Connecting Generations - by Hayim Herring (Paperback)

About the Book

Social isolation across generations is epidemic. But there's still time to end divisive generational stereotypes and reclaim the social connections that unite all of us. This book explores how we got here and how we might change course and foster lasting, rewarding relationshi...

Book Synopsis

Social isolation across generations is epidemic. But there's still time to end divisive generational stereotypes and reclaim the social connections that unite all of us. This book explores how we got here and how we might change course and foster lasting, rewarding relationships across among generations--from Boomers to Millennials.

Review Quotes

At a time in history rife with rapid technological, demographic, and political change, Connecting Generations provides the reader a timely and valuable set of principles and strategies to help individuals, families, and communities connect in meaningful ways. As a Gen X mother with Millennial and Gen Z kids, and parents of the Silent Generation, I can attest firsthand to the challenges of bridging generational divides. Is 'friend' a noun or a verb? Don't only birds tweet? Isn't swiping mainly done in anger?! This book helped me not only to contemplate the importance of meaningful connections, but provided my family a roadmap for strengthening them.

Connecting Generations not only identifies and analyzes the current phenomenon of loneliness, social isolation and polarization, but it encourages the reader to become more empathetic and to pursue a variety of measures that can help shape a more vibrant reality for the individual, community and society at large. Hayim Herring presents us with a compelling argument for transformation and social change.

Addressing the issue of loneliness, former rabbi and nonprofit executive ¬Herring (Leading Congregations and Nonprofit Organizations in a Connected World) maintains that it is only by relearning how much one generation has to offer another generation that people can end social isolation and embrace richer lives. Chapters cover issues such as understanding stereotypes, exploring careers and identity, and family caretaking, with "What You Can Do" suggestions mostly revolving around getting out of one's comfort zone and spending time with a member of a different generation, rounding out each section. In conclusion, Herring introduces the concept of "perennial" to reclaim organic intergenerational relationships. VERDICT Herring's words add a lot to our understanding of generational perspectives. Appendixes featuring a family technology action plan, a health-care transition guide, and a bibliography of experts and organizational resources serve as catalysts for further intergenerational discussion.

Anticipating the Hard Trends that are transforming the future and empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to make wise choices is a strategic imperative. Herring focuses our attention on one Hard Trend that is driving transformational change -the unprecedented reality of having six generations of people alive at one time - and challenges us to replace unhealthy generational conflicts with enriching intergenerational connections. Read this book today!

Most people only have friends their own age. Hayim Herring is passionate about changing that. He shows the value of connections between people of all ages, shares examples of how he has established those connections in his own life, and gives solid advice on creating your own intergenerational community.

Rabbi Herring's book is a work of imaginative empathy and a hand of friendship extended across the generations.

Time was, three or four generations lived under one roof, but today, Americans live in lonely silos. Without harking back to "the good old days," Herring understands the human need for connection. He defines and describes five different age groups living today and contends that even though technology promises connection, more often it makes strangers of us all. Each group longs for a community to feel at home in, but finding it solely with one's peers is to miss out on a banquet of relationships, posits Herring. He interviewed 30 people to better understand how circumstances shape us and how differing ages can better relate. For instance, Baby Boomers will work at a hateful job for money, but a Millennial will not. If one doesn't understand why, misconceptions persist. Each chapter concludes with concrete suggestions for how to bridge gaps between age groups. This book is written in an engaging style and is completed by appendices, lengthy notes, and bibliography complete the book. This could be welcome on a sociology syllabus or in a faith-group study.

About the Author

Hayim Herring, PhD, is an author, presenter and nonprofit organizational futurist, with a specialty in faith-based communities. A former congregational rabbi and "C-suite" nonprofit executive, Hayim blends original research and real-world experience to inspire individuals and organizations to achieve their greatest impact. He has published over 60 scholarly and popular articles and studies about the intersection of technology, spirituality, and community. Recent publications include Leading Congregations and Nonprofit Organizations in a Connected World: Platforms, People, and Purpose (Alban Books 2016), co-authored with Dr. Terri Elton, and Tomorrow's Synagogue Today: Creating Vibrant Centers of Jewish Life (Alban Institute 2012). He is a proven organizational visionary and entrepreneur and works to "create today's leaders for tomorrow's organizations."