Abstract
A multi-year study of synagogue programs for older adults reveals the forces that determine whether or not such programs come under the rubric of Spiritual Aging. These forces include the motivations of participants and their views of the synagogue's appropriate role in elder work, the approach of the professionals, the involvement of clergy, and the existence of an older adult infrastructure in the synagogue. Results make clear that synagogues not only need to address these forces but they must also dare to think differently about engaging their older adults. Unless synagogues re-orient themselves toward the elderly, they will be unable to make the special contribution to the continuum of care that only they can do. The research was conceived and sponsored by the Grotta Foundation for Senior Care. This article originally appeared in the summer 2005 issue of Jewish Education News, published by the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Additional articles from issues of JEN and other CAJE publications, as well as information about the organization, can be found online at www.caje.org.