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Orthodox Union’s SPIRIT program for the 60-plus crowd engages 7,500 participants weekly

It draws participants from 45 states and 23 countries, including Ethiopia, Serbia and Thailand.

Participants listen to a SPIRIT hybrid panel presentation at Young Israel of Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale in Florida called “The Anglo Guide to Buying Real Estate in Israel,” March 2023. Credit: OU.
Participants listen to a SPIRIT hybrid panel presentation at Young Israel of Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale in Florida called “The Anglo Guide to Buying Real Estate in Israel,” March 2023. Credit: OU.

More than 7,500 frum retirees worldwide seek weekly inspiration and insights from SPIRIT (Stimulating Program Initiative for Retirees that Inspires Thought), the Orthodox Union’s (OU) program for those 60 and older.

SPIRIT sessions feature renowned speakers who share practical, interesting insights on Torah-based and secular topics, as well as a variety of recreational activities and entertainment. It draws participants from 45 states and 23 countries, including Ethiopia, Serbia and Thailand, with new attendees joining weekly.

The program, which operates through the OU’s Department of Community Projects and Partnerships, appeals to participants from a wide range of Orthodox backgrounds.

“SPIRIT has touched upon everything, including finance, legal issues, relationships, mental health, nutrition, caregiving, kashrus, tefillah and Jewish history, to name a few,” said Rebbetzin Judi Steinig, senior director of the OU’s Department of Community Projects and Partnerships. “We also feature fun, appropriate programming ranging from comedy to cooking to chair yoga.”

Steinig says the majority of attendees are highly educated, and that the sophisticated programming reflects their intellectual curiosity and knowledge. The program often attracts participants younger than 60.

All courses are free of charge and run for approximately 45 minutes on Tuesday mornings at 11 a.m. EST. Most classes are interactive Zoom sessions. SPIRIT also runs occasional in-person sessions at one of 50 partner shuls in the United States, with simultaneous online broadcasts. Following each program, all registrants receive a recording of the class.

To register for SPIRIT classes and to view archived programs, visit: www.ou.org/spirit.

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Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union (OU), or Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs.
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