Eat Well. Love Life: A Sweet New Year, Shared Together.
For more than a decade, Jewish Family Services has brought the traditions of Rosh Hashanah to older adults throughout the Charlotte community—creating welcoming spaces where familiar rituals become opportunities for connection.
This fall, JFS organized five Rosh Hashanah gatherings for 50 participants, including older adults living in retirement communities, their friends, and members of their support systems. Rabbi Beth Nichols, Director of Lifelong Jewish Learning at Temple Beth El, joined JFS staff to lead conversation, prayers, and welcome the new year. As always, she wore her favorite pomegranate sweater (thank you, Rabbi Knight!).
Rich conversation was the heart of each gathering. Participants talked about memorable celebrations, family customs, and shared stories that might otherwise go unheard. One participant recalled once arriving at services alone, for the first time in her life, and finding an immediate welcome: “There was a whole family there that just said, ‘Sit with us, sit with us.’”
The programs were led by JFS Senior Engagement Manager, Eva Kantor, Senior Engagement Specialist, Ruth King, and Case Manager, Lakia Murphy. Cameron Butler-Davis, MSW, LCMHC introduced himself as JFS’ recently-hired Clinical Therapist.
For older adults, especially those whose social circles or access to Jewish communal life may have changed, celebrating together provides more than a holiday meal. It offers a sense of belonging, an opportunity to be heard, and a meaningful connection to Jewish heritage and community.
Rosh Hashanah is one of the many programs JFS organizes with local partners and supporters to help older adults remain connected, engaged, and meaningfully rooted in their community. To learn more about our programming and assistance, visit
Interested in learning more about programs for older adults and seniors? Contact JFS Senior Engagement team at info@JFSCharlotte.org.
