Aging in American Culture

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Heschel's Vision

I am delighted to be writing this, the first of a new column for Tikkun. "To Grow In Wisdom" will focus broadly on the topic of aging as seen through the lenses of cultural criticism, history, theological inquiry, and practical concern with the lives of older people.

My interest in aging began abruptly one morning in September 1953. I was four years old. My father left home that morning and drove his car into a bridge. He never came home. His death transformed me into an aged, lonely little boy, a senex/puer. Ever since, I have wanted to know what it means to live a long and happy life.

For the last twenty-five years, I have written, taught, …