Gary and Mary



What's it like for everyone when a Catholic mom chooses to raise their children Jewish, even sending them to a Jewish Day School?

Read Gary and Mary's Story




Andrew and Chanda

He’s from Long Island.  She’s from Zambia.  How do they create a Jewish home, even when in Kosovo?

Read Andrew and Chanda's Story.

Carol

Learn more about Carol's spiritual journey which took her from a Catholic church to a Conservative temple.


Read Carol's Story

Share Your JDI Story!

JDI is looking for past participants to share their experience! Be a part of the Sharing Our Stories section on JDI's website. Join Chadra, Andrew, Carol, Gary and Mary in helping others learn from your experience.  It is our goal to have a rotating collection of stories from participants from the 25 years of the program. Don't be shy! Email Rabbi David.
 

Become a Fan of JDI on Face Book!

Visit JDI on Facebook and become a fan you can connect with others and stay current with interfaith events.
Click here to become a fan!




More Stories Coming Soon

The Jewish Discovery Institute is Boston's resource for interfaith couples, families and individuals interested in learning about Conservative Judaism. We offer a wide variety of programs for interfaith couples, families and individuals interested in learning more about Judaism. From basic introduction experiences to in-depth conversion programs, from support groups to training seminars, we hope all of our programs add meaning, understanding, and comfort. JDI Misson

PROGRAMS

Next Pathways Class Starts Wed., Jan. 5th
JDI's Winter 2011 Pathways Class starts this Wednesday, Jan. 5th at 6:45 PM at Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton.

Twice a year, JDI offers an intensive 28-week course designed for people considering or planning to convert. The course will open the world of Jewish tradition and understanding to those who have little or no background. This continuously updated program (formerly known as the Gerim Institute) has helped thousands of people since the late 1960’s. By fostering close relationships with the Rabbis/instructors and other participants, the program provides an important forum for sharing, support, and friendship. Pathways combines excellent religious studies with significant Jewish experiences such as Shabbat dinners, holiday celebrations and field trips.

In designing this program, we are keenly aware this is not your typical adult education workshop. This class recognizes and supports what may well be a major life change so we also include sessions with trained social workers and mentoring Rabbis. There is a Fee for this program. For registration information, please contact Rabbi Braham David directly. To Learn More

Please park either in the lot or in a space on Ward Street otherwise you will get a ticket. If coming from Centre Street, take the 3rd left on Ashford Road,  and the temple parking lot will be on the right. Use the side entrance on Ashford and go right past gift shop to the the Feldberg meeting room, straight ahead at the end of the hall. You can also park on Ward Street in front of the temple. From the main entrance cross the courtyard to the left, go down the stairs and follow directions as above.

Learn More

The Learner's Minyan Starting in Natick- Feb. 12th

Co-Sponsored by Temple Israel, 145 Hartford St, Natick

A new Learners Minyan led by Rabbi Jeffrey Foust will begin in February and take place at  Temple Israel, Natick. We will meet seven Shabbat (Saturday) Mornings, 9:45-11:15 a.m.

February 12
March 12, 26
April 2, 30
May 14, 21
June 4

There is no fee for the class, but we ask that everyone purchase siddur (prayer book) Eit Ratzon. This is a free program but we ask that you RSVP.REGISTER HERE


Learners' Minyan at Congregation Kehillath Israel JAN 22nd

If  you have ever felt awkward, frustrated or overwhelmed in a synagogue service, Learners' Minyan is the class for you. A new group will start  January 22nd at 9:15-10:45am and will take place at Congregation Kehillath Israel - 384 Harvard St., Brookline, MA  02446. Rabbi Emma Kippley-Ogman will lead the class which meets ten Shabbat mornings, 9:15-10:45am, January 22, February 5 and 12, March 5 and 19, April 2, 9 and 30, May 14 and 21, in the Rabb Chapel (down the stairs on the left hand side inside the Office entrance). 

This is a chance to make yourself at home with the beautiful and inspiring liturgy of our tradition. Join us as we unravel the structure, choreography, and meaning of the Shabbat morning service as we pray together. No previous background in Hebrew or Jewish education is necessary, just the desire to learn. At the conclusion of each session of the Learner's Minyan, we will join the Sanctuary for the last third of the service. 

 There is no fee for the class, but we ask that everyone purchase Siddur (prayer book) Eit Ratzon, a wonderful learner's siddur that we will be using in the class. The book costs $38, and can be ordered directly at Siddur Eit Ratzon. Please purchase the $38 Red siddur, not the Yellow "Original Version." The program is free but registration is required. REGISTER HERE  If you need childcare,  please include in your email how many children and their ages.

 

 

OUTREACH TRAINING INSTITUTE


May 5 - When Your Son or Daughter Falls in Love with Someone from Another Faith
Led by Dr. Paula Brody, Director, Outreach Training Institute
URJ Reform Jewish Outreach Boston
Thursday, May 5, 2011 Ÿ 9:30 AM—4:00 PM Ÿ Temple Shalom of Newton.

May 18th - “And You Shall Teach Them Diligently…” Strengthening Jewish Identity in
Children from Interfaith Families in our Schools
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 9:00 AM—3:30 PM - Temple Shalom of Newton.

June 21 - Think Tank on 20's/30's: Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Jewish Engagement
Tuesday, June 21, 2011 - 9:30 AM—12:30 PM -Temple Beth Shalom, Needham.

For more information, call 617-928-0012 or email mbenet@urj.org
To register on-line, visit www.reformjewishoutreachboston.org
The Outreach Training Institute is supported by Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston