[by Shiela Steinman Wallace]
Are you a non-Jewish mother who has committed to raising Jewish children? Why do it alone?
The Jewish Community of Louisville will start a new Mothers Circle group this fall if there is sufficient interest. The Mothers Circle bring mothers of other faiths raising Jewish children together to learn about Jewish rituals, customs and beliefs and discuss ideas for creating positive experiences for their families. It will also give these women a chance to share their concerns and common experiences and to provide the support they need to be successful.
The Mothers Circle is an excellent resource that offers education about Jewish rituals, practices and values. It thanks these women for raising their children as Jews, while letting them know that we respect their decision to retain their own faith. The group also provides networking and support opportunities through the Mothers Circle National Listserv. Other local programming will also be developed for the women and their families.
When the program was first run, two years ago, Carlyn Altman, a marriage and family therapy associate in private practice in Louisville, served as the facilitator.
If you’d like to learn more about the Mothers Circle, contact Allison Schwartz at 618-5325 or aschwartz@jewishlouisville.org.
The Mothers Circle is open only to mothers of other faiths raising Jewish children. Once a core group of members is established the first Mothers Circle class will be scheduled. Eligible women will be able to participate in the listserv immediately.
The Mothers Circle is sponsored by the Buddy Schwartz Family Fund.