Bringing the Wisdom of a Lifetime to Volunteer Work
Rivka
Hi – my name is Rivka and I’m 74 years old. I’ve had a full life, thank G-d. Children, grandchildren, even great-grandchildren, may they be well. I wanted to tell you a thing or two about old age; after all these years I’m entitled. The thing I want to say is very simple. We are more relevant than ever – we are able to make a contribution to society – and we in fact do!
I immigrated to Israel from Morocco many years ago. I lived through quite a few of Israel’s wars, and I’ve always worked, including as a cook and caretaker at a children’s home; really, I’ve worked nearly every day of my life. After my husband passed away I realized that if I didn’t leave the house I’d go crazy. So I found what to do – and if I’m already doing something, it might as well be something that helps other people.
Twice a week I go to Chasdei Naomi in Jerusalem. I sort food items, arrange vegetables, answer the phone, and do office work. And I feel better than ever!
I sit there with all the young people and we chat. I share some of my life’s experience with them, and at the same time I make a contribution to society – Jerusalem society and Israeli society, just by the fact that I’m not letting myself sit at home and rot. And my kids – they’re happy for me. While I’m at the food storeroom I picture in my mind all the people we help, a good 40,000 of them – children, elderly, sick people, and more. I hurt for them – but the fact that I’m doing my part to help them – even at age 74 – makes me feel good.
I want to take this opportunity to tell you, readers, that we senior citizens are more relevant than ever. Life expectancies have gone way up, time brings with it more and more wrinkles, but along with the wrinkles comes a lot of life wisdom, and we, the elderly, are still giving. We’ve worked and saved all our lives and now we have money to spare for the nicer things; but our knowledge and experience are worth more than money, and our insights about how to interact with people can help others in conflict situations. We. Have. A. Lot. To. Offer.
Still, not all of us are doing well, and some of us are in really bad shape. There are Holocaust survivors suffering from neglect, pensioners going hungry, and more. And unfortunately, the government isn’t doing much to help. It seems that many of the people who built this country have been forgotten by it. In any case, I can tell you that the worst thing at this age is the feeling of being irrelevant – and so volunteering is itself the perfect solution. And I suggest to all those who read this that they urge their grandfather or grandmother to volunteer, rather than sit at home. And until then, you might also want to try talking to some elderly person that you see on the bus or on a bench, we’re always ready for a good chat.
Rivka is a volunteer with Chasdei Naomi, Israel’s largest food distribution organization. Chasdei Naomi, and its subsidiary, Lev Naomi, are always in need of volunteers of all ages. Please contact us at (03) 677-7777.