Kesher 13 is an award-winning (Goodman Award-2007) inter-generational program in partnership with Metrowest area temples. Through Kesher 13, pre-b’nai mitzvah youth and their families connect with Jewish elders who are geographically dispersed in multiple non-Jewish facilities where they are a minority within the institutions. It provides an opportunity to educate youth and families about aging within a Jewish context and the importance of community. It also helps youth to understand and embrace their responsibility to tikkun olam.
This inter-generational program allows youth and families to feel that they help Jewish elders by sharing celebrations with them and allows elders to feel that they help youth and families by sharing memories of Jewish traditions and values that they can transmit to the next generation. Kesher 13 reduces isolation and builds community for all participants on multiple levels.