A Brief History of Shtetl 2.0™
Shtetl 2.0™ is an evolving and expanding project. It began in spring of 2023, with a handful of Germantown Jewish Centre (GJC) members concerned about solo agers and frail older members who lacked adequate family and social supports.
Recognizing that the problem was a broader and deeper generational challenge* than they originally thought, they formed a 10-member ad hoc Planning Team. The vision expanded, gained the formal endorsement of GJC, Mishkan Shalom, P'nai Or Philadelphia, and Folkshul, and then expanded again to include unaffiliated "Jews & Friends" in NWPhilly - and a systemic approach to problem-solving.
In late Fall 2023, Shtetl 2.0™ partnered with the NYC non-profit DOROT to offer their six-session online course "Aging Alone, Together," and attracted an astonishing 120 participants who were guided by 15 local volunteer break-out group facilitators. Having laid the groundwork for "Aging in Place," we turned our attention to "Aging in Community," and began to build the infrastructure for a new Jewish-flavored Village in NWPhilly.
A January 2024 brainstorming session led to the creation of several Working Groups which worked behind the scenes through winter and spring to pilot sample cultural and social programs, craft our mission statement and bylaws, and identify a fiscal sponsor.
Shtetl 2.0™ became a "real Village" in July 2024, when we formally joined the non-profit Mt Airy Community Services Corp (MACSC) as a Service Group, transitioned to a Board of Directors and Committee structure, and create a Development Team to raise the working capital.
We look forward to building a dynamic Jewishly-inflected model for vibrant aging here in NWPhilly!
*A Generational Challenge
Evolving Needs - Evolving Solutions
In the 1970s, as young Jews in the "Baby Boom" generation began to enter the workforce and start families, they brought to Mt. Airy their commitment to social justice, activism and a lived Jewish spirituality.
The "Boomer" generation has addressed its needs by creating & nurturing
- GJC Early Childhood Program
- GJC Minyans, P'nai Or & Mishkan Shalom
- Mount Airy Learning Tree
- Weavers Way Coop
- Mt Airy CDC
What are the Current Challenges?
Many of us want to age in place and stay connected Jewishly, but are struggling to remain in NW Philadelphia because of isolation and mobility issues. AARP notes that 80% of people 50 and over want to remain in their communities.
Part 1 - Generational Social Shifts
- This generation has a high proportion of people living solo - whether intentionally single, divorced or widowed.
- The Jewish community is especially mobile, and many children of Boomers live at great distances.
- Many adult children of Boomers are "sandwiched" between careers, caring for children and caring for parents.
Part 2 - Housing Stock Issues
- The neighborhoods are called Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill for a reason - and that means STAIRS - often a full flight just from the sidewalk to the front porch!
- Traditional multi-floor (often narrow) houses are not easily adapted for mobility issues.
- Housing and rental costs have risen precipitously and alternate choices for those wanting to downsize in Mt Airy are few.
The Shtetl 2.0™ Solutions
- Negotiate with developers for ADA-compliant and affordable housing
- Model shared-housing alternatives
- Advocate for livable, age-friendly communities, such as safe sidewalks and well-lit streets
- Obtain group discounts for home repair & maintenance services, home care and other services
And meanwhile.... - Forge new connections across the community and between generations
- Create cultural, educational and social programs to address social isolation and enhance vitality
- Provide voluntary mutual support services-
- Vsits and check-ins
- Transportation to services, doctor's visits, cultural events
- Short-term help in the home
- Tech support
- Make it possible to age in this community!
Shtetl 2.0™ : NWPhilly Jews & Friends Aging in Community
[email protected]
