From Older to Elder

September 2025 โ€“ May 2026
Applications Now Open through June 15

About

This program is for people aged 64+ who want to explore their identity as an elder and reflect on what to do with โ€œthis one precious lifeโ€ during their next phase of life. We believe there is a difference between being old or elderly, and being an elderโ€”a role of continuing personal growth and service to oneโ€™s community. In this program, we hope to support you to find ways to fulfill your potential in this stage of life. It is for people who identify as Jewish or are connected to Jewish life and want a program in a Jewish context. Read more about inclusivity in our FAQ.ย 

Older To Elder will explore the inner work that prepares people to fully embrace elderhood so they can become the elders whose wisdom and gifts are so urgently needed now. We will also focus on the vital role elders can serve in our communities, especially in partnership of generations, supporting the growth, aspirations and gifts of youngers.

We aim to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment in which participants can risk feeling vulnerable, enabling them to experience and share deeply.

We recently completed the first Older to Elder program, which was a resounding success!ย  What we learned from the first cohort helped us make many program improvements, and we look forward to welcoming you into the next round.

Watch this short video to learn more about the program, and hear from last year’s hybrid cohort participants.

Curriculum Topics

  • Older to Elder: What does it mean to be an elder? What are the tasks and tools for the elder journey? What are nature connection practices that can aid us in our elder journeys?
  • Cultivating Resilience When Confronted with the Challenges of Aging, with alumni Naomi Baran and Diane Wexler
  • Becoming an Ancestor in Training, with Rabbi Tirzah Firestone
  • Dying as a Sacred Transition, with Rabbi Dan Goldblatt and Zoe Francesca Goldblatt
  • Connecting with Your Inner Wisdom, with Rabbi Jill Hammer
  • What Comes Next: Being of Service, Leaving a Legacy, Connecting with and Supporting Youngers

Other topics to be addressed throughout the program include:

  • Understanding societal age-ism and internalized age-ism
  • Facing our fears of aging
  • Life review and repair
  • Exploring dreams for the rest of our โ€œone precious lifeโ€
  • Nature connection practices for the elder journey

Program Options

Offering twoย program options:
The โ€œHybrid Cohortโ€ (2 California Retreats + Zoom)
The โ€œVirtual Cohort” (Local Meetups + Zoom)ย 

About the Hybrid Cohort

The Hybrid option is designed for a small groupย  of (16) people who are interested in a more intensive program, sharing their experience in a small group (16). Hybrid participants will meet for two in-person retreats AND gather for Zoom sessions, as well as benefit from other program elements, like small peer-group meetings and nature connection wanders where you live. This option gives you a more in-depth experience, with 8 days of in-person retreat time to explore important topics, to engage in self-reflection through writing, nature wanders, council time, and more. You will have the opportunity to develop relationships that will last beyond the program, with people who can support you on your eldering journey.ย 

Hybrid Program Fee: $2,600โ€“$3,500

$2,600: Shared Room – Reduced Fee
$2,900: Private Room with Shared Bathroom – Standard Fee
$3300-3,500: Larger Room (some with Private Bathroom) – Additional Fee

Note: If you need, we can setup payment plans. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in that option.

About the Virtual Cohort

The Virtual option is for people who need or prefer a program that does not require any travel (except for one meeting in person with your peer group, if feasible), and can take place in the comfort of your home. We include this option based on feedback from people around the country (and beyond) who would like the opportunity to be part of an โ€œelderingโ€ program, as well as people who prefer the virtual option for health or mobility reasons.ย  We have designed program elements that provide depth and connection, including small peer-group meetings and nature connection wanders near your home. Within the virtual program we will create a community,bringing as much self-reflection and deep conversation as possible.

You will do more on your own, including the vision board process. You will also organize your own nature wanders. This program will take less time and is significantly less costly.

Virtual Program Fee: Sliding Scale suggested amounts ($675, $575, $475)

What you pay is up to you, but if you can afford to pay more this is your chance to contribute to our mission and support those with fewer resources.

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Scroll to the right >> on mobile to view chart.

IN COMMON HYBRID ONLY VIRTUAL ONLY
6 combined Zoom sessions, and separate program Zooms at beginning and end Two, 4-day retreats in the San Francisco Bay Area (one at the beginning and one at the end of program). Learn more about the retreats here. One in-person gathering of your peer group
Monthly peer group meetings
Monthly meetings with your chevrutaยบโ€“a โ€œpartnershipโ€ (2 people) who share their experience in the program.
One spiritual direction session with a spiritual director chosen from our list. (What is spiritual direction? Find out in our FAQ).
Olders to Elders Online Community: A private, members-only online space to access exclusive course content and connect with cohort members and alum.

Additional program elements for both programs

  • Your peer group will choose one book, from a select list of books on eldering, that you will all read and discuss.
  • Interview someone younger than 40 and someone 10 years older than you; share what you learn in your peer group.ย 
  • Create a โ€œlegacy videoโ€, write a โ€œlegacy memoirโ€ or write an ethical will.
  • Hold a gathering with your loved ones at the end of the program to share your experience in the program and honor your identity as an elder.ย 

Want to learn more about this exciting program? Do you have specific questions? Join one of our virtual Info Sessions

Info Session 1

Tuesday, June 3, 4โ€“5 pm PT / 6-7 pm CT / 7โ€“8 pm ET

RSVP HERE

Info Session 2

Wednesday, June 11, 9โ€“10 am PT / 11am – 12 pm CT / 12โ€“1 pm ET

RSVP HERE

Testimonials

“Iโ€™ve incorporated so much of what Iโ€™ve learned from this program into my daily life. Some of what I gained: Experiencing a very thoughtful and long-term framework for learning, discussion and resourcesโ€”in a Jewish contextโ€”-that I havenโ€™t seen anywhere else. Meeting diverse and impressive teachers and participants from all parts of the U.S., who offered thoughts, experiences, poetry and art on a range of valuable topics offered in the program, from how to connect with our inner wisdom, to contemplation of death, to conversations with younger people, and more. Iโ€™ve also formed long-term friendships through this group, where we will continue to explore topics brought up in the program.”

โ€œThis has been an extremely rich experience for me. I feel like Iโ€™ve gained a beautiful community of friends. I have found several teachers that are inspiring, to continue to learn from at this time. I feel more connected to my ancestors and my Jewish heritage.โ€

Meeting and experiencing other older Jews (and one non-Jew) in various size groups, especially in person via chaver, peer group and retreats, has shown me we are all grappling with the same issues that come with getting older. The expert presenters gave us valuable knowledge, sources and activities to help us grapple with what it means to age and approach death. I feel more comfortable with my aging and feel that going through the program will help me age more consciously and joyfully, but also not alone, in community.

Key Program Dates

JUNE

Info sessions for anyone curious about the program:ย 

  • Tuesday, June 3, 4:00-5:000 pm PT /ย  7:00-8:00pm ET RSVP Here
  • Wednesday, June 11, 9:00-10:00 am PT / 12:00-1:00 pm ET RSVP Here

SEPTEMBER

  • Zoom Kick-off for Hybrid Cohort: Sunday, September 7, 2025 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PTย 
  • Zoom Kick-off for Virtual Cohort: Sunday, September 21, 2025 | *2:00โ€“5:15 pm PT(Includes 1 extra hour for your first peer-group meeting)

OCTOBER

  • First Zoom class for both cohorts together Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
    Topic    : Older to Elder: What does it mean to be an elder? What are the tasks and tools for the elder journey? Nature Connection Practices for the Elder Journey
  • Hybrid Retreat: Monday, October 20 – Thursday, October 23, 2025

NOVEMBER

  • Second Zoom class: November 2, 2025ย  3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
  • Topic: Dying as a Sacred Transition

DECEMBER

  • Third Zoom class: Sunday, December 7, 2025ย  | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
    Topic: Cultivating Resilience with the Challenges of Aging

JANUARY

  • Fourth Zoom class: Sunday, January 11, 2026ย  | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
    Topic: Becoming an Ancestor in Training

FEBRUARY

  • Fifth Zoom class: Sunday February 8,2026 ย  |ย  3:00-5:15 pm PT
    Topic: ย Topic: Connecting with Your Inner Wisdom

MARCH

  • 6th Zoom class: Sunday, March 15, 2026 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
    Topic: What Comes Next: Being of Service, Leaving a Legacy, Connecting with and Supporting Youngers

APRIL

  • Special Zoom to prepare for May retreat (hybrid group only) Sunday, April 26, 2026 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT
  • Final Zoom for Virtual Cohort: Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT

MAY

  • Retreat for Hybrid Cohort: Monday May 4 – Thursday, May 7, 2026
  • Final Zoom for Hybrid Cohort: Sunday, May 31, 2026 | 3:00โ€“5:15 pm PT

Program Leaders

Below you will find this yearโ€™s list of program facilitators. Meet your guest teachers, spiritual directors, and a wonderful group of alumni (graduates from last yearโ€™s cohorts), who will serve as volunteers supporting the next group of participants in your elder journey.

Ellie Schindelman
Program Organizer

Guest Teachers

Rabbi Jill Hammer
Guest Teacher

Rabbi Tirzah Firestone
Guest Teacher

Zoรซ Francesca Goldblatt
Guest Teacher

Rabbi Dan Goldblatt
Guest Teacher
& Spiritual Director

Bruce Bierman
Guest Teacher at Retreat

Naomi Baron
Guest Teacher
& Hybrid Alum

Diane Wexler
Guest Teacher
& Hybrid Alum

Spiritual Directors

Rabbi Diane Elliot
Spiritual Director

Rabbi Zelig Golden
Spiritual Director

Rabbi Chaya Gusfield
Spiritual Director

Alumni Program Leaders

Tom Levy
Hybrid Alum
& Program Leader

Bob Smith
Hybrid Alum
& Program Leader

Drew Sproul
Hybrid Alum
& Program Leader

Phil Ansell
Hybrid Alum
& Program Leader
& Peer-Group Mentor

Marcie Sclove
Hybrid Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

Jared Gellert
Virtual Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

Michael Moser
Virtual Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

Shelley Riskin
Virtual Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

Amy Abern
Virtual Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

Nicky Silver
Virtual Alum
& Peer-Group Mentor

FAQ

This program is for you if you are 64+, feel curious about how to face this next chapter of your life, and are seeking deeper meaning and purpose from Jewish and other wisdom traditions to enrich your life.ย  You are willing to commit to a nine-month container of self-exploration, vulnerability, and creative expression with a group of Jewish peers.ย  You have five-ten hours of time per month to engage with zoom classes, reading, an array of possible assignments to guide your journey, going out into nature, and meeting with small peer groups. ย  If you feel you are too busy right now or you donโ€™t have the energy to show up for meetings, it may not be the right time for you.

You must fill out an online application before June 15, 2025.

If you are interested in the Hybrid Cohort: APPLY HERE

If you are interested in the Virtual Cohort: APPLY HERE

We will let you know by July 15 of your acceptance; at that time you will complete your online registration and payment for the program.

We will be looking at elderhood through a Jewish lens. Some of the presenters are rabbis and Jewish spiritual leaders. Many of the topics we explore are universal, but as Jews we share some common cultural frameworks, experiences and values. In the hybrid program, there will be Jewish music and prayer, and discussion about our relationship to Judaism. In the virtual peer groups, we encourage you to bring in discussion of our relationship to Judaism and to incorporate Jewish prayer, blessings and music to your meetings.

Here is the definition from one of our spiritual directors, Rabbi Diane Elliot

โ€œSpiritual Direction is an evolving discipline built on the art of holy listening.ย  Together, the director and the directee listen deeply and with compassion for the currents of truth, of wisdom, and for the sacred, held in suspension in even the most challenging experiences. In the process of Spiritual Direction, you will learn to focus your awareness on your inner space, listening for kol d’mamma, the soft, murmuring voice of Spirit within and around you. You will feel companioned, heard, and encouraged to open your heart to Loving Presence in the midst of the distractions, busyness, and yearnings of your own life.โ€

We are now including one session of spiritual direction for every participant. If you find it useful, for a fee you may arrange additional sessions with your spiritual director. You can try your spiritual direction session at any time during the program. We encourage you to explore what is coming up in your elder journey.

Spiritual Directors:

When you review the program plan, make sure you can attend the introductory session in September and at least 4 of the 6 main Zoom classes. We expect that everyone may have to miss one or two of the sessions; we will record them for you to review. We also expect everyone to only miss one of the 90-minute peer group sessions. Those will be scheduled by your peer group.

We estimate that you will need to devote aboutย  5-10 hours/month to the program. Outside of the Zoom sessions, peer groups and chevruta (pair) meetings, what you do is up to you! There will be many invitations to engage in your elder journey; and you will choose what you want to do.

This is the format for many of the meetings:

  • 3 pm PT: Open the program and introduce teachers/facilitators
  • 3:05 pm PT: Teacher will facilitate the curriculum
    • Breakout groups: participants in virtual program and hybrid program will be in breakouts with their own cohort
    • Activities like guided visualization and writing prompts
  • 4pm: 15 minute bio, movement and rest break
  • 4:15: Continue with the program and Q&A
  • 5:15: End

Hybrid and Virtual cohorts will join together for 6 Zoom sessions. Everything else will be separate.

We welcome people who fall in any of these descriptions:ย 

  • People who identify with any of these Jewish denominations: (Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal, Conservative, Modern Orthodox)
  • People who identify as โ€œJust Jewishโ€ or โ€œJew-ishโ€
  • Jews by choice
  • People who are not Jewish and are either married or partnered to a Jew, or are interested in the beauty of Jewish tradition and what it has to offer

In the virtual program, we will assign people to peer groups based on where you live, to facilitate the possibility of at least one in-person gathering. There will also have to be at least one peer group that puts together people who do not live near others in the program. In the hybrid program we will also try to put people with others in their geographic area.

Each group will select from one of these books:

From Age-ing to Sage-ing, By Zalman Schachter Shalomi

https://sobrief.com/books/from-age-ing-to-sage-ing

The Inner work of Age- shifting from role to soul, by Connie Zweig

https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/book-reviews/view/29166/the-inner-work-of-age

Wise Aging:ย  Living with Joy, Resilience and Spirit, by Rabbi Rachel Cowan and Dr. Linda Thal

https://www.judaicahouse.net/wise-aging-living-joy-resilience-spirit

We will pair people based on geography and other factors (like who we think will make a good pairing, based on their applications).

For the hybrid program: We are not able to offer refunds unless you or weย  find someone to take your place. In that case, you will receive a full refund minus a $100 admin fee.

For the virtual program:, Full payment is due at registration. Payment is not refundable. Under exceptional circumstances, we will consider offering credit for a future Wilderness Torah program.

We hope to create a diverse cohort of elders to enrich our program experience. In addition to age, where you live, race/ethnicity and gender/sexual orientation, we seek a wide range of diversity variables, including your background and life experiences, relationship to Judaism and spirituality, and areas of interest in your current life.ย 

We will also be selecting people who demonstrate to us โ€” through your application โ€” that you really understand what you are signing up for and are prepared to make a full commitment to the experience.

We will select people who demonstrate to us, through their application, that they really understand what they are signing up for and are prepared to make a full commitment to the experience.

Please read more on the retreat webpage.

Still have questions?

Contact Wilderness Torah for questions about registration and payment.
Contact Bob Smith for questions about the program

Testimonials

โ€œIโ€™ve become much more aware of the pieces of eldering, and the issues and the struggles. Iโ€™m finding Iโ€™m much more comfortable with the growing older and the death and dying piece.โ€

โ€œThe combination of openheartedness, honest inquiry, caring and community has created a quite unique crucible, in which for me, personal and spiritual development could arise in a very deep and honest way.โ€

โ€œThis has been an extremely rich experience for me. I feel like Iโ€™ve gained a beautiful community of friends. I have found several teachers that are inspiring, to continue to learn from at this time. I feel more connected to my ancestors and my Jewish heritage.โ€