Intergenerational Chess
In our Intergenerational Chess program, older adults and students in grades 6 – 12 come together to teach and learn chess from each other while connecting and having fun. Become part of this meaningful community.
Program Type: Intergenerational
Age Group: Adults 60+ Teens Tweens
Frequency: Weekly Limited Series
Program Access: At DOROT (Manhattan)
Sign Up to Play
Join teens and adults 65+ at DOROT to build intergenerational friendships across the chess board.
Fall registration is open. See details below.
About Intergenerational Chess
DOROT’s Intergenerational Chess program fosters a setting where wisdom and curiosity meet face-to-face, building mutually beneficial relationships in the process. On Mondays from 4:30 – 6:00 PM during the school year, students and adults 65+ teach and learn chess from one another. As they do, they laugh, share stories and experiences, and create intergenerational bonds.
The Details
Who Can Participate: Youth in grades 6 – 12 and adults 65+
When the Program Happens: Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 – 6:00 PM during the academic year.
Fall 2025 Dates: October 20, 27; November 3, 10, 17; December 1, 8
Location: DOROT’s Manhattan office, 171 West 85th St. (See Westchester information below)
How to Register
- For High School Students: This is part of DOROT’s Academic Year Teen Internship. Please select “chess” in your application.
- For 6th – 8th Graders: Email us at teens@dorotusa.org.
- For Adults: Email us at sharemywisdom@dorotusa.org.
Intergenerational Chess In Westchester
If you’re a high school student or older adult living in Westchester, we invite you to join us for Intergenerational Chess in your area. Learn more.
Want to Play Intergenerational Chess Online?
You can play online as part of our GENuine Connections intergenerational program. Learn more.
How This Program Started
Intergenerational Chess got its start when Zachary Targoff, then 13 years old, decided to create a Bar Mitzvah community service project with DOROT. Zachary was matched by DOROT with Herman Bomze, of blessed memory, and they played chess every week in Herman’s apartment.
At his Bar Mitzvah, Zachary was presented a gift by Herman’s daughter, Bracha—the wooden chess set that had belonged to her father, which Herman inherited from his father and brought from Vienna in 1929. In honor of the bond that Zachary and Herman enjoyed over the years, Zachary and his parents, Josh and Kim Targoff, established DOROT’s onsite Intergenerational Chess program. It has become an impactful addition to our intergenerational programming.
Zachary and Herman Bond Over Chess
Watch a video about Zachary and Herman and their special bond.