This proposal was submitted by a collaborative team of 12 synagogues and two local Jewish agencies initiated by Rabbi Yaron Kapitulnik of Temple Judea in Palm Beach Gardens.

The goal of the Wise Aging program is to train clergy and lay leaders in the use of a powerful curriculum with congregants in their sixties and seventies, as well as interested fifty-year-olds and those active in their eighties. The curriculum--which includes topics such as: exploring this stage of life; becoming one's authentic self; a life review; relationship to our bodies; revitalizing and nourishing healthy relationships, cultivating qualities of soul; cultivating wisdom, and leaving a legacy -- is designed to facilitate the explorations of community members into the ways Jewish tradition and Jewish spiritual practices can help them age with spirit, resilience, and grace.

On January 8 and 9, 2017, funded by this grant, Rabbi Rachel Cowan, Dr. Linda Thal and Karen Frank will lead a two day training seminar for Wise Aging Facilitators. The training will be held at the Arthur I. Meyer Academy and at Temple Judea. 

"Reel Matters: Heroes, Happenings and Issues" is a film series addressing Boomers' engagement with social issues via the lens of films with Jewish content or connections. The four part series will take place in December, February, March and April at JCC facilities in both Boynton Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, and will be open to the entire community.  Each film will include a collaborative opportunity for interactive dialogue with the film's director, a knowledgeable speaker, representatives from an organization relevant to the film's content or discussion with a panel of knowledgeable speakers. Attendees will also be offered opportunities to pursue further engagement with the film's subject matter to build on their emotional commitment and encourage continued involvement. Post film receptions will promote personal interaction with peers.

AJFCS will conduct 10-week programs developed by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) entitled The Aging Mastery Program (AMP). This program develops new expectations, norms, and pathways for people aged 50 to 100, to make the most of their gift of longevity. The curriculum includes the basics of aging mastery, including exercise, sleep, healthy eating, financial fitness, advance planning, healthy relationships, medication management, community engagement and falls prevention.

AMP's innovative approach guides individuals through this phase of life. The program incorporates evidence-informed materials, group discussion, peer support, and small rewards to impart skills and tools to achieve improvements in managing their health, remaining economically secure, and contributing actively in society. All program materials and resources align with the goal of helping people enjoy self-sufficient lives and motivate them to consider engagement in the Jewish community. 

“Courageous Conversations” Social Action Program at Temple Israel of West Palm Beach is designed to foster communication and action between members of the Jewish community and the community-at-large regarding social issues impacting the Palm Beaches.  This is achieved through a series of four “Courageous Conversations consisting of learning, discussion, and planning for future action. Each Conversation is open to the entire community on a Friday night to frame each discussion in a holy context. The topic of the evening’s conversation is addressed during the worship service; afterwards, participants share dinner and attend a panel discussion to explore different viewpoints regarding the evening’s issue, followed by small-group discussions at each table led by trained facilitators.  Participants are invited to continue the conversations through various follow up methods. Typical topics to explore include: Opiate and Prescription Drug Abuse and Its Implications for Our Families and Community; Gun Violence Prevention; Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness; and Racial Inequality and Its Impact on Our Community.

Temple Beth Am is organizing member-hosted Shabbat dinners in peoples’ homes as a way to reach out to neighbors and others and connect them to community life.
 
This program combines insights from research in the Palm Beach community and successful dinner-engagement programs which show that these informal gatherings have been successful at connecting people—to new friends, to fellow congregants and, potentially, to the larger community.

Scheduling these dinners on the Sabbath also offers a beautiful connection to Jewish life and practice, combining the beauty of traditional Shabbat dinners with a warm social setting.

The synagogue provides hosts with a “host bag” to help organize and present the dinner. The bag includes blessings, candles, challah, wine, and conversation starters, all designed to help hosts become Shabbat dinner leaders.

Hosts reach out to the community to invite guests—some will be fellow congregants and others will simply be neighbors. It is hoped that initial dinners will lead to other gatherings and activities, whether additional dinners at participants’ homes or synagogue and community related events.