of Alzheimer’s Disease Through Diagnosis, Adaptation, and Moving On (URJ Press, 2012), and has written and spoken widely on the themes of illness, medical ethics, and being human. Rabbi Kohn has served on numerous CCAR, URJ, and communal commissions, committees, and boards, while still savoring time to read, write, and paint, as well as exercise, cook, and travel with his wife, Cindy, and their children and grandchildren.

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Heart Health Insights with Dr. Robert Singer – Seekers of Meaning 2/13/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

In this episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address welcomes back Dr. Robert Singer, a prominent cardiologist, to discuss heart health, particularly relevant as February is Heart Health Month.

They delve into the importance of cholesterol management, specifically the role of statins and emerging markers like lipoprotein(a) and apoprotein B, which are gaining traction in Europe but are not yet standard in the U.S. Dr. Singer emphasizes the need for awareness regarding these tests and the impact of lifestyle choices on cardiovascular health, including diet and exercise.

The conversation also touches on the significance of stress and genetics in heart health, the importance of regular check-ups, and the disparities in healthcare access.

Dr. Singer shares insights on the latest advancements in cardiac procedures and the evolving landscape of heart health monitoring through technology. The episode concludes with practical advice for maintaining cardiovascular health, underscoring the timeless wisdom of balanced eating and regular physical activity.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Dr. Robert Singer, MD, FACC

Dr. Robert Singer is a clinical cardiologist with Trinity Mid-Atlantic Cardiology in Philadelphia.

Dr. Singer received his MD in 1987 from S.U.N.Y. Health Science Center at Brooklyn. He is board-certified in Nuclear Cardiology, cardiovascular diseases, and internal medicine.

He held a fellowship in cardiology at Hahneman University Hospital in Philadelphia, and a residency and internship in internal medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center, Bronx, NY.

He also studied at Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine. He received a BA in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Dr. Singer is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.

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Connecting Generations Through Stories: Rabbi Michael Zedek’s Approach – Seekers of Meaning 2/6/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address welcomes Rabbi Michael Zedek to discuss his new book, People Are Like: Stories for Young Readers and Readers Who Wish to Stay Young.

The conversation explores the joy of storytelling, particularly in the context of teaching and connecting with younger generations. Rabbi Zedek shares insights on the importance of stories in conveying moral lessons and fostering empathy, drawing from his experiences as a rabbi and educator. He emphasizes that stories can be a powerful tool for understanding complex themes such as happiness, bullying, and the significance of human relationships.

Throughout the discussion, Rabbi Zedek reflects on the creative process behind his book, the whimsical illustrations by Isabel Tejada, and how each story serves as a standalone lesson. The episode highlights the potential of storytelling to bridge generational gaps and promote meaningful conversations about life’s challenges. As they delve into specific stories from the book, both rabbis underscore the importance of compassion and connection in a world that often feels isolating, especially for the elderly and youth alike.

About the book

“People Are Like …” redwood trees? Dogs? Porcupines, even? Rabbi Michael Zedek shares how in a refreshing, humorous style that connects with young readers and their families. The Brooklyn-born master storyteller has been a featured speaker globally, including TEDx. His natural wit and generational wisdom will engage children and adults in this slim volume full of memorable life lessons. The whimsical illustrations add magical notes to complement the content. “People Are Like …” will inspire meaningful conversation to remind us that we still have room and time to grow no matter our age. Michael’s collection of tales plants seeds for character-building and self-discovery that teach us to reflect on what we can learn from the mundane moments too often overlooked.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Rabbi Michael Zedek

Brooklyn-born Michael Zedek is rabbi emeritus of both B’nai Jehudah (Kansas City) and Emanuel Congregation (Chicago). He also served as the chief executive officer of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati (JFC); during his tenure, the Federation received national awards for innovative fundraising and programming. A dedicated community activist, scholar, and teacher Rabbi Zedek has received numerous awards including a Fulbright-Hays Grant. He was also honored by the National Conference of Christian and Jews. He is the founder and co-host of weekly radio show “Religion on the Line,” and a regular presenter at Rancho La Puerta, the oldest and most renowned spirituality spa center in North America.

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Exploring Jewish Afterlife Beliefs Through Yiddish Folklore – Reb Simcha Raphael on Seekers of Meaning, 1/30/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages with Rabbi Dr. Simcha Raphael to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish beliefs surrounding the afterlife, particularly through the lens of Yiddish folklore. Reb Simcha’s newest book is Spirits, Ghosts, & Dybbuks: Afterlife Journeys in Yiddish Lore

They discuss the significance of spirits, ghosts, and dybbuks, the role of rituals in mourning, and the reclamation of lost traditions in modern Judaism. The conversation delves into the concept of Gehenna as a process of purification and reflects on cultural narratives that shape Jewish understandings of life, death, and the spiritual journey beyond.

About the book

A richly researched and deeply spiritual work, Spirits, Ghosts, and Dybbuks: Afterlife Journeys in Yiddish Lore delves into the arcane realms of Jewish afterlife beliefs as vibrantly expressed through the imaginative worlds of Yiddish literature. In deftly demonstrating how the writings of I.L. Peretz, Isaac Bashevis Singer, and others synthesized classical Jewish eschatology with the emerging sociopolitical thought of early modernity, Simcha Paull Raphael explores the enduring legacy of Jewish speculation on death and the afterlife.

Drawing on decades of experience as a death educator, grief counselor, and rabbinic chaplain, Raphael weaves scholarly insight with spiritual depth to expertly guide readers on a literary journey into the yenne velt, ‘ the ever-present ‘other world’ beyond the veil. Regardless of one’s background or belief, this fascinating work invites readers to reflect on enduring spiritual questions about death, the soul, and the possibility of life beyond the grave.

Originally published as a chapter in the groundbreaking Jewish Views of the Afterlife, this expanded and revised volume offers newly updated material, highlighting the rich intersection of Yiddish literature and Jewish afterlife tradition.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Rabbi Simcha Raphael

Reb Simcha Paull Raphael, Ph.D.

SIMCHA RAPHAEL, Ph.D., is the Founding Director of the DA’AT INSTITUTE. He has worked as a death awareness educator, bereavement counselor and hospice chaplain for over twenty-five years. Ordained as a Rabbinic Pastor by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, he received a doctorate in Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and has written extensively on the topics of death, bereavement and the afterlife

The post Exploring Jewish Afterlife Beliefs Through Yiddish Folklore – Reb Simcha Raphael on Seekers of Meaning, 1/30/2026 appeared first on Jewish Sacred Aging.

Harnessing AI in Faith: Insights for Modern Clergy, with Rabbi Ben Newman – Seekers of Meaning 1/23/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:19:25 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Rabbi Ben Newman about the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for clergy. Rabbi Newman’s new book is AI for Clergy: Harnessing the Power of the Digital Golem for Spiritual Leadership, Community Organization, and Sacred Service, a practical and spiritual guide for ministers, rabbis, imams, and chaplains navigating the age of artificial intelligence.

Rabbi Newman discusses the definition of AI, its potential benefits and challenges for spiritual leadership, and the ethical considerations surrounding its use.

He emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into rabbinic education and community practices, while also addressing the fears and misconceptions that many have about this technology. The conversation highlights the need for clergy to adapt to the evolving landscape of technology in order to better serve their communities.

Drawing on the ancient metaphor of the Golem—powerful, obedient, but soulless—Rabbi Ben Newman explores how AI mirrors human intention and how clergy can harness it with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. From drafting sermons and eulogies to supporting education, fundraising, and pastoral care, this book offers hands-on tools while wrestling with the deeper questions of soul, creativity, and responsibility. At once visionary and practical, it invites faith leaders to step into the future with courage, humility, and a renewed commitment to presence.

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About the Guest

Rabbi Ben Newman

Rabbi Ben Newman is a Jewish-Buddhist rabbi, writer, and musician who helps people build lives rooted in meaning, integrity, and connection. He serves as co-rabbi of Pleasantville Community Synagogue in Pleasantville, New York, alongside his wife, Rabbi Shoshana Leis.

Ordained in 2006 by the Academy for Jewish Religion, Rabbi Ben has served communities in New York and Colorado, including Temple Beth Shalom in Hastings-on-Hudson and Har Shalom in Fort Collins. He also served as Director of Spiritual Life at the Shames JCC in Tarrytown, where his work included spiritual leadership and community-building initiatives.

In 2016, he founded Shtiebel in the Rivertowns, a low-barrier, high-engagement Saturday night Havdalah gathering that brings together people across ages, denominations, and spiritual backgrounds. Shtiebel is now part of the life of Pleasantville Community Synagogue and remains open to all.

Rabbi Ben is a singer-songwriter and innovative service leader who loves chanting and leading with guitar and ukulele. He has studied widely, including at Nanzan University in Japan, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary. His books explore Jewish spirituality, mindfulness, and modern life, including AI for Clergy, The 10 Pathways, 52 Gates: Reflections on Living, and The Ten Precepts: A Jewish-Buddhist Translation of the Ten Commandments. He also writes children’s books, including Thinking about G!d and The Enchanted Sukkah, and loves helping kids become authors by turning ancient stories into their own creations.

He lives in Dobbs Ferry, New York with his family.

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The Healing Power of Love: Insights from Dr. Stephen Post – Seekers of Meaning 1/26/2026

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address and Dr. Stephen Post, author of Pure Unlimited Love: Science and the Seven Paths to Inner Peace explore the profound themes of love and kindness, particularly in the context of today’s world.

They discuss the essence of pure love, the importance of kindness in everyday interactions, and the need for a spiritual renewal that emphasizes shared humanity.

Dr. Post shares personal stories and insights from his experiences, highlighting the significance of kindness and compassion in various aspects of life, including healthcare and education. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by technology and the importance of reconnecting with nature to foster emotional well-being and community.

About the book

A scientific and spiritual exploration of how the healing power of love can transform mind, body, and spirit in individuals and communities, even in times of chaos.

Dr. Post’s goal through his life’s work is to achieve cultural transformation through a blend of the highest levels of scientific research, spiritual-philosophical reflection, and effective practice. Through more than forty years of research he has created a framework readers can use to foster pure unlimited love and find inner peace regardless of what’s going on around them. The framework consists of seven paths for generating inner peace which include:
May You Give and Glow; May You Heal with Kindness; May You Follow Your Callings; May You Raise Kind Children; May You Know the One Mind; May You Cherish the Gift of Nature; May You Honor the Spirit of Freedom. By incorporating these mantras into your everyday life, you can intentionally show love and kindness in your interactions and help to create inner peace as well as peace around you.

When given from the heart, pure love is unlimited and is comprised of compassion, helping, forgiveness, mirth, respect, celebration, listening, loyalty, creativity, and carefrontation. Dr. Post’s work invites readers to embrace pure unlimited love and help create a better world.

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About the Guest

Dr. Stephen Post

Stephen G. Post, PhD, is the bestselling author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Life by the Simple Act of Giving (Random House, 2008). The British Medical Journal designated his book, The Moral Challenge of Alzheimer Disease (Johns Hopkins University Press, 1995), a medical classic of the 20th century.

Post is among a handful of individuals awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the national Alzheimer’s Association. In 2001 he founded the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, which researches and distributes knowledge on kindness, giving, and spirituality.

A frequent contributor to major magazines and newspapers including The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Time Magazine, Post has appeared on The Daily Show among other national television programs.

Post served as a co-chair of the United Nations Population Fund conference on spirituality and global transformation. He is a Professor in the Department of Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University, and the founder and director of the Stony Brook Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics.

A leader in medicine, research and religion, Dr. Post’s latest book is a meditation on the meaning of life and the importance of spirituality. Visit him online at StephenGPost.com and UnlimitedLoveInstitute.org.

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Encore 1/9/2026: Healing Through Poetry: Caregiving Experiences in Alzheimer’s — Seekers of Meaning

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address explores the profound journey of caregiving for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as shared by Rabbi Deborah Hachen. She reflects on her experiences with her husband Peter, discussing the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving, the impact of COVID-19, and the importance of community support. The dialogue also delves into themes of faith, spirituality, and the healing power of poetry in processing grief and loss.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Rabbi Debra Hachen

Rabbi Debra Hachen (HUC-JIR ’80) is Rabbi Emerita of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Massachusetts and served two other congregations before retiring to California in 2017. The daughter and great granddaughter of Reform rabbis, she was among the first women rabbis in the Reform movement. During her active rabbinate she was known for heartfelt worship services and teachings that wove together Jewish texts and modern life experiences. She served on many committees within the Reform movement and continues to be active in the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Women’s Rabbinic Network. Her essay and poetry on caregiving for a spouse with dementia were published by the Central Conference of American Rabbis, one in The Sacred Struggle (2025) and the other in The Reform Jewish Quarterly, Summer 2025. She loves reading science fiction, playing bridge, travel, and making her six young grandchildren laugh.

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Seekers of Meaning ENCORE 1/2/2026: Prof. Michael Meyer, author of new book on Reform Judaism leader Rabbi Alexander Schindler

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s encore episode from February 21, 2025, Prof. Michael Meyer of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Reform rabbinical seminary, discusses his new book, Above All, We are Jews, a biography of Rabbi Alexander Schindler, who served as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (today’s Union for Reform Judaism) from 1973 to 1996.

About the book

You can purchase this book at the CCAR Press website, or at Amazon by clicking on the book image below.

Rabbi Alexander Schindler (1925-2000) was an extraordinarily influential leader in the history of Reform Judaism. From 1973 to 1996, he served as president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (today’s Union for Reform Judaism), where his charisma and vision raised the Reform Movement to unprecedented influence. Never afraid to be controversial, he argued for recognizing patrilineal descent, institutionalized outreach to interfaith families and non-Jews, and championed LGBTQ rights and racial equality. He was a tireless advocate for Israel while maintaining diaspora Jews’ right to speak out independently on the Jewish state. In this nuanced biography, historian Michael A. Meyer draws on extensive archival research and interviews to paint a definitive portrait of Schindler’s life. A foreword by Jonathan D. Sarna situates Schindler in American Jewish history, and Rabbi Rick Jacobs’s afterword reflects on his legacy.

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Listen to the Audio Podcast

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About the Guest

Prof. Michael Meyer, Ph.D.

Michael A. Meyer was born in Berlin, Germany and grew up in Los Angeles, where he received his B.A. (with highest honors) from UCLA. His doctorate is from Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. From 1964 to 1967, he taught at the Los Angeles campus of HUC. Since 1967 he has been on the faculty of HUC’s Cincinnati campus, where he is currently the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Jewish History Emeritus. From 2000 to 2008, he also taught every fourth semester at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and at the Jerusalem campus of HUC. He has also taught at the University of Haifa and Ben Gurion University.

Professor Meyer’s books have won three Jewish Book Awards. They include The Origins of the Modern Jew: Jewish Identity and European Culture in Germany, 1749-1824 (1967); Response to Modernity: A History of the Reform Movement in Judaism (1988); Jewish Identity in the Modern World (1990); and a collection of essays entitled Judaism Within Modernity (2001). Among books he has edited are Ideas of Jewish History (1974); the four-volume German-Jewish History in Modern Times (1996-1998); Volume six of the collected writings of Leo Baeck (2003); and Joachim Prinz, Rebellious Rabbi: An Autobiography–the German and Early American Years (2007). He has published more than two hundred articles and longer reviews.

From 1978 to 1980 Professor Meyer was president of the Association for Jewish Studies (the American professional society of Judaica scholars), and from 2003 to 2006 chaired the Academic Advisory Council of the Center for Jewish History in New York. From 1991 until 2013 he served as international president of the Leo Baeck Institute, a scholarly organization devoted to the historical study of German Jewry that has branches in Jerusalem, New York, and London. He is a fellow of the American Academy for Jewish Research and has recently been a fellow of the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1996 Professor Meyer won the National Foundation for Jewish Culture’s Scholarship Award in Historical Studies for major influence on colleagues and students in his field. In 1997 he was a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, in the summer of 2000 a guest professor at the Aby Warburg House in Hamburg, and in 2001 received an honorary Doctor of Hebrew Letters degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. In 2008 Jewish historians from the United States, Israel, and Europe honored him with a jubilee volume entitled Mediating Modernity: Challenges and Trends in the Jewish Encounter with the Modern World. In 2015, he received the Moses Mendelssohn Award “for lifelong dedication to teaching and publishing about German-Jewish history and culture” from the Leo Baeck Institute in New York. Since 2013 he has been a member of the Advisory Council of the Selma Stern Center for Jewish Studies in Berlin. His most recent book is Rabbi Leo Baeck: Living a Religious Imperative in Troubled Times (2020).

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ENCORE: Seekers of Meaning 6/6/2025: Navigating the Complexities of Caregiving

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 12:59:25 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address explores the multifaceted nature of caregiving with Barry Jacobs and Julia Meyer, co-authors of the AARP Caregiver Answer Book. Jacobs and Meyer discuss the emotional, financial, and spiritual challenges faced by caregivers, emphasizing the importance of planning, support systems, and self-compassion.

Barry and Julia also provide insights into the complexities of caregiving, including long-distance care, end-of-life decisions, and the psycho-spiritual transformations that occur during this journey.

If you’re among the millions of people annually who take on the role of providing unpaid care to family, friends, or neighbors, you are sure to face tough questions. How do I coordinate the care my loved one needs? How can I get other relatives to pitch in? Who pays for all this? Husband-and-wife psychologists Barry J. Jacobs and Julia L. Mayer — who have counseled family caregivers for over 30 years and cared for their own aging parents for a decade — have answers. Written in a Q&A format, this easy-to-navigate guide is packed with information, problem-solving and coping ideas, resources, stories, and communication tips. Drs. Jacobs and Mayer compassionately address everything you need to know to help your parent, spouse, or other care receiver. From managing family conflicts to hiring aides to optimizing end-of-life care, this is a book to return to at every step of the journey.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

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About the Guests

Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD

Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and family therapist who works with caregivers and care receivers in private practice in Media, Pennsylvania. He has written extensively about caregiving, including a long-running self-help column for caregivers on AARP.org, and is a sought-after speaker and workshop presenter. Dr. Jacobs is also a Principal at a national health care consulting firm.

Julia L. Mayer, PsyD

Julia L. Mayer, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist in Media, Pennsylvania, who specializes in working with women and has a growing focus on supporting caregivers. She is coauthor of articles and books on caregiving and relationships with her husband, Barry J. Jacobs, and is also a published novelist. Dr. Mayer is cohost of a podcast on psychology and social justice and a former president of the Philadelphia Psychology Network.

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Embracing Elderhood: Insights from ‘Moments That Matter’ – Rabbis Laura Geller and Beth Lieberman – Seekers of Meaning 12/19/2025

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address engages with Rabbis Laura Geller and Beth Lieberman about their book, Moments That Matter, which explores the transitions of midlife and beyond.

They discuss the definition of elderhood, the importance of rituals in navigating life’s changes, and the concept of “Renewment” as a positive alternative to retirement.

The conversation also addresses the loneliness crisis among older adults and emphasizes the significance of relationships and community. The episode concludes with reflections on embracing life’s finitude and finding spiritual meaning in the aging process.

About the book

Moments That Matter: Marking Transitions in Midlife and Beyond offers a fresh perspective on life’s later chapters, transforming them into opportunities for personal growth, meaning, and renewal. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Laura Geller and Rabbi Beth Lieberman explore the unique challenges and joys of midlife and beyond, from launching children to launching oneself anew, navigating retirement, downsizing and moving, facing illness and caregiving, and embracing love at any age. The chapters weave Jewish wisdom with practical rituals, interspersed with personal stories and ways to adapt each ceremony for a communal setting. Moments That Matter empowers readers to embrace these milestones with creativity and intention, offering tools to craft personalized and deeply moving rituals that honor the complexity of this rich stage of life.

More information at CCAR Press website.

More information at Amazon.com.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

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Listen to the Audio Podcast

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About the Guests

Rabbi Laura Geller

Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Emerita of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, was the third woman in the Reform Movement to become a rabbi and the first to be called from a national search to become the Senior Rabbi of a major metropolitan synagogue.

Named one of Newsweek’s 50 Most Influential Rabbis in America, and by PBS’ Next Avenue as a 2017 Influencer in Aging, she was a cofounder of ChaiVillageLA and is the chair of the Synagogue Village Network. She served on the Corporation of Brown University from where she graduated in 1971, and on the board of the Jewish Women’s Archive.

Currently she is on the board of CoGenerate.org (formerly Encore.org) and the ActiveAgingNetwork.org (formerly B3:the Jewish Boomer Platform.)

She was featured in the PBS documentary “Jewish Americans”, is the author of numerous articles in books and journals, and she was on the editorial board of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary.

Her book, Getting Good at Getting Older, co-authored with her husband Richard Siegel (z’l), was named a National Jewish Book Award Finalist in the category of Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice. Her new book is called Moments That Matter:Marking Transitions in Midlife and Beyond (CCARPress, 2025).

She is the mother of Joshua and Elana Goldstein, the stepmother of Andy and Ruth Siegel, the grateful mother in law of Janelle Goldstein, Zach Rausnitz, and Will Swanson and the very proud Savta of Avery, Levi, Phoebe, Alice and Nell.

Rabbi Beth Lieberman

Rabbi Beth Lieberman serves on the faculty of Hebrew Union College, Jack H. Skirball Campus, Los Angeles. She was involved with the development of IJS’s Wise Aging program, served as manager of the Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills Next Stage Initiative, and was co-founder of Or Ami Village in Calabasas, California.

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Cultivating Hope: Insights from Dr. Benjamin Corn – Seekers of Meaning 12/12/2025

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Address speaks with Dr. Benjamin Corn, the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Hope, Dignity, and Well-being. They explore the concept of hope, its components, and how it can be cultivated as a skill. Dr. Corn discusses the importance of hope in various contexts, including personal health, community engagement, and spirituality. The conversation also touches on the role of family and cultural influences on hope, as well as the institute’s efforts to expand its reach and impact.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

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About the Guest

Dr. Ben Corn

Benjamin W. Corn MD, FASTRO is a professor of oncology at the Hebrew University School of Medicine and deputy director of the Shaare Zedek Cancer Center in Jerusalem.

He is the chair of Life’s Door (LD), an NGO co-founded with Dvora Corn and committed to addressing the emotional needs of patients diagnosed with cancer, as well as the family members and professionals who care for them. During the past decade, the organisation has turned its attention towards using hopefulness as a tool to help these respective stakeholders, and LD currently oversees programmes that are accessed by more than 10,000 people annually.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisation trained approximately 900 volunteers to use hope enhancement techniques in the context of a telephone campaign (Hope Responders) to mitigate loneliness among the elderly. The organisation has also been systematically expanding its reach to apply these techniques to other populations, including dialysis-dependent individuals, those suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, and even those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment ((MCI) – which was previously referred to as “early dementia”).

At the Shaare Zedek Cancer Center, the organisation has developed a partnership with Professor Amir Amedi of Reichman University to create an immersive sensory environment in the simulation suite (the site of first patient contact with ionising radiation) to mitigate stress and anxiety. Plans are in place to extend the immersive experience to the treatment rooms, waiting areas and staff lounges.

Ben, who has authored more than 250 articles/chapters/reviews in the medical literature, is the principal investigator of the NCI-sponsored trial (NRG CC003), designed to determine whether the hippocampus constitutes a CNS centre for hopefulness. For the above efforts, Dr Corn received the National Citation for Volunteerism by Israeli President Shimon Peres in 2012, and he was the recipient of the 2021 Humanitarian Award by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

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Healing Through Poetry: Caregiving Experiences in Alzheimer’s — Seekers of Meaning 12/5/2025

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Rabbi Debra Hachen

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Transforming Grief: Insights from Jayne Jacova Feld – Seekers of Meaning 11/28/2025

Rabbi Richard Address — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:00 GMT

On this week’s episode of the Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast, Rabbi Richard Address engages in a profound conversation with Jayne Jacova Feld about the psycho-spiritual aspects of grief, particularly following the tragic loss of her son, Ravi. Jayne shares her journey of transforming grief into love, the significance of water in her healing process, and the creation of her own belief system, ‘mermaidism.’ The discussion delves into the importance of community, the power of writing, and the exploration of spirituality outside traditional frameworks, offering insights into navigating grief and finding personal meaning.

Seekers of Meaning TV Show and Podcast Now Available on Roku Streaming Service

You can add the Jewish Sacred Aging TV channel to your Roku streaming subscription by visiting this page: https://channelstore.roku.com/details/600964/jewish-sacred-aging.

Listen to the Audio Podcast

You can listen to the audio podcast version in the player below, or subscribe to the podcast in one of the popular platforms by clicking one of the buttons below the player.

About the Guest

Jayne Jacova Feld

Jayne Jacova Feld is a longtime South Jersey journalist, former managing editor of The Jewish Community Voice, and former executive editor of SJ Magazine. She now freelances full-time and writes Jayne Says, a Substack exploring grief, motherhood, healing, and spiritual presence. Jayne also co-leads women’s spiritual journeys, including an upcoming self-love and ritual-based retreat to Peru.

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If Your'e Happy And You Know It...2

Rabbi Richard Address — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:45:31 GMT

Last week we noted the statistics on the growing economic divide in the country and posed a question if our generation would be the last to enjoy retirement and aging and what that would mean for our children and grandchildren. Curiously, the economics of our aging was the subject of another major article in the November 19 edition of the Washington Post. It raised the question of what we will choose to do with what the Post said was the largest potential transfer of wealth in USA history. The headline read “How Baby Boomers Got So Rich and Why Their Kids Are Unlikely to Catch Up”. The piece noted that our generation has the potential to pass on more than $85 trillion thanks to “economic conditions Gen X, millennials and others would be hard-pressed to replicate”.

The article noted that we have been the beneficiary of “uniquely favorable economic conditions” that took place in our lifetime. History, economically speaking, has been kind to us. Olivia Mitchell, a professor of business economics and public policy at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School noted that “Baby boomers entered the labor force during decades of strong economic growth, rising productivity and relatively high wages.” We benefited from favorable markets, and generally lower costs of things like tuition, health care and a variety of taxes. I would add that for some of us, we also benefited from money earned by many of our parents who rode the post World War 2 boom.

The article goes on to detail a variety of other economic factors, especially housing, that helped establish this huge next egg. Now, we all know that this is not true for everyone in our cohort. As we live longer and encounter health issues, many of us know situations where paying for health care will consume huge amounts of money. Indeed, the true history of our generation’s accumulated wealth is still being written. Yet, assuming that these figures are correct, there is a moral question that one can raise because of these facts. What shall we do with this treasure? For some of us, we now have the means to enjoy aspects of life that bring meaning and joy to us and our families. Have you ever heard someone explain that family trip or check to children for a down payment by having them say “I would rather you have this now than wait for me to die”!

This economic reality also raises the possibility that our generation is in the position to help change so many programs, institutions and not for profits. We noticed years ago that one of the characteristics of our generation is what we have come to call “the give-back syndrome”. Increasingly we have seen a sincere attempt by many who have been economically blessed, to create on going streams of philanthropy. This behavior is an important lesson to teach our children and grandchildren, the problem of course being, as the Post article explained, that these coming generations may not be in the same economic positions as many of us are. Thus, the responsibility of our generation to “give back” appears even more relevant and meaningful. Have you thought about how you wish to “give back” to your community? The needs are everywhere. The choice, once again, is ours!

Rabbi Richard F. Address