Dear Readers,
A
heartfelt thank you to all who sent in your thoughtful, creative, and sometimes
surprising suggestions for navigating retirement – or, as I like to call it,
“The Big What’s-Next.” Your ideas have been inspiring and insightful.
That said,
I have to confess I was a tiny bit disappointed that I only heard from those
whom I can only describe as “retirement overachievers.” You know who you are.
You’ve mastered the art of meaningful days and purposeful living, and while I’m
genuinely happy for you, it’s made this column a bit one-sided. Where are my
fellow worriers? The ones who wonder if spending money instead of making it
counts as a hobby? (Full disclosure: My husband wonders this, too, every
summer!)
For now,
I’m still working – at least as long as my bosses keep saying yes. I’m filing
away your wisdom for future reference (with the same efficiency I use for lesson
plans and recipes). And to be brutally honest, even summer vacation (yes, I’m a
teacher) sometimes feels a little too long and aimless. That’s really the heart
of my retirement hesitation: What will I do with all that time?
Before I
officially wrap up this series, I’m sharing the last two letters I received – each
one offering a fresh and meaningful take on retirement. One even made me think,
“Hmm, maybe I’ll sign up… right after I finish writing this!”
*
* *
Dear Mrs. Goldberg,
(So formal. Either she knows I’m very old
or she’s very young.)
Thank you
for giving us “retirees” from the paid workforce a chance to share tips we’ve
discovered for creating meaningful lives. I’d like to highlight my experience
with Torah learning.
Baltimore
is blessed to have an organization dedicated to high-quality Torah learning for
women, Mesorah Baltimore, and I’ve been a proud member since I moved here in
2010.
Mesorah
provides not only opportunities to deepen Torah knowledge but also to make
wonderful friends. The classes give structure to my day while enriching me both
spiritually and intellectually. And as recent studies show, learning new
material is great for brain health as we age. I’ve found the shiurim
mentally stimulating and the discussions with fellow students to be incredibly
engaging.
I invite
readers to explore Mesorah by joining our free Rosh Chodesh shiurim on
Zoom. Visit www.mesorahbaltimore.org to
register and see the upcoming classes offered by local educators and
international speakers. While most classes are in-person at Bnai Jacob Shaarei
Zion, Zoom has really expanded our reach. You can also request to join our
mailing list.
I hope
this encourages readers to consider Mesorah as part of their own retirement
planning!
Warmly,
Esther Sara Weiner
* * *
This
second letter comes from two fabulous young women I admire greatly. They saw a
need and didn’t just talk about it – they did something.
Dear Mrs. Goldberg,
(Again with the “Mrs.”… sigh…)
Zahava and
I read your column and wanted to suggest something for active retirees in our
community. We started Retired and Inspired (formally Bubby Camp), a program for
vibrant, social, and energetic seniors who are no longer working but still want
meaningful, fun engagement. We host speakers, plan activities, take trips, and
even provide hot lunch! We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m.
until 1:30 p.m. For more information or to join, please email at shoshgoldb@gmail.com or call
410-402-3537 or 443-604- 8130.
Thank you,
Zahava and Shoshana
*
* *
And with
that, I wrap up this column. Thank you for allowing me to pick your brains,
share my fears, and laugh along the way. Whether you’re working, retired, or
somewhere in between, I wish you good health, fulfillment, and the kind of
productivity that makes your days meaningful.
Until I actually retire (don’t hold your
breath),
Rochelle Goldberg
