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MARCH 17, 2022 | The Jewish Home
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OCTOBER 29, 2015 | The Jewish Home
jewish women of wisdom
Come Meet My Dear Friends By Miriam Liebermann, MSW
I
’ve always enjoyed having friends of different ages and varied backgrounds. Having lived most of my life on the West Side of Manhattan, I certainly had a most diversified population from which to draw my friends. Being drawn to the creative, artsy type, on the lookout always for fellow musicians, many of my close friends were newcomers to the community, baalei teshuva. These lovely women enhanced our Shabbos table and, ultimately, became very dear to me. Sasha on the flute, Elizabeth on the cello, Stephanie and Daniella on the violin, Emily and Barbara on the piano – they took their place among my nearest and dearest. These days, I find myself gravitating to those older than myself. Seeking role models for those who are aging gracefully, I’m delighted to tell you that I’ve found quite a few, ka”h, all in their 90s, may they be healthy and well till 120! Rita just retired as the receptionist at a prominent Jewish communal organization at the age of 91. Ka”h, going strong, she’s up and beautifully dressed each morning, ready to par-
ticipate in shiurim and other communal activities. Chaya still runs her local library, reading each book before allowing it to be placed on the shelves. Machi welcomed me to her lovely beach home so graciously this summer, sharing with me her writings that have been published in
etry together. Listen to music. Enjoy family photos. Walk down memory lane together. After her passing, I intended to spend more time with my mother’s older sister who lived in my building. Sadly, she passed away soon after. I still recall, returning home from her levaya, I was
Buy those green bananas! Keep moving.
several of our popular publications. Eva welcomes me so beautifully to her home, sharing with me family photos and family lore. And Vivian keeps up with the New York Times, totally on top of current events, debating politics with the best of them. My mother, a”h, was quite ill for close to a decade before her passing. Spending time with her was a major part of my daily routine. I would bring books and articles to share with her. We would read po-
in the car with one of my favorite neighborhood rebbetzins. I asked her, “Perhaps we can get together one afternoon? Maybe enjoy a cup of coffee together?” She responded, “Miriam, I’d love to, but I’m too busy. I still head off to work every day.” That response certainly put me in my place! It is a joy to see and most encouraging for me as I observe women in their 80s and 90s living full, vibrant lives. Sixty-five is still quite young!
Fifty even younger! Many more years up ahead. Let’s keep planning and dreaming and forging ahead. My father would often quote his favorite poem written by Robert Frost: The woods are lovely dark and deep But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep With G-d’s help, we have many more healthy years ahead of us. Buy those green bananas! Keep moving. Now’s the time to embark on new projects. Do you have free time? Go for it. There’s no time like the present! And a word of advice, if I may: let’s surround ourselves with vibrant, active people. Let’s seek role models and mentors among the seniors in our circles. There is so much for us to learn from them. The fun has just begun!
JWOW! is a community for midlife Jewish women which can be accessed at www.jewishwomanof wisdom.org for conversation, articles, Zoom events, and more.
