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August 2007
Regional News
Peninsula The Mother’s Circle, a new program specifically for non-Jewish mothers in an interfaith family who wish to raise their children as Jews, is taking place in the Peninsula. It is based on a unique concept: Being inclusive sometimes means providing separate safe spaces for people – in other words, being exclusive. “It’s a wonderful 13-session program that covers holidays, Shabbat, Israel, different aspects of Judaism, God, worship, and much more,” said Frieda Haidt, who facilitates the Mother’s Circle. While the content sounds similar to many Introduction to Judaism courses, The Mother’s Circle offers something the others don’t – a safe space for non-Jewish moms who are married to Jews to learn, network and share with each other. Participants in the first group included eight women, some who were expecting their first child as well as some who already had young children. In fact, during the 13 weeks of sessions, there were two births and two brits (circumcision ceremonies), Haidt said. “The important thing was that the women were in similar places, ready to learn more about Judaism without any pressure to convert.” The Mother’s Circle was developed by Debbie Antonoff of Atlanta, Georgia and adapted by the national Jewish Outreach Institute. Haidt led the series – its launch in the Bay Area – last year at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos. The series will begin again this year after the High Holidays, she said. Fees cover the cost of materials and it is open to all. Not surprisingly, the group developed great camaraderie, and the participants decided to continue meeting monthly on their own. They are sponsoring a special event, which is open to any non-Jewish mom, on Sunday, August 26 to discuss preparation for the High Holidays. For information about Mother’s Circle or the August 26 special event, please contact Frieda Haidt at haidt@sonic.net.
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