לִמְנ֣וֹת יָ֭מֵינוּ כֵּ֣ן הוֹדַ֑ע וְ֝נָבִ֗א לְבַ֣ב חׇכְמָֽה׃
Dear Lab/Shul,
Have you been counting the Omer this year? In the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot it is customary to count our days — to track the journey from liberation to revelation, from leaving Mitzrayim to receiving Torah at Sinai. In the mystical tradition, each day and week of the Omer are associated with different middot, qualities of being that we can cultivate through contemplation and study, prayer, deep friendship, creativity and play. It’s an inner journey that maps onto the outer journey in the mythical story, a way of becoming ourselves.
Thresholds of Becoming: GENerate
One of the thresholds of “becoming” that Lab/Shul has paid special attention to over the last five years is the transition from midlife into older adulthood. We are living in a time of unprecedented possibility when it comes to aging. Many of us can expect to live up to 30 years longer than our own grandparents. As we or loved ones make this transition, we may ask: Who am I now? How might I translate what I’ve learned in my life so that it may be of service to others? How do I think about death? And, given all of this, how do I want to live?
This summer, we are launching the next cohort of GENerate, a yearlong rite of passage experience for adults 60ish and above exploring different ways of aging wisely, generatively, and soulfully together.
GENerate provides a nurturing, inclusive space for a select cohort of curious adults to ask what it means to get older — or to become an elder. Inspired by art, texts, and stories from Jewish and world wisdom traditions, GENerate invites depth, openness, heart-centered conversation and discovery regarding this extraordinary and sacred season of our lives.
Learn more about GENerate
Curious what it’s all about?
The fourth cohort of GENerate will meet primarily online, with a mid-process, in-person retreat in NYC featuring a deep dive into Lab/Shul’s renowned Storahtelling curriculum, bridging ancient text with our emerging sense of what it means to be an elder in the contemporary world. We are excited to offer this opportunity for Lab/Shul community members who are not necessarily located in NYC to connect deeply with each other and with Lab/Shul’s ritual leaders, artists, and expert facilitators (though those located in NYC and open to a primarily online experience are also invited to apply!).
Sound like something you’re interested in? Sound like something your bubbe or friend or mentor would find meaningful?
- Learn more about the program by visiting the GENerate webpage, or head straight to the application form.
- Priority deadline for applications is Friday, May 31, 2024
- Regular application deadline is Sunday, June 16, 2024
Apply for GENerate
The program formally kicks off on Thursday, July 11, with a special Shavuot study session with Rabbi Amichai on Thursday, June 13.
Registration is now open for one of two online info sessions: Thursday, May 16 from 3:30-4:30pm EST and Thursday, May 30 from 5:30-6:30pm EST. (The info sessions are identical in format; you only need to register for one.)
Register: 5/16 Info Session
Register: 5/30 Info Session
Questions? Please contact me at ben@labshul.org or sam@labshul.org.
May all of us learn to count our days rightly: may we be blessed with elders and those to whom we can leave a legacy, may our hearts become wise through being deep in conversation, l’dor vador — generation to generation.
Looking forward to journeying together,
Ben Freeman, Associate Clergy &
Sam Hipschman, Director of Community and Culture
(On behalf of the extended GENerate team)
