Participants in the Spirit program in Teaneck, NJ listen and learn.
The Orthodox Union, which provides a wide variety of programs and resources to enrich the neshama, or spirit of the Jewish people, will provide another kind of spiritual satisfaction when it brings its SPIRIT Initiative – Stimulating Program Initiative for Retirees that Inspires Thought – to Anshei Chesed Congregation in Boynton Beach from Tuesday, February 4 through Thursday, February 6. The SPIRIT Program is a three-day series featuring leading rabbinic, communal and mental health professionals, focused on enhancing the educational opportunities of the Jewish Community.
OU member Anshei Chesed Congregation and STAJE, (a communal organization seeking to help make the retirement-age years meaningful for American Jews) will be co-sponsoring the event. The program will be held at the synagogue, 10683 El Clair Ranch Road in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Registration is suggested at www.oucommunity.org or by calling 212.613.8300. Walk-ins are welcome. The program, open to men and women, will begin with registration at 10:00 a.m, followed by the lectures and lunch from 10:30-2:30 p.m. The fee of $20 for all three sessions or $10 per day includes both the lectures and lunch.
Each day’s program will include two sessions, one on Jewish learning, and the other on aspects of retirement. Among the expert presenters will be Rabbi Avi Billet, Mora d’Asrah of Anshei Chesed Congregation.
“The OU is proud to sponsor the SPIRIT series in Florida,” 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.”
The program is as follows:
Tuesday, February 4:
• “From Parents to Grandparents: Navigating Diverse Family Relationships,” with Aliza Schulman, LCSW; background – private psychotherapy practice in Boca Raton
• “The Odyssey of the Absence Presence,” with Rabbi Yaakov Gibber of Boca Jewish Center/Shaaray Tefilla
Wednesday, February 5:
• “Bikur Cholim 101: Practical Advice and Vignettes for Visiting the Sick,” with Aliza Pilichowski, LCSW; background – expert on Bikur Cholim, teaches at Donna Klein Jewish Academy
• ‘Transitioning Smoothly from the Workforce to Retirement,” with Peninah Flug, LCSW; background – in private practice, with substantial background working with senior population
Thursday, February 6:
• “The Orthodoxy Union: Halacha, Orthopraxis and Emunah in America,” with Rabbi Avi Billet, Anshei Chesed Congregation
• “Maximizing Retirement Benefits: Asset Management, Protection and Distribution,” with Martin Schmidt; background – 35 years on Wall Street, he concentrates on financial and retirement planning.
The Spirit Initiative will move on to Boca Raton on February 18 and 20.
To register online for the Boynton Beach program, go to www.oucommunity.org, or 212-613-8300.