Who decides if we're Jewish? Come discuss intermarriage, raising interfaith families, and its impact on the Jewish community.
Learn valuable insights that can enrich our relationships with our parents and our children (or students), including: The 3 partners in the creation of a person - mother, father and G-d; What components of a child's soul are influenced by parents? Sacred innocence and fostering independence; Developmental space ; The Rabbinic maxim "Push off with the left hand while bringing close with the right" - a balanced tension; Talmudic and mystical teachings about honoring parents.
Ashkenazi Jews have a 1 in 5 chance of being a carrier of at least 19 genetic disorders. During this session you will learn which diseases Ashkenazi Jews are most likely to be carriers for, how the diseases are inherited, how to be screened prior to pregnancy, and reproductive options that allow carrier couples to have healthy children.
This highly interactive and practical workshop will explore how secular and Jewish childrens literature teaches Jewish values in both subtle and obvious ways. We will develop ideas for using childrens literature to introduce Jewish values in a variety of home and classroom settings and learn to evaluate books for their Jewish values content.
Since biblical times, Jews have felt it important to pass on to the next generation not only possessions but also values and beliefs. Famous writers like Sholem Aleichem, but also average Jews, have been moved to write an ethical will. In this interactive workshop, be inspired by others, get motivated, and start writing your own “legacy letter.”
Looking for a meaningful mitzvah project that works for you and/or your family? Come get ideas for how to connect interests and talents--like music or sports or Israel or the environment--to a mitzvah project that truly makes the world a better place. Th
What’s next for American Judaism? From the Temple period to Today, much has changed to allow us, not only survive, but to thrive. Would Moses’ grandparents recognize or feel comfortable in our synagogues today? Would our grandparents recognize or feel comfortable with the Judaism we embrace today? Will we recognize or feel comfortable with the Judaism our children or grandchildren will embrace? Join us for this “uncomfortable” discussion.
This session will explore ways to utilize parents, tap into their spirituality and create enthusiasm for children's services. We will discuss specific tools using Passover as our focal point with new Passover songs and activities from Minyan Katan.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be a wonderful and challenging time. Explore ways to create an experience that can last a lifetime. Make preparation time exciting - add mitzvah programs and group learning to the liturgical preparation. Make the service itself special - add personal touches. Make your experience holy, allowing all to feel the Presence of God.
Jewish wisdom, both ancient and modern has much to teach us about parenting. Together we will explore a range of simple texts that can help provide a new framework for thinking about parenting children in the modern world. This is a great opportunity to add new (but time tested) tools to your parenting toolbox!
Teachers and parents both want their child/student who has special needs to succeed in their Jewish education. However, there are often many stumbling blocks to achieving this goal. How can we share information, set realistic learning tasks, and create a community for ALL learners? Learn new ways to support each other for the sake of the child wit
How can we help our children tame their negative inclinations and attune their souls toward the good? How can we inspire them to display humility and kindness? Which traits (middot) do we wish to cultivate in them? In this interactive session we will draw on the Jewish ethical tradition of Mussar; we will explore a selected text, engage in a related exercise, and consider our vital role as educators of character.
