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| SPRINGFIELD Raising children is no easy task. When you choose to raise your children in a faith that is different from your own, there are additional complications and hurdles. The Mothers Circle is a new program offered in Springfield to help mothers who are in just this situation, in particular mothers who are not Jewish and are raising their children in the Jewish faith. Offered for 14 free sessions, this program will help families with holiday observances, home rituals and questions that arise from everyday life when faced with these challenges. Developed by the Jewish Outreach Institute and used across the country, including in Northampton, the mothers who have participated in The Mothers Circle have gained confidence in their choices and a new circle of friends who face similar circumstances. Past participants have said, "First and foremost, I am feeling supported by the community in my efforts to raise my daughter Jewish. Additionally, the curriculum has created opportunity for discussion about the religion and rituals between me and my partner." In addition, they find the experience beneficial because they are able "to learn more about Judaism in a non-threatening environment, where you can laugh and ask questions without embarrassment." The Mothers Circle is not intended as a course which leads to conversion. It is meant to be a support to mothers who have made the important choice of raising their children Jewishly while they retain their own spiritual identification. In Springfield it is going to be led by Cantor Liz Berke. She has worked with varied age groups in her career path and plans to draw on this experience in her teaching. She plans to supplement the curriculum with family events and experiences so all can learn together. Berke is excited to undertake this venture in what she sees as an underserviced and until now overlooked part of the population. "The curriculum is well-rounded and covers many aspects of Jewish life. I know it has been successful in other parts of the country, and I hope that participants are willing to step forward and help create this community in our city." Berke sees the community-building aspect as an important part of the Mothers Circle experience. Participants are able to network not only with women in their own group, but also with other mothers via a national listserve. In fact, joining the listserve is an option even if one does not join the local group. For further information you can go to the Web site www.motherscircle.org. For information on the Mothers Circle in our area email LizBerke@TheMothersCircle.org, or call her at 737-2601 ext. 134. The Mothers Circle is free and is cosponsored by The Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Jewish Family Services and the Jewish Community Center of Springfield. Classes will take place at the JCC with a start date yet to be determined. They will be held either Monday evenings or Tuesday mornings, with free babysitting available on Tuesdays. Please call to reserve your place in the Circle. |