Kittay House Happenings

January 2009

Bridging the Generational Gap

Elders and kids go together like tea and honey, bagels and lox and peanut butter and jelly! That's why Kittay House offers ongoing opportunities for intergenerational get-togethers between tenants and youth.

In an April 27th "senior" event, high school seniors from Solomon Schechter of Westchester traveled to Kittay House to celebrate Israel Independence Day with tenants. Participants celebrated the Jewish homeland with songs, stories, refreshments and schmoozing. Ida Kotowitz notes:

"Israel is such an important part of a Jewish person’s life. It was beautiful seeing the teenagers have the same passion for Israel as our generation does. I hope they continue the traditions that we have passed along to them."

Intergenerational events aren't limited to the under 18 set. On May 3rd, UJA-Federation twelve volunteers in their twenties joined Kittay House tenants for the Second Annual “Get Into Gardening” event. Participants met over a bagel breakfast and then headed outside to fill the gardens with all the glorious colors of spring. Not only were the flowers in full blossom, but the newly-forged relationships between the volunteers and tenants were as well.

Kittay House looks forward to continuing the intergenerational activities and strengthening the bonds between young and old.