Grandparents Day is on September 12th this year. Founded in 1973 by Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia, this holiday seeks to honor the wisdom and contributions of grandparents. In honor of the occasion, we have created a card that celebrates grandparents’ efforts to nurture the Jewish identity of their grandchildren. Please feel free to pass the card along to anyone that you think might enjoy it.
(click on the thumbnail to print a full-sized version)
The High Holidays are rapidly approaching, and JOI would like to help you get ready! Click here for some fun craft and activity ideas that you and your grandchildren can share for a sweet and happy New Year!
Show your children-in-law of other backgrounds your appreciation by sponsoring a message of love and support in the new Mothers Circle cookbook. Learn more about the project here.
Being a Jewish grandparent isn’t only about celebrating 
Jewish holidays. This July 4th, express to your grandchildren your pride in American Jewish History. Jews have played a role in every aspect of American culture: from politics to professional sports, from music to science. To learn more, visit the Jewish American Hall of Fame here.
We received a challenge grant for the Grandparents Circle program and will receive $25,000 if we raise the matching funds! We are asking for your help. Please support this program so that we can meet the requirements of the challenge grant.
In 2010, Shavuot starts on Tuesday evening May 18th. Holiday traditions include baking (and then eating) delicious dairy dishes like cheesecake and blintzes. Click here for other Shavuot traditions you can share with your grandchildren.
In 2010, Passover starts on Monday evening March 19th. Click here for ideas to celebrate the Festival of Freedom with your grandchildren being raised in intermarried/interpartnered households.
Familycentrics.com posted a review of Twenty Things for Grandparents of Interfaith Grandchildren to Do. The book is written by Kerry Olitzky and Paul Golin, JOI’s Executive Director and Associate Executive Director. The curriculum for the Grandparents Circle Course is also based on some of the content from the book.
Interfaith Grandparents: On ‘Thin Ice’
“Randee Tecklin attended each of the christening ceremonies for her three grandchildren and has since watched as they’ve celebrated Christmas and Easter year in and year out. This Friday, she’s taking them to a Chanukah party, but navigating the holidays with family — her daughter-in-law isn’t Jewish — has always been fraught with difficulty…”
In 2009, Hanukkah starts on Friday evening December 11th. Click here for ideas to celebrate the Festival of Lights with your grandchildren being raised in intermarried/interpartnered households.
