3 minute read
HALting Boredom: Active Living in the Senior Community at Temple Kol Tikvah
May 2024
By Sylvia Gabrieli, Rhoda Miller, Marcia Lebold and Nancy Zetley.
Temple Kol Tikvah’s Healthy Active Living (HAL), generously supported by the Carolina Foundation for Jewish Seniors, is delighted to share the significant impact its activities have had in shaping the lives of Lake Norman seniors. From weekly Mah Jongg games to monthly Jewish genealogy programs, from intellectually stimulating discussions to exciting excursions, HAL provides an enriched environment for our community members.
At the heart of HAL’s weekly engagements is the Mah Jongg group, which transcends mere gameplay to become a cornerstone for community bonding, mental agility, and the sharing of stories among friends, many of whom have relocated to be closer to family in this area. The strong bonds formed at these gatherings underscore the initiative’s role in creating a sense of belonging and mutual support within the Jewish community. Participants often express how these gatherings are a cherished opportunity to connect with fellow Jewish women, highlighting the personal importance of these interactions.
This year saw the introduction of the Jewish Genealogy Club, spearheaded by a dedicated congregant, expanding HAL’s offerings to include not just those in the Lake Norman and greater Charlotte areas, but also those with an interest in tracing their Jewish lineage. This initiative has been met with enthusiasm, with participants keenly engaging in sessions that unravel their personal histories, thereby fostering a deeper connection with their Jewish heritage.
HAL’s collaboration with the Madrichim of Temple Kol Tikvah, enabled by a Better Together grant, brings an intergenerational dimension to our programming. Through activities ranging from culinary sessions to game nights and sports events, this partnership bridges generations, encourages mutual learning, and strengthens communal ties.
Recognizing the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare, HAL has also hosted informative sessions on critical topics such as Medicare, end-of-life planning, and healthcare navigation, empowering our community members with knowledge and confidence.
Our explorations have extended beyond the confines of our immediate surroundings, with excursions like the Jewish Heritage Tour of Charlotte, the movie screening of “Bella” at Shalom Park, the “Seeing Auschwitz” exhibit at the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center, and a visit to the local botanical garden. These activities complement our mission by combining educational enrichment with social engagement.
HAL is committed to promoting a sense of community, intellectual growth, and overall well-being through the diverse opportunities offered by the Healthy Active Living program.
As we continue to build on this foundation, we look forward to welcoming more members to our activities and further enriching the lives of our senior community.
