Are you interested in a new kind of volunteer experience? Join DOROT's intergenerational programs where adults 65+ and teens come together to participate in activities leading to the discovery of new and shared perspectives. Meet thoughtful teens and other older adult volunteers. Enjoy fun and laughter while forming new and unexpected bonds.
Here's what past 65+ Volunteers have shared:
“I found a place where it doesn’t matter how old I am. We can talk about anything. I’ve found friends of all ages!” Jack B.
“The teens in this program are clever, caring and wise and help the seniors think differently about our lives.” Harriet R.
Do you want to volunteer onsite at DOROT’s headquarters? Intergenerational workshops are offered at DOROT (171 W 85th Street).
Summer programs begin June 23! ALL PROGRAMS REQUIRE REGISTRATION
Home Visits
60 minutes weekly starting July 24. Make connections with teens from the comfort of home (limited to the Upper West and Upper East Side of Manhattan).
Nigunim with Zhenya Lopatnik
Mondays: June 23, 30, July 7 and 14 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Join us to explore nigunim—unique tunes with minimal words and repetitive refrains. Originating in Hassidic communities, nigunim are accessible to all and are continually innovated by Jewish music groups. Often seen as a mystical form of prayer, they can be used for communal meditation. In our workshop, we'll learn various nigunim, share stories, and experience the joyful spirit of Jewish music to foster intergenerational connection.
Art & Jewish Heritage
Wednesdays: June 25th, July 2, 9 and 16 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Explore Jewish identity through symbols and ritual objects in our intergenerational workshop. Teens and seniors will share stories and create art together, focusing on Jewish symbols, Shabbat, holidays, and ritual objects. We will be using collage, drawing and watercolor to create artworks while getting to know each other in an encouraging atmosphere. All levels of art experience are welcome.
Jewish Trivia
Thursdays: June 26, July 3, and 10 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Come for lively conversation and to challenge your knowledge in this game that highlights Jewish life, people, and history. From legendary sports heroes, influential artists to great philosophers and surprising historical moments. Whether you’re a trivia buff or just in it for the laughs, there’s something for everyone!
Eurasian Dumplings
Mondays: July 28, August 4 and 11 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Celebrate the art of dough in Eastern European traditions in this intergenerational workshop. Every week we will be folding and stuffing a different dough to make Manti, Vareniki, and more while sharing stories across the generations.
Current Events
Tuesdays: July 29 August 5 and 12 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Teens and adults will contemplate how their personal experience informs their view of the world. Texts, images, news articles, etc. will be a jumping off point for exploring our personal perspectives and voices from the past about current events.
Cultural Traditions
Tuesdays: July 29 August 5 and 12 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
High School Interns will lead casual conversations about how we celebrate and mark cultural traditions in our homes and our communities. Each workshop will be dedicated to a theme: food, music, holidays etc. Participants are encouraged to bring both stories and images relating to their own traditions to the workshops.
Music Appreciation
Wednesdays: July 30 August 6 and 13 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
An intergenerational exploration of music that holds distinct meaning to you in your life journey. Each session, we will share and listen to songs as a group, as well as practice the core rituals of singing, melody, and rhythm with no prior experience necessary!
Tea+Chat
Wednesdays: July 30 August 6 and 13 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Older adults meet with high school students for games, light refreshments and sharing stories.
Art & Heritage
Wednesdays: July 23 and 30, August 6 and 13 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Explore your identity in a unique workshop through art and cultural imagery. Teens and seniors will engage in meaningful conversations, share life stories, and create art together. We will be using collage, drawing, and watercolors to create artwork that reflects our diverse experiences and perspectives in a welcoming atmosphere. No prior experience is necessary. Come connect, create, and celebrate the richness of our shared humanity.
Bar Trivia
Thursdays: July 24 and 31, August 7 and 14 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Test your general knowledge and enjoy some pretzels (but no beer!). Each week teens will prepare new challenges in new categories to keep us all sharp and learn from each other. Whether you’re a trivia buff or just in it for the laughs, there’s something for everyone!
FULL - Jewish Traditions
This workshop is currently full and we are no longer accepting registration
Wednesdays: June 25th, July 2, 9 and 16 from 1:00 PM – 02:30 PM
DOROT High School Interns will facilitate conversations about how we celebrate and mark Jewish traditions in our homes and our communities. Each workshop will be dedicated to a theme: food, music, holidays etc. Participants will be encouraged to bring both stories and images relating to Jewish traditions to the workshops.
FULL - Nosh + Kibitz
This workshop is currently full and we are no longer accepting registration
Mondays: June 23, 30, July 7 and 14 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Older adults meet with high school students for games, light refreshments and sharing stories.
FULL - Jewish Perspectives
This workshop is currently full and we are no longer accepting registration
Tuesdays: June 24th, July 1, 8 and 15 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet with teens each week to discuss a current event topic (such as technology and the environment) through a Jewish lens. Source material will come from ancient and contemporary texts, news articles, and visuals.
FULL - Jewish Dumplings
This workshop is currently full and we are no longer accepting registration
Tuesdays: June 24th, July 1, 8 and 15 from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Celebrate the art of dough in Eastern European Jewish traditions. Every week we will be folding and stuffing a different dough to make Vareniki, Gombóc and more while sharing stories across the generations.
FULL - Immigrant Journeys
This workshop is currently full and we are no longer accepting registration
Tuesdays: June 24th, July 1, 8 and 15 from 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Through creative prompts like videos, photographs, and letters, you'll share personal family immigrant stories and explore the experiences of Eastern European Jews who settled in New York's Lower East Side. Discover the dilemmas faced by immigrants through 'Bintel Brief' letters and gain a deeper appreciation for your ancestors' struggles and resilience, understanding how these historical experiences shape our identities and communities today.
For more information, please email sharemywisdom@dorotusa.org.
FAQ
Who is this for?
Teen Interns and Adults 65+
What does it cost?
All participants are volunteering their time (and teens even earn volunteer hours).
How does registration work?
High School Students go through a highly selective process and intern with DOROT for a semester. They participate in many programs as part of their internship.
Adults (65+) commit to a workshop a week (or more) and must complete paperwork, and register for the workshop(s) that best fit their interests and schedule. (A background check is conducted for the adults.) Returning participants can register directly for workshops by emailing us at sharemywisdon@dorotusa.org.
What is an Intergenerational Workshop?
DOROT offers weekly sessions at 171 W 85th St. regularly. You can make theatre, have discussions, discover new music and more. Some of our programs have Jewish content.
What happens in the workshops?
You’ll spend time each week with the same small group of approximately 12 - 18 participants — a mix of adults (65+) and teens, plus a trained facilitator in most cases.
How long are the workshops?
Workshops range from 60-120 minutes for 4 - 7 weeks, once or twice a week. Each session will build upon the previous one, so plan to be there for all of them.
Do you want to volunteer online? Join weekly virtual intergenerational workshops led by an experienced facilitator through the GENuine Connections program. Learn more about how to participate HERE.
Register for upcoming workshops: