Virtual Retire and Relocate Fair in May to Showcase Jewish Communities With Housing, Religious Infrastructure, and Programming for Older Adults
In an exciting first for the Orthodox Union and the retiree community, the OU will host its inaugural virtual Retire and Relocate Fair for older adults considering relocation in the near or long-term future.
Over 25 Jewish communities and organizations from the United States and Israel will exhibit at the fair on Sunday, May 4, 2025. The event is free upon registration and will be accessible from any computer or mobile device, enabling people worldwide to participate from the comfort of their homes.
The Retire and Relocate Fair is an extension of The Savitsky Communal Growth Initiative’s widely-acclaimed biennial Community Home Relocation Fair. Launched in 2008 by former OU President Steven Savitsky, the fair provides communities with the opportunity to highlight their amenities to individuals looking for friendly and affordable Jewish neighborhoods. Over the past 14 years, it has grown from 16 to 60 exhibiting communities, and welcomed thousands of participants.
Savitsky takes pride in both the fair’s expansion and the OU’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of retirees, a vital segment of the Jewish community.
“The fastest growing age group is 65 plus,” he says. “The OU is addressing this by hosting the OU Retire and Relocate Fair for the very first time. Deciding where to live and how to be productive in your senior years can have a profound impact on Jewish life. As usual, the OU is addressing this head on, and the winners will be the greater Jewish community.”
Rebbetzin Judi Steinig serves as the Senior Director of the OU Department of Community Projects and Partnerships, as well as the Coordinator of SPIRIT, a program designed for retirees. She has spearheaded the Community Home Relocation Fair for many years, and was inspired to create a similar event for retirees in response to their frequent requests for guidance around relocation.
“The fair is a one-stop shop where older adults — along with their relatives and friends who may wish to support them — can gather information and explore communities that may be of interest. While it’s always possible to research information online, sometimes it’s essential to speak directly with a representative. Even if you’re not considering relocation for several years, it’s valuable to be an educated consumer. The more information you have, the better.”
Rebbetzin Steinig notes that retirees’ motivations for moving are as diverse as the individuals themselves.
“Some people want to move out of a metropolitan area,” she says. “Others wish to be closer to family or seek a warmer climate. Some may want to downsize to a smaller, more manageable home, or one-level house. The reasons are deeply personal, and may be influenced by various factors.”
The fair will run from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT, but attendees may log in and out throughout the day. Attendees will enter an immersive, online venue that simulates a real exhibition hall, complete with a lobby, moving escalators, booths, a virtual auditorium for both live and recorded sessions, and a chance to meet one-on-one with community representatives.
Event sponsors include OU Israel, the OU’s Living Smarter Jewish, Nefesh B’Nefesh, CapitIL Real Estate Agency, Winston Wealth Advisors, LTC Insured (Long Term Care for a Secure Future), Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, and ShowMeMyami.com, a South Florida Jewish Real Estate company. American and Israeli communities will showcase aspects like housing, religious infrastructure, amenities, cost of living, and programming. Additional features, including nearby medical facilities, less traffic, public transportation, senior-friendly transit, nearby cities, restaurants, and kollels, will also be highlighted.
Cheryl Fisch of Jacksonville, Florida, is eager to share her community’s appeal as a fair exhibitor.
“I am thrilled to be part of this event,” she says. “It will offer a unique chance to connect with others, exchange ideas, and learn about opportunities that can enhance quality of life during retirement. The OU’s dedication and meticulous planning have brought together an impressive array of resources, making the Retire and Relocate Fair an invaluable opportunity for those considering a change in their retirement lifestyle.”
Rebbetzin Steinig encourages retirees to visit the OU communities website at https://communities.ou.org, which includes a dedicated section of fair communities for older adults. As a companion to the Retire and Relocate Fair, participants are also encouraged to explore the OU Community Guide, a 40-page booklet available in both PDF and hard copy formats.
Registration is free and open up until the day of the event at https://relocate25.ou.org/en/registration-form. Access to the fair will be available on demand indefinitely after the event to all registrants. For questions, contact Rebbetzin Judi Steinig at steinigj@ou.org.
