OU Announces ‘The Sage Initiative’ in Teaneck for Seniors, First Session 10/21

11 Oct 2013

ORTHODOX UNION AND COMMUNAL PARTNERS ANNOUNCE “THE SAGE INITIATIVE” IN TEANECK FOR SENIORS; FIRST SESSION BEGINS OCTOBER 21

The Orthodox Union, in collaboration with STAJE (a communal organization seeking to help make the retirement-age years meaningful for American Jews) and Congregation Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, announces The SAGE (Seniors Actively Growing and Exploring) Initiative, a four-week series featuring leading rabbinic, communal and mental health professionals, focused on enhancing the educational opportunities of the Jewish Community.

The program will be held on Monday afternoons October 21, November 4, November 18 and December 2 at OU member Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, 641 West Englewood Avenue in Teaneck.

Registration is suggested at www.oucommunity.org or by calling 212.613.8300. Walk-ins are welcome. Each session will begin at 12:00 noon with registration and lunch, followed by the program from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

“The OU is proud to sponsor the SAGE series in Bergen County,” said Rabbi Judah Isaacs, director of the OU Department of Community Engagement. “The OU recognizes that many people are retiring, and looking for active ways to nourish their souls. The goal of the program is to acquaint active retirees with opportunities for spiritual growth in their community.”

Explained Yosef Segal, STAJE educational director, “STAJE is an organization that is committed to fostering a culture that views this second phase of adult life as a highly meaningful opportunity and mandate for personal and religious growth. Therefore we are very excited to partner with the OU on this innovative lecture series. We hope this lecture series will help bring an awareness to the tremendous potential for growth that this phase in life offers.”

Topics and speakers include:

Week 1: Monday, October 21

• “The Secrets to a Long Life”
Rabbi Steven Pruzansky — spiritual leader of Congrega¬tion Bnai Yeshurun

• “Grandparenting: Get it Right and Everybody Wins”
Alex Bailey, Psy.D. — licensed clinical psychologist currently practicing in Northern New Jersey who specializes in the field of communication and relationships, focusing on couples, parents and children, and families and schools

Week 2: Monday, November 4

•”Do Supplements Really Do a Body Good? A Review of Some Vitamins, Minerals and Essential Nutrients”
Devora Wechter, MS RD CDN — registered dietitian

• “The Role of Thinking for the Observant Jew”
Rabbi Menahem Meier — Founding Principal of both the Frisch School in Paramus and the Long Island Hebrew Academy in Great Neck, NY

Week 3: Monday, November 18

• “Boomers-Planning for Retirement and Later Life: Estate and Financial Planning”
Martin M. Shenkman, P.C. — attorney in private practice in Paramus, New Jersey and New York City concen¬trating on estate and tax planning, and planning for closely held businesses and estate administration

• “Chanuka: Recognizing the Miracles Around Us”
Rabbi Benjamin Yudin — spiritual leader of Congregation Shomrei Torah in Fair Lawn

Week 4: Monday, December 2

• “How to Strengthen Your Empathic Listening & Communication Skills: An Empathy Labyrinth Workshop”
Marc Weiner — comedian, puppeteer, television producer and advocate for listening and communication who uses comedy and a unique Empathy Labyrinth to get his message across

• “The Biblical and Historical Background of the Jewish Holy Days”
Reuben Ebrahimoff — well known to many who hear him introduce the Haftorah in synagogues; watch him on OU.org, or visit his website Hatorahman.com.

There is a participation fee of $20 for all four sessions or $10 per workshop. For further information, visit www.oucommuity.org.

OU | Enhancing Jewish Life