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Program
Descriptions
- Introduction to Judaism Classes
Many Jewish organizations offer courses, lectures
or informal discussions on issues of basic Judaism.
The resources listed here require no prior Jewish
knowledge and are not targeted at interfaith families
exclusively. Introduction to Judaism programs like
Derekh Torah and the Melton Mini-School
are designed to foster an understanding of Judaism
of benefit to any one who wants to learn. Some programs,
like "Rediscovering Judaism" are designed primarily
for the unaffiliated Jew but can be of benefit to
both the Jewish and the non-Jewish member of an interfaith
couple.
- Jews-by-choice
Though those that choose Judaism are in all respects
truly Jewish, they often face some of the same problems--
with family and community -- as the non-Jewish partner
in an interfaith relationship. For those non-Jews
who do choose Judaism, Jews-by-choice groups offer
essential support.
- Mentor Programs
By pairing up new members with established members,
synagogues are able to make unaffilated people feel
more comfortable in a Jewish environment. The majority
of the programs listed are specifically for interfaith
couples and families.
- Interfaith Couples / Support Groups
Such programming can vary from therapy-style discussion
and support groups to holiday workshops. Programs
at JCCs, Ys, and Jewish Family Service agencies are
often led by people that are not members of the clergy,
such as social workers. Many families feel more comfortable
in a less religious, less "confrontational" setting.
- Parents of Intermarrieds
Most of the programs for parents of intermarrieds
are discussion or support groups. Some institutions
hold programs for interfaith couples that include
their parents or parents of other intermarried couples.
- Stepping Stones/Pathways
A program originated by the UAHC that educates both
the child(ren) and the parents of an interfaith family
on the holidays and fundamental concepts of Judaism.
The program is aimed at preschool aged children and
their parents, but similar approaches have been utilized
with teenagers.
- Havurot
Small groups that meet within religious and sometimes
social contexts. The appeal of the Havurah to the
interfaith family is in its size and more tightly-knit
nature. A Havurah is often a much more comfortable
setting than a traditional synagogue because of its
informality.
- Holiday "how to" Workshops
These programs educate participants about the rituals,
traditions and symbols of the Jewish holidays. Unless
otherwise noted, the programs are open to all, not
just to interfaith families. The Union of American
Hebrew Congregations (UAHC) runs Times and Seasons,
a program offered through synagogues that is
specifically designed for interfaith couples and focuses
on holiday and life cycle events as a springboard
for discussions of identity and belief.
- Outreach Shabbat
These programs are designed to make the interfaith
couple or unaffiliated Jew feel comfortable in a Shabbat
service. Such programs may include speakers, discussions,
or a learners' minyan (prayer group.)
- Outreach Seder
The Passover Seder is often used as a way to reel
in those unaffiliated with the Jewish community. Some
synagogues opt for a creative alternative to the traditional
Seder (i.e. a chocolate seder.) Other congregations
and organizations are able to place interfaith families
with community members.
- Staff Sensitivity Training
Many Jewish organizations, particularly those that
offer counseling or child-care, train their staff
to be sensitive to the situation of interfaith families
and couples.
- Films on Intermarriage
The UAHC puts out a film "When Love Meets Tradition"
as a centerpiece of discussion for interfaith couples
and parents of intermarrieds groups. There are also
several other fine films that explore the issues of
interfaith relationships.
- December Dilemma Discussions
These once-a-year discussions focus on the problems
of being both Jewish and American around the "Holiday
Season."
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