JOI is pleased to announce the launch of the newest local chapter of our program, The Mothers Circle, in Greater Hartford, Connecticut. The Mothers Circle serves non-Jewish women in interfaith relationships who have committed to raising their children as Jews. It takes courage for a mother to raise her children in a religion not her own. JOI wants to help the Jewish community offer these women the support they need and deserve. The Mothers Circle empowers these mothers by connecting them with each other and by giving them access to Jewish knowledge.

Women can access The Mothers Circle at three different levels, all free: a national listserve email discussion group [sign up form here], informal local holiday gatherings, and Mothers Circle: The Course, an introduction to Jewish practice and ethics. The Course works so well because it creates synergy between the participants and an able facilitator. Greater Hartford is fortunate to have found Laura Kinyon, an experienced family counselor, to facilitate the group, and we encourage any non-Jewish woman in the area who are raising Jewish children to be in touch with Laura (motherscircle@jewishhartford.org) and participate.