Congregation B’nai Tzedek in Potomac strives to create an inclusive environment for people of all ages to engage with its programming and find a meaningful Jewish connection.
The synagogue uses programming for seniors as a pathway to inclusion within the synagogue community and has gained recognition for the positive social benefits it has on the seniors.
The shul has two major senior programs: Hazak and B’nai Boomers, which provide social outlets for retirees and empty-nester parents, respectively.
“The fact that we are able to build community within B’nai Tzedek is just really nice, and that we’re giving our seniors an opportunity to be out of the house and also be at the congregation is also really nice,” said Lesley Levin, director of programming and engagement at B’nai Tzedek.
Levin said that in-person activities for seniors have been in high demand since the pandemic, and it allows the older members to stay connected to the congregation from a religious perspective and also helps them build an additional social aspect to their lives.
Hazak meets once a month for retirees to do a brunch-lunch program and brings in a speaker to talk to the seniors. Levin said it has partnered with Charles E. Smith Life Communities, the Washington Jewish Genealogical Society, biblical speakers and more for these events.
“Our Hazak program will be, at most, two hours, and then people will stay an hour after just to chat. So, it’s really nice to see those friendships form,” Levin said.
B’nai Boomers targets people aged 55-70 according to Levin, a bit younger than people typically participating in Hazak, and brings together people seeking friendship and companionship within the synagogue community.
Levin said the group has done tours of wineries this year and will be doing trivia and seeing productions at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, with a constantly growing list of ideas for future outings and a group excited to explore as much as they can.
“There’s always a facet that really does include that component for seniors to participate in, whether they are sponsoring part of the program or there’s an activity directly targeting that group. We make sure that every age and facet of the congregation is involved,” Levin said.
