[Archived from May 22, 2009]
The Mothers Circle, a program of the Jewish Community Association of Louisville for mothers of different faiths who have chosen to raise their children Jewish, recently concluded its first year with a celebratory dinner.
The program, facilitated by Carlyn Altman, offers participants the opportunity to meet others who share their desire to raise their children with a knowledge of Jewish values, ethics, customs and traditions and would like to incorporate Judaism into their homes. The women were able explore their own feelings about religion and faith and gain confidence in their ability to transmit the Jewish faith to their children.
“Our May 17th dinner was a perfect occasion for Mother’s Circle families to meet for a casual pot luck dinner,” said Altman. “The weather, which had been miserable for weeks, was perfect. It was a great opportunity for the husbands and families to meet with one another. Many of the children knew each other from school or Hebrew school, and were already good friends.”
While this group has completed the formal part of the program, they have forged close friendships and value the sharing they have enjoyed, so they will continue to meet from time to time.
The Mother’s Circle was created by the Jewish Outreach Institute, and the local program is funded by the Buddy Schwarz Family Fund. Begun in Atlanta in 2002, the program has spread to more than 20 communities around the country. The Louisville Mother’s Circle kicked off this September.
For more information about The Mother’s Circle or other outreach programs, please contact the Sara Wagner at the Jewish Community Association, 618-5307 or saraw@jcfl.com, or Outreach Coordinator Allison Schwartz at 618-5308 or allisons@jcfl.com.
If you are interested in learning about other funding opportunities for outreach programs like The Mother’s Circle, please contact Foundation for Planned Giving Director Frances Skolnick at 451-8840 or francess@jcfl.com.
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