The Keruv Committee at Temple Beth El is pleased to announce two new programs starting this fall to help grandparents and parents deal with the issue of intermarriage.

The Grandparents Circle is an education and support program designed specifically for Jewish grandparents whose adult children are intermarried and raising a family. Created by Big Tent Judaism (BTJ), this five-session course will help guide grandparents on how to nurture the Jewish identities of their grandchildren while respecting the choices of their intermarried/ inter-partnered adult children. BTJ is a national organization aimed at promoting a more welcoming and inclusive Jewish community.

As a grandparent, you will learn techniques for listening and talking with your adult children, incorporating Judaism into everyday conversations and creating Jewish memories for your grandchildren. Most important, you will emerge with a mindset and the understanding that, like you, your grandchildren will have their own religious journeys.

The program will be taught by two TBE members, Rae-ann and Scott Allen (pictured above with their granddaughter) and held on five consecutive Mondays, November 7 – December 5, starting at 7:00 p.m. at TBE. To register, go to tinyurl.com/tbegc16. The curriculum is intended for 20 participants so space is limited. There is a charge of $15 to cover materials.

Let’s Talk About It is a program focused on issues surrounding interfaith relationships and marriage. It is designed for Jewish parents whose children have recently intermarried or are seriously dating someone of a different faith. These sessions, typically held in people’s homes, are not lectures. They are free and open discussions, facilitated by Matt Greenberg of the Jewish Family Service of Stamford, about difficult and emotional topics that deeply affect us as individuals and as a Jewish community. You will come away with ideas and suggestions from others who have dealt with or are dealing with the same questions and problems as you are. For example,

• My daughter’s boyfriend isn’t Jewish. What should I say? When? How often?
• As a committed Jew, what is my role in my intermarried child’s life? How should I relate to my new daughter-in-law?
• My son-in-law’s family came to our Seder. Should I go to their celebrations?
• My non-Jewish in-laws don’t understand me.

Session topics and locations will be announced in advance and RSVPs will be required. You may attend only one session or as many as you like.

If you are interested in participating in this program, please e‑mail keruv@tbe.org indicating your name, telephone number, e-mail address, and your spouse’s name if he or she will join you. Knowing the level of interest from the congregation will help the committee plan accordingly.