Genesis Interfaith Journeys

The Genesis program offers a wide range of programming for interfaith couples and their loved ones to explore and understand their relationship to Judaism and the Jewish community. The goal of the program is to provide comfortable entry points into the Jewish community that are accessible and welcoming to both partners. Choose from a variety of ways to explore Judaism, including the Mothers Circle course, Interpersonal Issues mini-course, Family Ties, and informal seminars teaching the basics of different Jewish rituals and holidays. 

Mothers Circle 
The Mothers Circle provides free resources and learning for mothers of other faiths who are raising Jewish children. Choose from a variety of opportunities to explore Judaism. Women of other backgrounds who are raising Jewish children meet approximately twice a month (register by the semester or for the year) to learn how to create a Jewish home for their family. Examples of topics include: The Gift of Shabbat, Making our House a Jewish Home, Ages and Stages in Children's Lives, Passover, Answering Children's Questions about God and Death.

Interpersonal Issues 
This four-session course for interfaith couples provides a supportive environment to discuss the often sensitive and challenging issues interfaith couples face. Topics include: differences in religious traditions, symbols and holiday celebrations, child-rearing, and the role of extended family.

Currently, a group is forming that will meet on Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30pm, at the Center.  Tracey Litwin, Psy.D. will facilitate the workshop that begins on November 17, 2010.

Family Ties 
Parents of interfaith couples come together for nine sessions over seven months to talk about the challenges and opportunities of parenting intermarried children. Discussion will include topics such as: "Offering guidance on child-rearing and religious identity," "What about God talk?", and "What to say or do when....." 

Workshops

• Fathers Circle (focus on non-Jewish fathers creating a Jewish home)
• How-to-Shabbat (In this hands-on workshop have fun learning the information and skills needed for making Friday nights Shabbat in your home.)
• December Dilemma (a workshop intended to address questions and concerns during this often challenging holiday season)
• Shabbat Dinner (Welcome Shabbat with other interfaith couples and families. Enjoy a delicious catered dinner and share ways to celebrate Shabbat as a family.)
• How-to-Passover (In this free, hands-on workshop have fun learning the information and skills needed for preparing and hosting a fun Passover seder in your home. This program is open to ANYONE who wants to learn about conducting an authentic Jewish seder.)

For information on Interfaith Outreach programs, contact Jeff Goldenberg, Director of Adult Jewish Learning at 913-327-4647  or jeffg@jewishkc.org.