Sign up for one of the information sessions! (You can also receive a recording if you can’t attend)

If you are local to the SF Bay Area and want a taste of an Older to Elder experience before committing to a longer program, we encourage you to try:

Elders Nature Connection Day or Elders Shabbatonand then decide.

If you are trying to decide between the 3 longer programs, here are questions to ask yourself:

• Would you prefer a virtual small group program focused on meaningful conversations and building community? Choose Elders Virtual Conversation Circle

• Would you prefer an in-person program with a 6-day retreat? Choose A Journey into Jewish Eldering In-person. This program is open to anyone who is willing to come to the Bay Area for the retreat (the half day preparation and integration sessions are on zoom).

• Do you prefer a longer (6-month) virtual program with more “teaching” and opportunities for building community through peer groups and chevruta partnerships?  Choose A Journey into Jewish Eldering: Virtual Edition.

You can also contact Ellie Schindelman with your questions: elliesch@gmail.com

Yes you can. The nature connection day and Shabbaton could be combined with any of the other 3 programs: Deep conversations, Journey into Jewish eldering – virtual edition and Journey into Jewish eldering-  in person edition. You will only want to choose one of those 3 programs, as they will have overlapping content.

The programs are oriented to people who are Jewish- however, if you are attending with a partner who is Jewish and you want to be part of the program, you are welcome. We invite people with any relationship to Judaism, including those who have little or no experience with Judaism/Jewish practices/Jewish learning.

The Older to Elder program welcomes people with any relationship to Judaism and from all Jewish backgrounds and identities. Participants may identify as Jewish Renewal, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox, Humanistic, non-denominational, secular, culturally Jewish, interfaith, or simply someone who feels connected to Jewish life and wisdom. We also welcome those who are exploring or deepening their relationship to Judaism.

The orientation of the program is intentionally inclusive. While the program’s spiritual roots and many of its practices emerge from a Jewish Renewal perspective—with its emphasis on personal meaning, spiritual practice, creativity, and the interconnectedness of all life—we honor and celebrate the diversity of Jewish experiences, beliefs, and ways of engaging with tradition.

Our hope is to create a warm, respectful, and welcoming community in which participants can bring their whole selves, learn from one another, and explore the journey from older to elder together.

We want to make sure you understand what you are signing up for and that the programs are a good match, (from our point of view). We will also have conversations with people when we feel we need to understand more about you and help you reflect on if the program is right for you.

There is no preparation for the Nature Connection Day and Shabbaton programs (except for the preparation Zoom the month before the Shabbaton).

Elder Virtual Conversation Circle: ~2 hours/month on Zoom and 2 hours/month for chevruta meetings and preparation 

A Journey into Jewish Eldering (In-Person) ~5 hours in the month before the retreat, plus the 4-hour Preparation Zoom Session, ~3 hours in the month of the retreat plus the 6-days and 5-nights retreat, and ~3 hours in the month after the retreat, plus the closing Zoom session.

A Journey into Jewish Eldering (Virtual) ~ 4 hours per month for peer groups, chevruta, & assignments, plus the monthly zoom sessions

We are not able to offer refunds unless you or we  find someone to take your place. In that case, you will receive a full refund minus a $100 admin fee. Under exceptional circumstances, we will consider offering credit for a future Older to Elder program.