A program based on the Institute for Jewish Spirituality’s Wise Aging, this program for men aged 50+will be co-facilitated by Stephen Sittenfield MD and Samuel Rosen MSW. Steve is a psychiatrist who has worked extensively with older people, and Sam is a social worker/gerontologist whose 40 year career was largely focused on aging issues. Sam has also been trained by IJS as a facilitator of the Wise Aging program.
The program, which will run at least eight sessions, with the option for additional sessions determined by the participants, aims to help us reframe what it means to grow older in our society. The now classic text Wise Aging, by Rabbi Rachel Cowan (z”l) and Dr Linda Thal will serve as a primary resource in this journey.
As the Wise Aging subtitle asserts – “Living with Joy, Resilience and Spirit,” we will a create safe environment for men (up to 12 additional participants) to examine the critical issues they face as they approach the next stage of adulthood that some call “Encore” or “Prime Time.” In a context of Jewish tradition and Jewish traditional texts, as well as with experiential exercises, secular writings and direct heartfelt dialogue, we hope to assist this group of men to “grow a heart of wisdom.” Sessions will be partly in group and partly chevruta (two partners). We will understand common changes in our lives, look at foundational values and together discover thoughtful, spiritual, loving practices.
The Wise Aging program will begin on Sunday September 15, 2004, at 10:15 AM, then two weeks later, September 29, also at 10:15 AM. Thereafter, we will meet monthly, same day and time: October 27, December 1, and January 5, 2005. The remaining sessions will be scheduled later. The ability to commit to all sessions is important to the success of the group.
For more information, please contact Sam Rosen.
