Jewish Community Reaches Out to Interfaith Families

October 25, 2009

Author: Sharon Chisvin

Source: Winnipeg Free Press

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/faith/jewish-community-reaches-out-to-interfaith-families-65930667.html

In recent years, Jewish communities across North America have witnessed a significant increase in the number of Jews marrying outside of their faith. The Winnipeg Jewish community has not been immune to this phenomenon, and as a result is now making a concerted effort to make the best of this situation.

The Rady Jewish Community Centre, in partnership with several other Winnipeg Jewish organizations, recently launched an outreach initiative aimed at Jewish adults who intermarry. The intent of this initiative is to make these couples continue to feel welcomed, comfortable in and connected to their community and to their roots.

The first formal event associated with this outreach initiative takes place on Monday, with the Rady JCC and its partner organizations sponsoring an open forum for interfaith families at Brock-Corydon School. The forum will feature guest speaker Kerry Olitzky, executive director of the U.S.-based Jewish Outreach Institute, as well as a panel comprised of partners in interfaith marriages. The main focus of the event is to encourage a conversation about inclusion.