Mothers Circle
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington is very excited to announce the pilot launch of The Mothers/Parents Circle in the Greater Washington area. The Mothers/Parents Circle, a recognized program developed by the Jewish Outreach Institute (JOI), provides an education program and support to non-Jewish parents who are raising Jewish children. The group meets twice per month for a recommended period of eight months and includes group Shabbat and holiday observances
Thanks to the support of a generous donor, Mother/Parents Circles was piloted in the Fall 2008Â in six organizations throughout the Greater Washington area. Of the six pilot locations, four are located in Northern Virginia.
These locations include:Â
- Sha’are Shalom,
- Congregation Beth Emeth,
- Temple Rodeph Shalom; and
- The Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia (JCCNV).
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Two additional sites will be in Montgomery County at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington and the Bethesda Jewish Congregation. Applications were submitted by organizations across the community and site locations were determined by a lay committee.
The Engagement Implementation Plan, approved by the Federation Board last year, focuses on three key target markets (young professionals, families with young children and interfaith families, with a particular focus to bring services to under-served areas. Because the goals of the Mothers/Parents Circle are so closely aligned with the Federation’s engagement goals and because it has demonstrated success in other communities, Mothers/Parents Circle was identified as a high priority Engagement program. We are delighted that four of the six sites are located in Northern Virginia, in light of the demographic data about Jewish families residing there, and because the program will provide valuable services.
If you or anyone you know would benefit from the Mothers/Parents Circle, please contact JConnect at 703-978-3910.
