In an age often driven by speed and innovation, the voices of the elderly can become quieted or forgotten. About 1.2 million citizens, who are aged 65 and over, live in Israel today, making up 12 percent of the population. Many of these citizens face isolation and loneliness. In response, many initiatives have emerged to reconnect generations, restore dignity, and enhance the quality of life for older adults. The following highlights just a few of these inspiring efforts.
During Pesach, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs launched a program inviting elderly individuals without family to stay in sheltered housing or nursing homes free of charge. This allowed them to celebrate the holiday in a warm, communal setting and experience a sense of belonging.
The “Renovation Patrol for the Elderly and Holocaust Survivors” restores homes in disrepair, providing elderly residents with safe, dignified living conditions. The Aviv organization offers free legal and practical assistance to seniors who have fallen victim to consumer fraud.
Alongside existing government and grassroots efforts, one Israeli minister made it his mission to bridge the older and younger generations through connection and respect. Uri Orbach, a sharp-witted Israeli writer, journalist, and politician, served in the Knesset representing the Jewish Home party. In March 2013, he was appointed Minister of Pensioner Affairs.
Uri launched the Shlishi BiShleikes (“Tuesdays in Suspenders”) program, encouraging retirees to remain active by offering Tuesday discounts to theaters, museums, trips, and workshops. He believed that an engaged, social lifestyle leads to greater happiness and health in old age.
Even before introducing the Shlishi BiShleikes program, upon becoming a minister, Uri’s first initiative was Shabbat V’Hadarta, a no-budget project designed to show appreciation for the elderly. He sent a letter to shul rabbis and gabbaim, asking them to call seniors up for an aliyah during Parshas K’doshim, where the pasuk reads: “Mipnei seivah takum, v’hadarta p’nei zakein – You shall rise before the aged and honor the face of the old.” This pasuk embodies a core Jewish value: respect for elders. He also encouraged rabbis to speak about this theme in their divrei Torah on Shabbos. What began as a modest idea 12 years ago has grown into a nationwide movement. Shabbat V’Hadarta not only expresses appreciation for the elderly, but it also offers the younger generation a chance to learn from their elders, who have so much wisdom and life experience to share.
Tragically, Uri passed away in 2015 at the young age of 54. His wife Michal took over the initiative and has continued to expand its reach. In an interview with Dr. Chana Katan, a respected physician and educator, Michal described how Shabbat V’Hadarta has grown over the years. Today, programs spring up across the country wherever passionate and kindhearted people make them happen.
In some communities, young people invite seniors for a kiddush or for Shabbos meals. Some visit them at home. Other communities host panels where elders share stories and life lessons. Many of these individuals are highly accomplished: Some founded yishuvim, others built factories or established impactful organizations. Many can give full lectures on a variety of topics. Like a grandparent speaking to a grandchild, they talk about their aliyah journeys, their wartime experiences, and more – each “sharing hir or her wealth” with the next generation.
In Raanana, elderly women met with high school girls. The girls gifted each woman a flower and a challah for Shabbos, and in return, the women shared handwritten notes of advice for life. Importantly, the younger generation does not approach the elderly out of pity in a patronizing way. Both generations enrich each other’s lives.
Sometimes, surprising connections arise during these programs. Michal once witnessed an elderly man recount his experience aboard a maapilim ship, an illegal immigration vessel organized by the Haganah. Uri’s mother had also been on such a ship. Astonishingly, the man had traveled on the very same ship as Michal’s mother-in-law. A meeting was arranged, and he shared vivid details of that voyage with her.
Last year, with the war in full swing, young and old joined forces to prepare gift packages for chayalim. Their message was clear: We do not think only of ourselves. We stand united in gratitude for those who protect us.
Another interesting program is the Intergenerational Connection Program, led by Rav Dori, where young participants teach senior citizens computer and Internet skills. In return, the seniors share their life stories, which are documented collaboratively and preserved in the ANU Museum’s global heritage archive. This exchange builds a meaningful bridge between generations, where everyone benefits. Michal also hopes to involve teens and students in filming and preserving the narratives of the elderly in the future.
Inspired by free newspaper ads for V’Hadarta, Dr. Yinon Schenker launched a community-minded initiative urging people to pay closer attention to seniors around them. If someone appears hungry or neglected, he encourages offering help – not just occasionally, but all year round.
In addition to Shabbat V’Hadarta, Uri spearheaded the Shlishi BiShleikes (“Tuesdays in Suspenders”) program, which encourages retirees to leave their homes and engage in leisure and cultural activities. The initiative offers significant discounts on Tuesdays for movies, theaters, museums, trips, and workshops. Uri believed that seniors who maintain a social and active lifestyle are both happier and healthier.
Without our elders, none of us would be here today. Their wisdom and life stories are the foundation of our society. There’s no limit to how we can honor them or bridge the generational divide. As Uri Orbach so eloquently stated by shifting the comma in the pasuk for added meaning: “Mipnei seivah, takum chevrah metukenet v’tovah yoter – Because of the elderly, a reformed and better society will be established.”
May we continue to rise before the aged and grow wiser through them.
Suzie Steinberg, (nee Schapiro), CSW, is a native of Kew Gardens Hills and resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh who publishes articles regularly in various newspapers and magazines about life in general, and about life in Israel in particular. Her recently published children’s book titled Hashem is Always With Me can be purchased in local Judaica stores as well as online. Suzie can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and would love to hear from you.
