PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Mothers Circle, a class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, held their closing celebration on the morning of May 27. A group of mothers from throughout Rhode Island, including Coventry and Johnston, met for an intimate ceremony led by their instructor, Kit Haspel.

“The purpose of The Mothers Circle, a national program of the Jewish Outreach Institute, is to help non-Jewish mothers feel comfortable raising Jewish children,” said Haspel. “I hope that the mothers finishing the eight month program feel embraced by the Jewish community and form a community with other non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children.”

The class is a moderated discussion allowing non-Jewish mothers to share their experiences with other mothers like themselves who have chosen to raise their children with Jewish traditions and practices.

Evelyn Fischer of Providence describes the class as offering “a good environment for a non-Jewish mother raising Jewish children. It’s a welcoming, non-judgmental environment where you can ask silly questions and not feel bad about it.”

Alisa Omert, another of the participating mothers and a resident of Cranston, called it “an invaluable experience. I’m so sad it’s ending. I developed valuable long-lasting connections with other moms. This class is an amazing support network for non-Jewish mothers.”

After a very successful sophomore year, the Rhode Island Mothers Circle is already planning its next group. “There have been some changes from last year to this year,” said Haspel, “For example, we incorporated some new homework for the mothers, so they can go home and include their spouses and children in their learning experience.” The ideas of homework and family inclusion came from the mothers in The Mothers Circle last year. They were looking for a way to make this experience more enriching not just for themselves, but for their entire family.

Lucy Freedman, a participant from Pawtucket, said, “There was, of course, a little trepidation when I started, but I’m so glad I did this! It helped me to feel accepted by everyone in the Jewish community. One of my favorite parts of The Mothers Circle was meeting the rabbis; they were incredibly warm, welcoming and accepting.”

Rabbi Joel Seltzer, of Temple Emanu-El, stopped by to offer the mothers a few words of encouragement: “The Mothers Circle doesn’t end today – this is an ongoing life experience and my door is always open.”

Rabbi Sarah Mack and Cantor Judy Seplowin, both of Temple Beth-El, were also involved in The Mothers Circle programming, although neither could attend the closing ceremonies.

The next class, starting in October 2010, will meet approximately twice a month and will focus on Jewish rituals, ethics, and the “how-to’s” of creating a Jewish home. Non-Jewish mothers can come be a part of this warm and nurturing environment and feel empowered to take on the responsibility of raising children in Judaism.

Funding for The Mothers Circle comes from the Helene and Bertram Bernhardt Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island (JFRI).

Brian Sullivan is a marketing associate at JFRI.

For more information about The Mothers Circle, please contact Kit Haspel at khaspel@bjeri.org, or 331-0956, ext. 184.