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Jan. 7-13
Q: Does the Torah recognize the concept of retirement?
"A Proposal to Examine the Impact of Torah Study & Prayer on the Health of Older Adults"
Pamela H. Elfenbein, PhD, MSW
ABSTRACT
An obvious by-product of the ever-increasing range of life expectancy is the myriad of problems that range from chemical and medical debilitation to emotional and mental problems, such as depression, loneliness, anxiety, and fear among the elderly. The lack of purpose and meaning and a feeling of uselessness is a major problem of this demographic segment.
While rigorous scientific research has clearly identified salutary effects of religion on health, and well-thought-out hypotheses describe the mechanisms believed to impart these effects, a tremendous chasm remains-the gap between empirical findings and post hoc explanations.
Using an experimental design, we are proposing research based on informal programs and studies initiated by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, under the aegis "School for the Elderly," that successfully overcome much of the aforementioned dysfunction. Through reacclimation to languages and lifestyles of their youth, the inner spirituality of elderly Jews surfaces.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menahem M. Schneerson, spoke many times, and at great length, of the importance of Torah study in old age. Longevity is considered in the Torah to be one of the greatest possible blessings. The concept of retirement does not exist in the Torah. The Creator, Who guides and controls the world, has placed the older adult in the situation where time, no longer full of the obligations of the secular world, may be utilized to the fullest. Injustices and wrongs given, received, and accumulated during one's lifetime are not important. The Rebbe, truly a visionary, envisioned:
Torah-study groups, with fixed times of study, where older people could learn in the companionship of others of similar age…and should also include the weekly Torah portion which can unite all such groups throughout the world. Stipends should be paid. The groups should gather before or after one of the three daily prayers, and a charity box should be placed upon the table at the time of study (and, better still, in addition, a free-loan fund founded in conjunction with the study group). Thus would all groups be united in a worldwide community based on the three pillars upon which the world stands: Torah, Avoduh [prayer] and Gemillus Chassadim [charitable deeds] (Sichos in English, p. 6).
The corresponding nature of the Rebbe's vision and behavioral, epidemiological, psychological, and sociological theory regarding religion and health is clear. The Rebbe's Kolel Tiferet Zkenim (Kolel is a yeshiva academy for adults; tiferet zkenim means "beauty of elders") provides the structure for this study.
Pamela H. Elfenbein, PhD, MSW, "A Proposal to Examine the Impact of Torah Study & Prayer on the Health of Older Adults" in B'OR HA'TORAH 12E p 159
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BIO
Pamela Elfenbein completed an MSW at Barry College in Miami and a PhD in medical sociology at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Since 1978 she has been involved in social work for the elderly in the Miami area. In 1999 she was appointed director of education and training for the Southeast Florida Center on Aging of Florida International University. Dr. Elfenbein is applying her professional experience and knowledge to initiate a pioneering Torah study and prayer program for the elderly in conjunction with The Shul of Bal Harbour in Miami, where she and her family are active congregants.
Elfenbp@fiu.edu
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