Crash Course Prepares Non-Jewish Mothers for Upcoming High Holy Days

Inquiring mothers were fed both knowledge and holiday treats as the Mothers Circle program at Temple Beth El kicked off last month. Along with some grape juice and challah bread, a receptive group of non-Jewish women who are raising Jewish children received a plethora of insight and support pertaining to the upcoming High Holy Days.

"This is a special class," said Ann Simon, who coordinated and led the program. "It's sort of a crash course for September."

For those who observe the Jewish holidays, September is a very important month as the Jewish community prepares for Rosh Hashanah, starting at sundown on Sept. 8, and Yom Kippur, starting at sundown on Sept. 17.

While the women gathered to practice prayers and discover the meanings behind rituals, one thing became clear as the class progressed – there is a lot to learn.

"Judaism has a tremendous focus on celebrating holidays in the home," Simon explained to the information-hungry women. "I really thought the program is something we have a need for ... to make people more comfortable."

Simon noted that numerous non-Jewish women throughout the country are raising Jewish children and that they frequently have questions about Jewish traditions and customs. She added that through the years she has found that these women appreciate the support of other women who are doing the same thing. She said that through the program, which is sponsored by the Manhattan-based Jewish Outreach Institute, she hopes to point out the similarities between different cultures, and to make anyone feel welcome in a Jewish home.

"This class is a wonderful way to familiarize somebody without any pressure to convert," Simon said. "The Judeo-Christian religions really are so similar. … The ideals and values are very much the same."

The six women who took part in the course, with children ranging from 18 months to 15 years old, all said that not being Jewish themselves sometimes made holidays and family get-togethers difficult.

"I started to feel uncomfortable at Shabbats," Grace Radner admitted.  "I wanted to start my own."

The class, which will meet at Temple Beth El twice a month starting Oct. 5, has a relaxed atmosphere, appropriately held around a table that could resemble the one in a dining room. In addition to focusing on holidays, Simon said she will hold sessions that teach about Shabbat, Jewish parenting, and making a Jewish home.

Although there is no pressure to do so, some women who took part in the program are looking to convert.

"Like Charlotte in Sex and the City," Lotus Altholtz interjected, to a chorus of laughter.

Some, like Hui Herskovitz, said they are converting more for themselves and their children than for the in-laws.

"My husband's family is not religious at all," Herskovitz, a recent convert, was amused to admit.

Many of the women taking part in the Mothers Circle course said it is a perfect way to acquaint yourself with the Jewish tradition, and prepare the recipe for success in instilling Judaic beliefs and customs in your children.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Radner said, "I'm so happy there are other mothers like me!"

The next Mothers Circle session, titled "Getting Started," will take place on Oct. 5 at Temple Beth El at 7:30 p.m. It will be the second of 17 sessions held through June.