May

31 2020

NAVIGATING JUDAISM: Nurturing Identity for Jewish Families in Schools

2:00PM - 4:00PM  

Contact Robbie Alder
ralder@jfgi.org

The Jewish Community Relations Council and PJ Library have collaborated to create a three-part series for parents of school aged children to explore a variety of issues that families may face while navigating being Jewish in Indiana schools. All three sessions will take place virtually via zoom. 

The first session, on Sunday, May 31, will be led by Jonathan Mintzer, Associate Regional Director from the Midwest office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Marla Topiol, Israel & Antisemitism Education Coordinator of the Jewish Community Relations Council. Marla and Jonathan will facilitate ADL’s “Words to Action” workshop, which addresses the various manifestations of antisemitism and gives participants an opportunity to practice effective skills to respond. You will learn about how antisemitism can find its way into schools and ways to address it with your child(ren). We will also share information about how JCRC can serve as a resource for families and schools in Indiana, as well as future engagement opportunities for your student.

The second session, on Sunday, July 19, will explore “best practices” at the beginning of the school year with respect to the High Holidays. The JCRC will share how families can use the 7-year calendar of Jewish holidays and observances to raise awareness; and participants will learn how to coordinate with schools to secure excused absences and prevent potential conflicts. Lindsey Mintz, JCRC Executive Director, will model what a brief classroom presentation could look like as we discuss how doing so can nurture your child’s confidence and pride in their Jewish identity.

The series will conclude on Sunday, Oct. 18 with a discussion about the “December dilemma” and how to talk about Chanukah in your student’s classroom. We will explore effective ways that parents can address the presence of Christmas decorations in the classroom, or Christmas songs during school concerts. Lindsey Mintz, JCRC Executive Director, will model what a brief classroom presentation could look like as we discuss how doing so can nurture your child’s confidence and pride in their Jewish identity.

All three of the sessions take place on Sundays from 2 to 3:30 pm. Participants do not need to attend all three, but it is highly encouraged.

Contact Marla Topiol at mtopiol@indyjcrc.org or Roberta Alder at ralder@jfgi.org for more information.​