For futher information contact Lisa Merkin at 301-881-0100, ext. 6782
The Jewish Community Center's Interfaith Outreach Program was created six years ago to
address the growing trend of intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews. The program has grown
dramatically in size and scope since its conception and continues to meet the needs of many on a
daily basis. Presently, the program serves over 1,000 couples and families from all over the
Suburban Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia area.
The Outreach Program provides a gateway for introducing intermarried families to Jewish life, beliefs, synagogues and resources while remaining sensitive to the unique challenges such families confront. We provide an open, welcoming atmosphere for families who have been unconnected or marginally affiliated with any aspect of organized Jewish life.
The Program offers more than 20 workshops and classes throughout the
year for couples and families. Issues that are addressed include religious and ethnic identity, cultural
diversity, communication and negotiation, decision-making, celebrating holidays, raising children,
Jewish life cycle and holidays and finding community resources. There are classes for parents whose
adult children are involved in an Interfaith relationship and a monthly program for parents with
young children. Over the last several years the Program has sponsored lectures featuring Rabbi
Rachel Cowan, Egon Mayer, Lena Romanoff.
Upcoming class information is as follows:
Mondays, January 26-March 9. Interfaith Experience. 7 week workshop focusing on issues interfaith couples experience. $60 JCC member and $90 non-member
Tuesday, February 17 Once Around The Calendar Year 7:30 p.m. Offers basic explanations of and discussion about significant Jewish holidays and celebrations. $10 JCC member and $12 non-member.
Newish Jewish Group. Consists of men and women who have an interest in conversion, are in the process of converting or have formally converted to Judaism.
Please call for ongoing schedule of events.
Celebrate Jewish Arbor Day Sunday, February 8. 1-2 p.m. $10 JCC mem./$12 non-member.
Wednesday, February 25 Talking About G-d In An Interfaith Family 7:30 to 9 p.m. $10 JCC member and $12 non-member
Wednesday, March 18 An Introduction To Synagogue Life 7:30 p.m. $5 JCC member and $8 non-member.
Introduction To Interfaith Issues. Tuesday, March 24 7:30 - 9 p.m. $10 JCC member/$12 non-member.
What The Teens Think: Growing Up In An Interfaith Family Tuesday, march 31, 7:30 to 9 p.m. $5 JCC member and $7 non-member
Intermarriage and Diversity Wednesday, April 1, 7:30 to 9 p.m. $15 per couple
Post Divorce: What Religious Environment Is Your Child Living In? Sunday, February 15, 1998. 7 p.m. $3 JCC member/$5 non-member.
Intermarriage: When Love Meets Tradition Tuesday, April 21 7 p.m. $4 JCC member and $6 non-member
For more information on any of the classes, registration materials, or the outreach program, please call Lisa Merkin at 301-881-0100, ext. 6782 or send e-mail to lshapero@jccgw.org
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