Rabbi Zalman Schacter-Shalomi’s obituary on July 4 noted his leadership in the Jewish Renewal movement in the 1960s but overlooked his later contribution to the conscious aging movement.

In 1995, Zalman published “From Age-ing to Sage-ing: A Revolutionary Approach to Growing Older.” It offered a new vision for growing older, one that is characterized by growth, fulfillment, and contribution.

The book also introduced the concept of the respected Spiritual Elder, a person in the second half of life, who is committed to inner growth and service, which in turn launched the international Sage-ing movement.

Joanne Turnbull

Cape Elizabeth