Mission Statement

Newsletter Articles

Other Outreach Programs

Outreach: Programs for Interfaith Families

Our Philosophy

On behalf of the Outreach Committee of Temple Beth Hillel, I would like to welcome all of our families back to school and to extend a hearty welcome to our interfaith families.

At Temple Beth Hillel, outreach encompasses interfaith families, Jews-by-choice and all those who want to study, explore and understand Judaism. As part of the mission of the Temple's Outreach Committee, we offer a number of programs to help our families feel welcome and included. We know some of the ceremonies, holidays and rites of the Jewish religion can be daunting to a non-Jewish partner, and a little help can go a long way to easing the learning process. Members also feel free to talk to the staff and rabbis at the temple about any of our outreach programs.

Pathways

Our Pathways program was designed to enable individuals to learn about Judaism, explore issues of Jewish identity and address challenges unique to interfaith families.

Participants attend thirteen Sunday afternoon sessions spread over two years, facilitated by Reform rabbis and educators. Children can participate in some sessions, and child care is provided for other sessions.

Pathways sessions focus on such topics as raising children in interfaith households, practical and emotional issues, extended family concerns and values and practices one may wish to adopt at home within the framework of Reform Judaism.

Pathways enrollment is ongoing. For more information and/or to join the program, please contact us at (818) 763-9148 ext.106.

Resources

Here some websites created specifically for interfaith families:

www.InterfaithFamily.com - explores how families address interfaith issues.

www.celebrationsguide.org - created by two Temple Israel interfaith parents. This site provides detailed descriptions of how to celebrate Jewish holidays with ones family.

Please take a moment to complete the attached form and drop it off in the Temple office so that we can add you to our program notification database.

Outreach Chair

Renee Greif

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Newsletter Articles

Hanukkah

Torah Origin

A Home Library For Reform Jews

Now I’m Just Jewish

Chernow poem and weekend

GREEN EGGS AND HAM

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Case Study: Extended Family Issues
A sample of family situations and their challenges.

December Holidays & the Jewish Calendar
Practical, spiritual, and emotional holiday issues in the immediate and extended families.

God Talk
A discussion of God, Jewish customs and beliefs.

Holocaust Remembrance Day
An historical tour of Temple Beth Hillel as well as a discussion of our worship space and our Holocaust Torah.

Israel
A perspective on making personal Jewish connections to Israel, and exploring the Jewish state's spiritually rich and politically controversial history.

Leading Your Own Seder
Ways to host a Passover Seder and create your own family customs.

Lifecycle Events
The Jewish observances for birth, bar/bat mitzvah, weddings, and funerals.

Moments of Religious Discomfort
Suggestions for how to behave at events of a different religion.

Shabbat Workshop & Dinner
The Shabbat home ritual and celebration.

What is Jewish Prayer?
Exploration of the Jewish prayerbook (the Siddur) and what constitutes Jewish prayer.

Who is a Jew & What is Reform Judaism?
A focus on the issues that arise raising Jewish children in an interfaith household.

Wine and Cheese in the Sukkah
Discussion of the High Holy Days and Jewish historical books.

Your Jewish Family
An exploration of choices for your family's values and practices.

Other Outreach Programs

Yachad

Thanksgiving Day Feast

Moses Program

Sisterhood Programs

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