Middle-aged Jewish men across America cheered wildly when recently learning that the mantle of People magazine’s coveted “Sexiest Man Alive” honor was passed on to actor Paul Rudd, following in the footsteps of such legendary hunks as George Clooney and Idris Elba.
The affable Rudd, 52, who’s arguably best known for his work in the films “Clueless,” “Knocked Up” and “Ant-Man,” attributed his seemingly eternal good looks to being “a hologram, like the new ABBA concert.” He confessed, presumably jokingly, that his wife, Julie, would’ve chosen 57-year-old film star Keanu Reeves over her husband.
As reported by the JTA global Jewish news source, Rudd — the New Jersey-born son of English Jews who once worked as a bar and bat mitzvah party DJ — isn’t the first member of the tribe to be honored by People in such a distinguished manner. Heck, no! Other recipients over the years with varying degrees of Jewish lineage — landsmen, if you will — include pop singer Adam Levine, screen icon Harrison Ford and former soccer superstar David Beckham. (As Adam Sandler himself would say, not too shabby.)
Jewish guy air fist-pumping and celebrity culture obsessions aside, Rudd’s crowning achievement might be viewed as a victory of another sort. It could be seen as a societal shift from our delusional infatuation with all things youthful and deeply embedded phobias about the aging process.
Natch, Judaism has plenty to say on this topic. As far as the natural discomfort about looking older and, as they say, having “snow on the roof,” Proverbs 16:31 tells us, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor. It is attained by the way of righteousness.” (In other words, go ahead and return that bottle of Grecian Formula to Walgreens.)
Regarding staying vibrant, sharp and relevant despite the challenging and often painful passage of the years, the Ba’al Shem Tov, founder of Chasidism, pleads, “Let not old age and stagnation rule my habits and customs.” (BTW, he reportedly died at the age of 62.)
And as far as honoring the aged, Leviticus 19:32 commands, “Rise before a person who has reached old age, and you shall respect an elder.” (In other words, get off your butt and give up that seat to that nice elderly woman over there!)
With life spans expected to keep growing and advances in modern medicine and technology, the issue of elder care will continue to play a central role in the national discussion. We know people are living longer, but how do we afford them the right to live with dignity, quality, purpose and adequate care? And how do we do it and not sweep them to the periphery of our culture? That would only be our loss.
I once met a geriatric doctor originally from another country who observed that a century ago, elderly folks required a lot less care and were plagued with far fewer medical, financial and social challenges. When I asked him wasn’t that because people back then lived much shorter lives, he responded, “Yes, exactly!”
Turning back the clock and having shorter life expectancies, of course, is not the answer. Our society has to formulate and forge new strategies to serve our elderly citizens and destigmatize aging in general. As an African proverb advises, “Those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success.”
For our “Aging Gratefully” cover package this month, Jmore spoke with six local Jewish seniors about how to make the most of one’s “golden years.” We hope you enjoy it and gain insights from their wisdom.
Sincerely,
Alan Feiler, Editor-in-Chief
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