Why do we need Sacred Seasons?

A growing body of research has demonstrated that religious participation enhances physical, emotional and social well-being for elders. Jewish elders in residential settings that do not have a rabbi or Jewish chaplain are often cut off from participating in the observance of their own traditions. Sacred Seasons celebration kits can help staff or volunteers to facilitate elders' participation in Jewish tradition for elders. With our comprehensive, easy-to-use celebration kits, you can create an experience that is powerful and joyous even transformative as it brings meaning and dignity to elders in your setting.

How will Sacred Seasons benefit my setting or facility?

Creating Jewish celebration in the setting will not only bring meaning and joy to individual elders in your setting. It will foster a sense of community within the setting as elders join in celebration. It can also nurture ties with the surrounding community beyond the setting, particularly if family members and/or volunteers from the Jewish community are involved. Finally, creating Jewish celebration with Sacred Seasons can convey to the community, as well as to regulatory bodies, your setting's commitment to the spiritual well being of elders in its care.

Our kits are appropriate for use in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement communities and adult day care centers. Through you, the user, we may learn about other settings where they can be valuable. You may find that these resources can be used with other populations, such as Jews with developmental disabilities and those with mental illness.

Do we need a rabbi or chaplain to lead our celebration?

A rabbi or Jewish chaplain can provide a unique connection to Jewish tradition. In the absence of a trained Jewish pastoral caregiver, you can still bring the joy of Jewish celebration to your setting. With caring and enthusiasm, and using the resources in the kit, you will be able to facilitate a very meaningful observance for elders in your care.

Can we use Sacred Seasons celebration kits with elders with dementia?

Absolutely. Even elders who are very confused often respond to the music and symbols of religious ritual in a powerful way. You may be surprised and heartened to see individuals who otherwise do not respond to activities demonstrating through affect, gestures and demeanor that they are very connected to the celebration. Feel free to adapt the celebration to fit the population you are serving; it is fine to make a very simple, brief celebration with elders who are very impaired.

Do I need to know Hebrew to lead a celebration?

Do I need to be Jewish to lead a Sacred Seasons celebration?

No. You need only to have enthusiasm and compassion. The background and instructions in the Leader's Guide will give you all of the information you need to bring meaning to elders in your care through this celebration. You are the bridge between the elders and the observance of their tradition, and in leading the celebration, you are giving them a precious gift.

Certainly. Non-Jewish elders may appreciate the opportunity to be part of a spiritual experience. They may also enjoy learning about another tradition. Of course, it is important that no one be coerced into participating.