By Laura Baum, Associate Vice President, Learning and Engagement

At CJP, we believe that a connection to Jewish life provides meaning, joy and community. We are fostering connection by creating and enhancing high quality, accessible, and diverse opportunities that thoughtfully engage people in Greater Boston’s Jewish community.

Here are a few recent highlights and achievements:

• Our community study showed that 57 percent of interfaith families in Boston raise their children Jewish. CJP continues to be a leader in supporting interfaith couples and families, and those raised in interfaith homes. Earlier this fall, I was proud to join a panel discussion at the Interfaith Opportunity Summit, to discuss the question: “What does a local Jewish community need to offer to engage interfaith families?”
• To support adults interested in learning opportunities in non-traditional settings, CJP has partnered with Hebrew College to offer Open Circle Jewish Learning programs. These small, informal discussion groups are organized around different topics, and in different settings, all creating opportunities for learning and community building. The wide range of topics for this year’s 30 learning circles (register here) includes practicing mindfulness and spirituality, understanding sacred texts, and tasting and learning about Jewish foods.  You can also choose any interest that appeals to you and others, and we’ll match you with you an educator. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Betsy More at emore@hebrewcollege.edu or 617-559-8736.
• With the new year approaching, families are starting to think about summer camp options for their children. Jewish overnight camp is often the only immersive Jewish experience for kids, and we know from recent studies that children who attend camp are more likely to be connected to the Jewish community as adults. Last year, 2,800 kids from Greater Boston attended Jewish overnight camps. CJP provided financial support for more than 650 kids, with a record 415 One Happy Camper grants for first-time campers. Already, 146 families have submitted applications for 2017 One Happy Camper grants.
• Since its launch last year, 194 students with special educational needs at our Jewish day schools have received tuition scholarships through the Morton E. Ruderman Inclusion Scholarship Fund administered by CJP.
• For many parents, the birth of a child is a time to reflect on their connection to Judaism and the Jewish community. CJP’s Welcome Baby! program partners with multiple organizations to connect new parents and families with young children to other families, resources, and events in the Jewish community. New parents can register to receive a Welcome Baby! visit and gift tote with a free subscription to PJ Library, a Magic Beans coupon, a selection of high-quality games and toys, and information about family community resources.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at laurab@cjp.org.