Connecting People, Enriching Minds and Building Community

At the heart of every Touchpoints gathering are the sacred moments that remind us we belong.

A “sacred moment” doesn’t have to be religious—it’s any experience that feels deeply meaningful, life-giving, or set apart from the ordinary. People often describe it as a time when they feel fully present, connected, and aware of something larger than themselves.

Marily Schonthal and Beth Gomberg-Hirsch, program co-founders and volunteers at Congregation Sukkat Shalom, Wilmette, suggested the name “Touchpoints” based on the book series Touchpoints by Dr. T. Berry Brazelton. It addressed the universal spurts of childhood development from conception through age six.

“I thought of our targeted audience, older adult members, as also experiencing continuing steps in our lifetime of growth and development,” Marily explained.

“Many of us joined Sukkat Shalom being newly retired, newly widowed or downsized and facing a whole host of issues that we wanted to approach with a Jewish orientation.

“We were looking for a peer group that would support our journey and each other through this next stage of life that we found ourselves in,” Marily added.

A Chance to Connect and Belong

The most important aspect of Touchpoints is it “sends a message that this is a congregation that values people in a stage of life that has challenges, and many who are isolated and living alone,” said Beth Gomberg-Hirsch.

“We are a peer group that has real programming needs that are being recognized as important. Ours is a mission that helps us realize our "sacred moments", make connections, and feel supported. I am thrilled that Sukkat Shalom values its ‘Touchpointers,’” Beth emphasized.

Since its inception in 2013, Touchpoints members are usually at least 55 years of age or older. Monthly programs typically include movies, dinners with friends, book readings, guest speakers, and conversations together.

The entire Sukkat Shalom community is invited to participate. Additionally, there is a Wise Aging Cohort that is a subset of Touchpoints that meets regularly to explore how Jewish wisdom can support us as we age, discussing topics such as Parenting Adult Children and Ethical Wills.

Deepening Understanding and Strengthening Relationships

Susan Singerman has found Touchpoints to be a “vital part of making this my community and spiritual home.” She explains, “It has provided opportunities to learn with many wonderful people and make lasting friendships.”

Susan points out that programs are “tailored to bring us together to enhance understanding of our history and sacred themes, and of course to share meals.

“Sharing perspectives with other members has not only deepened my understanding of the themes but also deepened relationships.”

A participant in Touchpoints since its beginning, Sarah Miller believes the group is an effective way to “get to know more congregants than I would have just attending Friday night services. The dinners at members’ homes come to mind as important times offering the opportunity to spend time with folks I’d not see otherwise.”

Jack Block feels “Touchpoints is another opportunity to feel part of the congregation. Foremost, it provides a sense of belonging. I also find the programs and topics of get-togethers interesting, creative and occasions for people to share ideas and thoughts in a comfortable setting.’

He adds, “Touchpoints makes us feel part of a group where you feel comfortable, welcome and has been a meaningful relationship that adds to my life experiences.”

Marc Rosenberg also feels strongly that “Touchpoints has opened my eyes on cultural issues from movies, books and discussions. I find these activities to be intellectually very stimulating.”

He makes the point that research has shown that social interaction is perhaps the biggest key to both physical and mental well-being for older adults, thus extending one’s lifespan.

“There are many activities at Sukkat Shalom that provide social interaction and Touchpoints is one of the great ones,” Marc emphasized.

You Will Be Genuinely Welcomed to Touchpoints

“If you are curious and decide to join us at a program, be assured you will receive a warm welcome. You only need to sign up when the event is shared in the Congregation’s email calendar. We very much look forward to meeting you,” Susan Singerman emphasized.

About Congregation Sukkat Shalom

Sukkat Shalom is a unique, innovative congregation serving diverse individuals and families within an intimate spiritual home. Its specific mission is outreach to the intermarried, the unaffiliated, and all those searching for a meaningful Jewish life. To learn more about Touchpoints Program, upcoming programs and the congregation, visit: www.sukkatshalom.org Located at 1001 Central Ave, Wilmette, IL, Phone: (847) 251-2675 or email sukkatshalom@sukkatshalom.org