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INTRODUCTION

The population of the western world has been slowly aging through the twentieth century; the trend has increased recently and is likely to continue. Yet we live in a youth culture. Although the average person lives far longer than in previous times, age is not prized until the very end of life. Every effort is made continually to look young and act young. Grey hair is hidden, wrinkles are removed when possible, and euphemisms are used to describe the organizations and residences of the elderly. This creates pressures and imbalances which continue to be discussed in the world around us. We need to view them from a Jewish perspective. The traditional literature dealt with aspects of old age, but only in a limited manner. G

Respect for the elderly and an appreciation of their contribution to life should come naturally to every Jew. After all, the Torah deals exclusively with leaders who retained their positions into very old age. All of this was further augmented by the midrashic tradition and for the modern Jew through the visual depictions of Biblical figures. In the world of art, most of them are white bearded gentlemen.

This high regard for the elderly had a Biblical basis provided not only by direct statements, but also through the many tales. Respect needed definitions. What was required and where were the limits of such respect? The halakhah provided the guidelines.

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The classical Jewish literature dealt with old age as a blessing. This led to theological debates as it was necessary to see whether it should it be considered as a reward for living a good life and conversely, an early death should be seen as divine punishment? Both the halakhah and the agadah delved into this question.

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