Embracing Aging: Infusing Aging into Seminary Training

Embracing Aging was an initiative of Hiddur: The Center for Aging and Judaism of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (RRC). Given the unavoidable reality that aging individuals and their families will comprise a significant aspect of communities served by future rabbis, this project sought to create a fresh approach to aging education within the seminary setting. Inspired by the Gero-Rich social work education of the John Hartford Foundation and the Council for Social Work Education, Embracing Aging infused aging across the formal and informal learning settings at RRC so that all of our students would be equipped to teach, inspire, and accompany Jews in later life. Special effort was addressed to education and engagement of faculty members at the intersection of aging and the rabbinate, and aging content into their core courses. This article outlines the Embracing Aging approach, its successes and limitations, and offers suggestions for other seminaries that seek to prepare future clergy to creatively serve and engage those in later life.