08/12/2026
Leslie Pepper, Director of Women's Philanthropy and Community Engagement was the Keynote Speaker at Hadassah’s Summer Series last week with her presentation “How to Stay Green When Your Hair Turns Grey.”
In 1992, Miriam Bent, Editor, Jewish Desert News created this wonderful series as a way to keep Hadassah women engaged, connected, and inspired during the long, hot summer days in the desert. I have been honored to serve as a keynote speaker for these interactive programs six times over the last few years.
For this presentation, I explored the question: How do we continue to grow, learn, dream, and remain “green” even as our hair turns grey?
The blueprint, I suggested, is deeply rooted in our Jewish tradition. I wove together teachings from the Talmud, Pirkei Avot, Proverbs, and our rabbinic sages, along with the wisdom found in a very different kind of Jewish text—Bob Dylan’s beloved song “Forever Young,” written for his young children. The song is filled with themes that echo timeless Jewish teachings: courage, kindness, curiosity, resilience, purpose, and the hope that we continue to become the best versions of ourselves.
Judaism is rich in the recognition that every stage of life holds opportunities for growth, purpose, wonder, and renewal. Aging is not simply about looking backward; it is an invitation to use what we have learned to enrich the lives of those around us and to continue writing the next chapter of our own story.
According to Proverbs, our grey hair is a “crown of glory” attained through a life of righteousness. Rather than something to hide, our grey hairs—and yes, even our wrinkles—can be viewed as badges of a life lived. Each one represents a story, an experience, a challenge overcome, a lesson learned, a relationship cherished, or a moment that helped shape who we are.
With age comes perspective. With experience comes wisdom. And with wisdom comes the ability—and perhaps even the responsibility—to guide and inspire future generations.
So, when we look in the mirror and see those grey hairs and wrinkles, perhaps we should see not signs of getting older, but evidence of a life filled with meaning.
And now you know why, at Jewish celebrations, we offer the beautiful blessing: “Ad Me’ah V’esrim” - May you live to 120!
May we not only live long, but live fully with curiosity, purpose, laughter, learning, and an enduring sense of wonder. And may we always find ways to stay green, even when our hair turns grey.
