Interfaith Resources –Mother’s Circle

Another wonderful resource is the Mother’s Circle, a series of classes created by the Jewish Outreach Institute, an independent, national organization that works to open hearts, minds and doors into the Jewish community for interfaith families. Classes start in the fall and run for 9 months, meeting on average, twice a month. I completed the class this summer through the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The classes provide a safe environment for non-Jewish moms raising (or thinking about raising) their children Jewish. It was a place to ask questions, learn the basics about holidays and traditions and make friends. It was fun listening to other mother’s share their experiences and made me realize I am not alone in creating a Jewish path for my family. I also enjoyed earned learning from mothers who had children older than my son, and their answers to such questions as, “Who us this Jesus guy?”and “How come Grandma has a Christmas tree and we don’t?” If you are interested in learning more, please contact Laurie Albert at the JCC at 703-946-3655.

Interfaith Resources –The PJ Library

If you have children you absolutely must sign up for the PJ Library – it is an amazing resource for parents raising Jewish children. A foundation that partners with local Jewish communities, PJ Library sends out Jewish bedtime stories and songs each month to participating families…for FREE. The books (and CDs) are age appropriate and are a wonderful way to help families build a Jewish library. As an Interfaith mom, I have learned a lot about Judaism and holidays through these books. Each time I read to my son, my own understanding and comfort with Judaism grows. The CD we received is one of my favorites even though I do not what I am singing much of the time! Every couple of months they send out a short email survey about the books they have sent and it only takes a minute or so and I love looking at the other books sent to older children – another way to learn about Jewish books. Check them out at http://www.PJLibrary.com.

Security Surprizes

Like many others, I was shocked last month by the killing at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial. Shocked by the action, shocked that gunman was 89 years old, shocked that a man went to work one day never to return to his wife and child, shocked that a place dedicated to the memory of so many who had perished during the Holocaust was scene to yet another senseless killing. That evening I heard a National Public Radio report that a play about hate was to be performed that evening – a dialogue between Anne Frank and Emmett Till, the 14 year-old Chicago boy who was murdered in Money, Mississippi in 1955 for flirting with a white woman; two young children talking about the role of hate in their young lives. I could not help but wonder about the role of hate in my young son’s life. As a mother, some day I will have to explain such actions to my son. How does one begin to explain the hatred some people feel, hatred so deep and powerful that it drives them to feel justified in killing others to be heard?

On my first visit to a synagogue, I was struck by seeing a police officer outside the front door. I was used to seeing officers at church around weddings and funerals and holiday services, and thought it was the same at the Temple since I was there for High Holy Day services. Then I was told that there was security at the synagogue every day. That was a few years ago and I still think about that, why it is necessary in this country, in this world. I now know that security is present at every synagogue and Jewish Community Center, even in Israel. This bothers me, the need for security at a place of religion. It is a reminder that hatred exists everywhere.

I wonder now, some day will someone take a look at my son and dislike him or worse yet, hate him because of his religion? And then, how do I explain that? Raising a child in a religion I did not grow up in can be daunting. Not having shared experiences to draw on while raising my child makes me apprehensive at times. Apprehensive, that is, until I think about all of the other things I know little about, like raising a son, or getting a toddler to eat his vegetables or say please and thank you. I am learning as I go, making some mistakes, doing some things well (I think), and persevering in the best way I know how because I want my son to grow strong, learn about the world and be a good man. I think I know how to do that, and when I don’t, I reach out to others, to learn from their experiences. That in itself, is a lesson I want to pass along to my son. You do not have to know everything. That is the beauty of life – you learn as you go and you do the best job that you can.