Reaching across Generations
I was part of an intergenerational panel at the Jews and “Mental Health” Liberation Workshop [see previous three articles]. Four of us—all from Boston, Massachusetts, USA—were on the panel. Two of us were in our twenties and thirties, and two were in their fifties.
We spoke to where we feel seen and backed [supported] by someone from a different generation and what happens when we reach for each other across generations, especially on issues such as gender, Israel/Palestine, attacks on RC, and policies about “mental health” and drugs. Tackling these issues across generations can be terrifying, because it feels like so much of what each group has fought for is at stake [being risked].
I went into the panel already feeling close to some longtime Co-Counselors of different generations. Being a part of the panel helped me notice how special these relationships are. They are like nothing else in my life and are a foundation that I can build on.
I have also felt discouraged and frustrated as a younger adult in terms of being seen, respected, and taken seriously for my perspectives and those of my generation. Being on the panel gave me a chance to show what it’s like to feel misunderstood and not taken seriously as a younger adult and to work on earlier related hurts. It also helped me better understand what those from other generations struggle with in reaching for and backing me as a younger adult.
The trust we built will help us reach for each other on the most difficult topics. We need to stay close and keep reaching to understand each other, including when it feels unbearable to have different perspectives.
USA
Reprinted from the RC e-mail discussion list for leaders of Jews
(Present Time 208, July 2022)