News / Articles

Pandemic Has Been a Spiritual Boon For Some, and Rosh Hashanah 2021 Show's What's Changed

Michelle Boorstein

A recent Washington Post article reported that, for some Jews, the Pandemic and accompanying slowing down of life has prompted a greater spirituality.

Still Fruitful in the Fullness of Age

Rabbi Laura Geller for the Forward

Published on: 5/4/2020

Rabbi Laura Geller explains her five steps toward birthday fulfillment, even during a pandemic.

After Corona: A Boomer Game Plan

Laura Geller & Stuart Himmelfarb for e Jewish Philanthropy

Published on: 4/30/2020

Everything is affected by this pandemic and life is changing around us; everyone is affected - including the "active older adult" population.

Two Los Angeles Synagogues Team Up to Create a COVID-19 System Buddy System

Jewish Journal

Published on: 4/8/2020

Jewish Journal article explains that ChaiVillageLA, the first synagogue village in the country, was created for just this moment

That Discomfort You're Feeling is Grief

Scott Berinato for the Harvard Business Review

Published on: 4/1/2020

Lessons From the Pandemic: HBR Senior Editor Scott Berinato interviews David Kessler, expert on grief, who shares his thoughts on why it’s important to acknowledge the grief you may be feeling, how to manage it, and how he believes we will find meaning in it.

No Shul, No Problem: Synagogues Navigate Coronavirus

Ryan Torok for the Jewish Journal

Published on: 3/31/2020

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, Jew It At Home is just one collaborative online community that has helped Jews connect and engage now that all communal gatherings have been banned.

The Shelter of Community During Coronavirus

Rabbi Laura Geller for Next Avenue

Published on: 3/25/2020

Rabbi Laura Geller on the most important lessons of the pandemic

God save the boomers!

Published on: 1/23/2020

Rabbi Geller and Richard Siegel (z"l)'s book "Getting Good at Getting Older" is featured in this article about baby boomers' important role in synagogues and beyond.

7 Jewish Programming Innovations — for (and by) Seniors

Published on: 12/18/2019

ChaiVillageLA is included in this prestigious list of 7 innovative Jewish program for, and by, seniors.

Advice in 'Getting Older' Never Gets Old

Published on: 11/15/2019

The Jewish Journal's Jonathan Kirsch gives a rave review to "Getting Good at Getting Older."

Future of Aging: Senior Cohousing as Antidote to the Loneliness Epidemic

Published on: 11/14/2019

Gerontologists and social workers discuss how senior cohousing is an antidote to the loneliness epidemic.

Innovative Support Groups Help Women Aging Alone

Published on: 11/14/2019

The Caring Collaborative brings older women together to help one another when short-term illness or disability strikes, addressing an all-too-often unmet need.

Let's Wage a War on Loneliness

Published on: 11/12/2019

NY Times columnist talks about the physical and mental toll that loneliness can take and discusses new approaches to combat the problem.

Insights Into the Needs and Fears of Baby Boomers

Rabbi Laura Geller writes a Davar Acher for ReformJudaism.org on this week's parsha, Nitzavim.

Combining Discussion and Dessert

Published on: 7/17/2019

The Jewish Journal: ChaiVillageLA Member Dorothy Salkin describes her involvement with the Village through her program, "Discussion and Dessert."

My Wife Had Hearing Loss. So Why Wouldn’t She Get a Hearing Aid?

Published on: 4/22/2019

The author says his wife, Susie's, concern that hearing aids might signify decline and diminished capacity had to be balanced against the prospect of better hearing.

Caregiving – The Big Issue No One is Talking About

Published on: 2/7/2019

There is a huge and growing societal problem that cuts across all religious denominations and political affiliations that almost no one is talking about – family caregiving to an older adult relative, chronically ill spouse or dependent adult children with disabilities.

Improv Can Delight— and Set You Free

Published on: 1/8/2019

Member Barbara Meltzer's experience with Improv

Keeping the Faith with Older Adults

Published on: 12/4/2018

Communities of faith are adjusting to keep up with the needs of aging members and caregivers

On Getting Up from Shloshim

Published on: 8/24/2018

There is a folk saying in the Talmud, "Tzedakah saves one from death."

Read the beautiful reflections of Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Emerita of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills.

The Jewish Community Should Walk

Published on: 8/12/2018

Sherri Moor's involvement in ChaiVillageLA came about because of a walk.

Successful Aging: I don’t have children, so who will help me as I get older?

Published on: 7/31/2018

Tips regarding "solo aging."

Growing Older Beats Getting Old

Published on: 7/20/2018

Aging well takes planning. This excellent article includes mentions of ChaiVillageLA.

The Secret to Living Longer May Be in Your Social Life

Published on: 2/6/2018

Social Psychologist Susan Pinker discusses the importance of social connections.

Are Religious Leaders Reaching Boomers?

Published on: 11/27/2017

Understanding the spiritual needs of Baby Boomers

How to Age Well

Published on: 11/15/2017

Food, exercise, and other influences on aging well

Neighborly Way to Age in Place

Published on: 11/1/2017

A terrific article that explains the benefits of joining a Village.

Poker Playing Keeps Us Young

Published on: 8/15/2017

Rabbi Laura Geller's words on Wise Aging inspires the writer of this article on poker-playing.

What is Wise Aging?

Published on: 7/28/2017

Wise Aging starts with staying engaged...and sometimes it takes a village.

Are Jewish Boomers a Bust for Community?

Published on: 7/19/2017

Whether or not we Baby Boomers remain in our communities after retirement, and whether we are engaged with the organized Jewish community, will have serious implications for the vibrancy of our institutions.

Social Interaction is Critical for Mental and Physical Health

Published on: 6/21/2017

New York Times Personal Health writer Jane E. Brody appreciates the value of making and maintaining social connections.

Many Faither Healers are Unprepared to Help People Make Peace with Death

Published on: 6/21/2017

Many faith leaders are uncertain of when aggressive treatments should be traded for hospice care and confused about palliative treatments.

Your Neighborhood Affects How You Age - by Mimi Kirk for CityLab

Published on: 2/27/2017

A new report lays out the current research on the ways your immediate surroundings influence your health and aging process.

Starting a Faith-Based Way to Age in Place

Published on: 2/21/2017

At NextAvenue.org Rabbi Laura Geller explains how members of two synagogues help each other in ChaiVillageLA.

Boomers or Bust For Jewish Community

Published on: 8/17/2016

Per a recent conference on Boomers and Faith-Based Civic Engagement, "...what Laura Geller and Richard Siegel are trying to do with their cutting-edge ChaiVillageLA...could be a role model for synagogues across the country seeking to attract or maintain a boomer population."

How Exercise May Help the Brain Grow Stronger

Published on: 7/25/2016

Scientists study how exercise changes the brain's structure.

Retirees Turn to Virtual Villages for Mutual Support

Published on: 7/25/2016

Virtual villages are popping up all over the country--providing services, referrals and friendship.

ChaiVillageLA: First Jewish Group For Aging in Place

Published on: 7/25/2016

On July 17th over 200 people celebrated the opening of ChaiVillageLA, a ground-breaking collaboration of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills and Temple Isaiah. This first faith-based village will provide supportive services, companionship and health and wellness programs allowing members to "age in place."

Why Faith Communities Should Work to Appeal to Young and Old Alike

Published on: 7/15/2016

Faith communities are uniquely positioned to help people sort out their lives after retirement.

Critical Ages and Dates for Your Retirement Planning

Published on: 6/22/2016

You need to pay attention to your age when making retirement decisions. There are deadlines for claiming various types of retirement benefits and avoiding penalties associated with them.

Aging in Place

Published on: 5/4/2016

Throughout the country, communities are being retrofitted to accommodate the tsunami of elders expected to live there as baby boomers age.

---A fascinating New York Times article by Jane E. Brody---

It Takes a ChaiVillageLA to Create a Community

Published on: 10/11/2018

The Jewish Journal explores what is special about ChaiVillageLA. Rabbi Laura Geller, Rabbi Zoë Klein Miles and other members are interviewed

Rabbi Laura Geller Moves From Senior Rabbi to Study of Aging

Published on: 6/22/2016

Interview with Rabbi Laura Geller of Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, one of the rabbinical founders of ChaiVillageLA.

General Interest

Aging Better

ChaiVillageLA News