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THEY FOUND EACH OTHER AT DIFFERENT PLACES ALONG THEIR LIFE’S JOURNEY

At 90 years young, Lorraine – a Temple Israel member – is a creative soul that enjoys reading books of all genres, and she loves to draw. Especially draw; it was her passion, and it turned into her career. Lorraine used to work downtown as a fashion illustrator and sketch the artwork for department store catalogues. “I have a friend, Gracie. Gracie is 6, and she’ll be 7 in March. I started drawing for her, and it’s an enormous amount of fun. I hadn’t drawn in years.”

The pair have never met but connected through Rabbi Amy not long after the initial stay-at-home order in St. Louis. They exchange letters and phone calls very often. “My grandchildren are all grown, and to interact with a child of that age is a lot of fun.”

Gracie, who is a Deutsch Early Childhood Center and Camp Shook alumna, is now a first grader at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School. She’s an only child who loves to read – just like Lorraine does – and enjoys playing with her dolls, riding her bike, watching cooking and science shows, and hanging with her dog Rosie. And also, eating lollipops. Gracie’s parents, Wendy and Jeremy, said that they were excited to have Gracie paired with an “intergenerational relationship outside of our immediate family. We also hoped to bring a connection to an older, isolated adult during these trying times.”

Their correspondences have included photos, and of course, beautiful drawings. Lorraine and Wendy have talked, too, about politics, marriage, careers, favorite foods... “Lorraine’s letters are incredibly witty and always make us laugh, and we have also spoken on the phone several times. Lorraine always likes to ask how her favorite grandchild is.”

Lorraine was ecstatic about the pairing. “The Rabbi introduced us. Gracie’s mother and I get along so well. Rabbi must have had insight to put us together.” Wendy says, “[Lorraine] is like a part of our family” and that their connection to one another is ‘beshert’ – the Hebrew for ‘meant to be’.”

And Gracie is having a blast, too! “It’s really fun. And we have a lot in common. We both like spaghetti.”

Gracie, her mom, and her dad can’t wait to meet Lorraine. “We all look forward to a time when we can finally meet in person.

Join Temple Israel’s Pen Pal Program and make a new intergenerational friendship!
Temple Israel has older members who are going through this tough time alone, and who may not have access to a community online. We also know there are many families with school-aged kids that would love to brighten the day and foster some new relationships. If you and/or your child would like to write a letter or card to someone, or if you are a senior interested in a pen pal, please contact Rabbi Amy at afeder@ti-stl.org or 314-432-8050.