Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Melton Program helps parents with Jewish education

By Pegasus News wire

Children’s questions about Judaism are a natural part of growing up. They are filled with curiosity about Jewish stories, holidays and traditions. But for many parents, this innate interest sends them running to the rabbi for help or “googling” for the answers. Luckily, the Florence Melton Adult Mini School at the J has developed the Parent Education Program, a unique pluralistic, text-based study of Judaism for people with various levels of knowledge. Comprised of groups of roughly 15 parents per class, the once-a-week courses are taught by seasoned professionals as a way for individuals to connect and discuss, while furthering a deeper knowledge of Jewish holidays and lifecycles, theology, history and ethical concerns. Unlike traditional academic experiences, there is no homework. And, parents can take pride in the fact that their newfound exploration of Judaism is both a benefit to themselves and their children.

“[The Melton program] has affected nearly every aspect of my daily life,” says recent Melton graduate Lee Gleiser reflecting on her positive experience. “I am taking many lessons with me that have shaped my perspective on the world and my place in it. Perhaps the most important thing Melton has done for me is to make me a better mom. I can teach my daughter with an enthusiasm, a confidence and a richness of resources about the Jewish people, our heritage and our traditions.”

Because the lives of parents are harried and filled with complex schedules, the Parent Education Program will be offered at three convenient locations on three days. This gives those on the go the opportunity to attend the same class weekly or to mix and match as needed to accommodate their schedules. The courses begin in October 2007 and will be held from

9:30 to 11:45 a.m. Monday’s class will be held at the Ann and Nate Levine Academy, A Solomon Schechter School at 18011 Hillcrest Rd.; Tuesday’s class will take place at Akiba Academy of Dallas at 12324 Merit Dr.; and Wednesday’s class will convene at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center at 7900 Northaven Rd. Cost for the course is highly subsidized and only $150.

Many organizations in the Dallas Jewish community have partnered together to help raise awareness for the Melton Parent Education Program. Participating organizations include: Jewish Community Center of Dallas and J Early Childhood Center; Akiba Academy of Dallas; Ann and Nate Levine Academy, A Solomon Schechter School; Community Kollel of Dallas; Dallas Area Jewish Pre-School Directors Council; Florence Melton Adult Mini School; Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (Department of Education); Jewish Family Service and the Rabbinic Association of Greater Dallas. Those who are eligible will receive a grant funded through the Avi Chai Foundation.

Individuals interested in learning more or enrolling in the Parent Education Program can contact Annie Glickman or Rachelle Weiss Crane at (214) 739-2737.

Source: Melton School

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