Sage-ing Times Welcome

Penny Clark, CSL, Sage-ing Times Editorial Team

Dear Sage-ing Friends,

Some years ago, when I was “new to aging,” I was deeply touched and affirmed when I read that Reb Zalman, a Rabbi, a thinker, and a revolutionary described how he was disconcerted, unsettled, just as I was, as he approached aging. His quest grew from this angst. Sage-ing, as it became known, is a way to live forward into this very distinct time of life, a time of unique challenges and gifts. Reb Zalman’s work calls us to become conscious of and live our aging with awareness.

In each issue of Sage-ing Times we select one of the Qualities of Sages in Service as our theme. In this issue we focus on Inclusiveness, welcoming the rich diversity of ethnicities, lifestyles, backgrounds, ages, and spiritual/wisdom traditions in every community. In one article we look at how inclusiveness is at the core of Reb Zalman’s work while another contributor gives you an in-depth look at ageism—the antithesis of inclusiveness. We also include articles on Reb Zalman’s life and work and its impact on the lives of our contributing authors and

their Sage-ing Journeys. You will find book reviews, quotes to ponder, poetry and contemplative questions to consider.

To learn more about Sage-ing, book study groups will soon be offered using Reb Zalman’s book “From Age-ing to Sage-ing” and “Embracing Wisdom” by Rabbis

Malka Drucker and Nadya Gross which is reviewed in this issue. Watch for these and other event announcements in our SI upcoming Bulletins.

We hope you will enjoy this special issue of Sage-ing Times as we remember and honor our founder, Reb Zalman.

Message from a Sage-ing Leader

A Sage-ing Journey:

Connecting our Past, Present, & Future

Katia Petersen, Sage-ing International (SI) Co-Chair

Growing up I was taught the importance of paying attention, how to listen deeply, and that each step in our personal journey is an opportunity to grow through our daily experiences. I was encouraged to be curious, and to look for signs that would become essential guides in my life. Along the way I learned that there is not such a thing as accidental happenings. The places we are in, the events we experience, and the people who cross paths with us, are intentional happenings that contribute to our lifelong learning and spiritual growth. 

SI & I: Our Stories...

SI & I began as an idea for a blog to capture the intersection of personal experiences with the aging journey and Sage-ing International (SI).

My Sage-ing Journey

Judith Helburn, CSL

My Sage-ing Journey began one day in 1994 with a call from a good friend, and fellow law librarian, enthusiastically relating to me about a weekend in Denver at which Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, spoke about his reaching 60, and not finding mentors to guide him on his journey through old age. On a retreat, at a Buddhist monastery, he looked deeply within and realized that he, himself, could guide others into thinking about the upward slope of the aging process.

Guest Contributing Author

A Story of Reb Zalman

Lynne Iser, CSL, Circle of Honored Sages,

Founding Director of the Spiritual Eldering Institute

I was 39 years of age and attending a retreat, when I asked Reb Zalman for advice, “Should I move to Philadelphia from my home in Eureka, California?” Reb Zalman looked at me and said, "Lynne leiben, it would be good. You can work with me and run my new Spiritual Eldering Project.” I barely knew Reb Zalman, though I had studied with him in Northern California, and now he was asking me to work with him! It was all a bit outlandish, but Reb Zalman had planted the seed that would radically change my life’s trajectory.

Topic for Reflection

Are We Ageist?

Thérèse Bourgeois, CSL,

Service and Community Team Co-Lead

How many of us see ourselves as ageist? I suspect not many, especially those of us who are proponents of aging well. As it is seen as negative, it is difficult to look at our own ageist beliefs towards others and ourselves. My hope is to shed light on this so we can more effectively deal with it. As our theme for this issue is inclusiveness, we shall see how ageism is the antithesis of this. 

A Sage-ing Practice in Conscious Aging: Inclusiveness

Reb Zalman’s Commitment to Inclusiveness and Deep Ecumenism

Rabbi Victor Gross, Ph.D.

Reb Zalman’s commitment to inclusion for all was born out of personal experience and a knowledge of Jewish history. As a young person in Nazi occupied Europe, he experienced the ultimate exclusion as he and his family sailed in a boat with other Jews looking for a country that would welcome them.



Reb Zalman was always a seeker, and while still a young student in the 1940’s, he came to realize that the spiritual issues he was wrestling with were shared by people of other faiths. The books he read led to engagement with spiritual leaders of many traditions.

Welcome to the Poet’s Corner

I Am Diversity, Please Include Me

by Charles Bennafield

I‘m present in every place you go.

Depending on your lens I’m friend or foe.

I’m a force to be reckoned with.

Like the winds of change I move. I’m swift.

I’m present when two or more are together.

If embraced I can make the good even better.

I’m not limited to age, gender, or race.

I’m invisible at times and yet all over the place.

Don’t exclude me due to a lack of knowledge.

Welcome me like the recruit fresh out of college.

Let me take my seat at the table.

Even though I may be differently abled.

My experience, my passion, the authentic me,

Can help add value for your company.

Learn about me; improve my underrepresentation.

And I can provide a competitive edge

to your entire nation.

I exclude no one, I am strengthened by all.

My name is Diversity, and yes, I stand tall.

Recognize me and keep me in the mix.

Together there’s no problem that we can’t fix.

I am your best hope towards true innovation,

And to many, I reflect hope and inspiration.

Your lives and companies will continue to change.

Thus, the need for Diversity and Inclusion will also remain.

Do all that you can to truly embrace me,

And experience life’s fullness totally.

I’m the thought lurking behind the unfamiliar face.

I’m the ingenuity that helps your team win the race.

I’m the solution that came from

The odd question that was asked.

I stand out in the crowd when I, Diversity,

Am allowed to be unmasked.

I’m Diversity, embrace me and we’ll journey far.

I’m Diversity, include me and

We will reach the shining star.

Coupled with Inclusion our lights burn longer.

Together we are smarter, better and stronger.

I am Diversity.

Yes, that’s me.

Book Reviews:

Embracing Wisdom: Soaring in the Second Half of Life

by Malka Drucker and Nadya Gross

Reviewed by Katie Lieberman

I readily admit that I have a problem purchasing books on positive aging that remain unread. My bookshelves are proof of that. This is not the case with Embracing Wisdom: Soaring in the Second Half of Life, by Malka Drucker and Nadya Gross. What a find! When I opened the book, I didn’t want to put it down.

Having walked personally with their teacher, Reb Zalman, Nadya and Malka, share his vision of how we might navigate through the joys and challenges of aging. Interspersed with his quotes and stories, they skillfully describe 10 steps he saw as necessary for becoming a Sage. With opportunities for self-reflection, journaling, and group discussion, these poignant teachings become a tool for our own personal growth and upliftment. 

The authors brilliantly remind us that it was Reb Zalman’s belief that Sage-ing cannot be done alone, but with community. After absorbing this material, I’m now ready to gather with others and share in the journey, chapter by chapter. 

What a perfect way to launch the new year!

The December Project:

An Extraordinary Rabbi and a Skeptical Seeker Confront Life’s Greatest Mystery

by Sara Davidson

Review by Thérèse Bourgeois

This is a great book if you are interested in looking at the winter of life, or life’s last chapter. You get to be there with Reb Zalman and Sara Davidson, participating in an intimate conversation about living with the challenges we face in late life, including facing death. The book is based on their meetings held every Friday for two years. Davidson’s challenges with aging are interspersed with Reb Zalman’s extraordinary life’s journey from escaping the Nazis to his spiritual evolution. It is intermingled with funny stories and inspiring ways to live the end of our life. Twelve exercises are included to help us become more at ease with mortality. It is a gem!