Maintaining Jewish identity across generations

Smile On Seniors, an organisation supporting Jewish seniors since 2016, will host its annual pre-Rosh Hashanah event on Tuesday, August 25, bringing together seniors, volunteers and families from across the community.

The organisation was established to support seniors, particularly those living in non-Jewish aged care facilities, and now runs a range of programs including fortnightly “Shabbat Hug” care packages, intergenerational collaborations with schools and youth groups, “Jewish Schmooze” discussion groups, and Shabbat and festival programming. Smile On Seniors reaches more than 300 residents across 25 facilities in Melbourne and was the first of its kind to reach out specifically to Jewish seniors in non-Jewish facilities. Founded by Rabbi Menachem Stern and his wife Esther, the organisation was established to ensure that Jewish seniors can maintain a positive emotional and spiritual connection to their Jewish identity through a unique blend of intergenerational programs and pastoral care activities.

Among its more recent initiatives is the Smiles Hub, a weekly gathering that brings seniors and community members together for an afternoon combining food, guest speakers and entertainment, often alongside the organisation’s intergenerational programs.

The Smiles Hub was created to give isolated or lonely seniors regular opportunities for social connection outside their place of residence, with a new program planned each week to appeal to a range of interests.

Past speakers at the Smiles Hub have included Bobby Bajram, the youngest person in Australia to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis; Rebbetzin Menucha Cooper, whose son Mendy was born with Angelman Syndrome; Timmy Rubin, who leads Mikvah Chaya Moushka; and Rabbi Menachem Aron of Chabad of RARA (Rural and Regional Australia), which reaches Jewish communities in remote parts of the country. Entertainment has ranged from school ensembles and a drumming circle to flower arranging for Shavuot and a safrut (scribe) presentation.

Twice a year, Smile On Seniors scales up its programming, hiring a larger venue ahead of Pesach and Rosh Hashanah and opening the events to the wider community. This year’s pre-Rosh Hashanah gathering will include a catered afternoon tea, an address from Rabbi Yaakov Glasman of St Kilda Shule, and live music. The event will be free to attend, with donations welcomed to help cover costs.

Co-director of Smile On Seniors, Rabbi Menachem Stern, said the organisation welcomes people of any age or stage, whether seniors themselves, family members, younger volunteers, or those connected to schools or youth groups.

To book for this event visit smileonseniors.org.au/hub