Taking on aging
Temple volunteer leads challenges of aging support group
“She’s brought people together to be able to express themselves about their concerns, their joys and their changes in life as it goes on, because we’re all faced with changing situations and she approaches everything with joy and understanding.” — Rita Fleming, Temple Sholom president
Laura Durant feels joy and fulfillment while leading groups at Temple Sholom, a Conservative synagogue in Pompano Beach.
Durant, a Pompano Beach resident, volunteers her time at the synagogue by leading both “In My Shoes,” an interactive discussion support group that meets to talk about the ever-changing challenges of aging, and “Tell Us A Story,” in which people share their story for 10 minutes and a discussion follows. She is also the synagogue’s Sisterhood president.
Durant, a retired psychotherapist and social worker who’s been leading the groups at the synagogue for approximately three years, said leading them, especially “In My Shoes,” in which challenges discussed include how aging affects our physical, social and emotional well-being and how to cope with life’s daily challenges, is her mission.
“I really believe this is what I’m here for and I get so much more than I give, but the people that come to the groups love them,” she said. “They’re exciting and fun-filled. I leave here elated every week, and the people are happy.”
Durant continued, “I give to the groups with a full heart. This is what I was made for. This is who I am. When you find your niche, this is what you’re supposed to do. I could never just retire and not do this. It’s who I am.”
Although Durant has been leading the groups at the synagogue for a few years, she said she’s been doing these types of groups as part of something she’s been doing for approximately 30-35 years.
“The groups are my gift. I feel that I’ve been
given a gift to be able to do these groups and reach people.”
Durant said, regarding her goal for the groups, “My goal is always to highlight the things we have on our table and what we have in front of us that can bring us joy and fulfillment.
I was very aware a long time ago how people sit around and bemoan things they lost and I want them to understand that there’s so much joy in what’s left in their lives and how to find fulfillment and find pleasure.”
Durant got involved with the synagogue when Irene Reidich, who served as Temple Sholom’s president in the late 1970’and is still active there, told her a few years ago she wants her to come to the synagogue and lead her groups. Durant has been volunteering since.
“Everything changed for me when I found this temple, “Durant said. “I was not a temple goer until I walked in here. I had never gone to temple. I used to go with my father on the High Holidays and that was it. However, you come in here with a feeling of warmth and acceptance and that you belong. It’s an overwhelming feeling.”
Durant feels that volunteering at the synagogue and leading the groups there has strengthened her Jewish identity.
“I love it here,” she said about the synagogue. “It’s an extended family, and they are supportive and close and caring.”
Rita Fleming, the synagogue’s president, said that Durant “has had a tremendous impact on our congregation.”
“She’s brought people together to be able to express themselves about their concerns, their joys and their changes in life as it goes on, because we’re all faced with changing situations and she approaches everything with joy and understanding,” Fleming continued. “Everyone leaves feeling so much better.”
“In My Shoes” meets the second and fourth Monday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m. at the synagogue, 132 SE 11th Ave. in Pompano Beach, while “Tell Us A Story” takes place the third Monday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m., also at the synagogue. Call the synagogue’s office at 954-942-6410 for more information.