Experience Warmth Of Alternative Jewish Group By Joining Montclair Jewish Workshop

Experience the warmth of an alternative Jewish group with the Montclair Jewish Workshop (MJW). Since its founding in 1996, MJW has been a friendly, parent-run cooperative designed to provide children with an appreciation and understanding of Jewish culture, values and history through secular education for Jewish and interfaith families. Classes for children in grades PreK-7 meet two Sundays per month at Congregation Beth Ahm, 56 Grove Avenue, Verona.

MJW provides an alternative to traditional religious education, while it focuses on Jewish identity and community with an emphasis on Judaism's traditions of social justice and ethics. Each year, MJW seventh-graders conduct a year-long, group project addressing a global or community problem. Recent projects have focused on the environment, helping a group of poor children in Paterson, and assisting in a school for children with cerebral palsy.

MJW welcomes blended families and has many non-Jewish parents who participate in the program. Also, MJW families celebrate major Jewish holidays together. Fun, good food and informality are top priorities with activities such as the organization's annual Purim play that honors the history of the holiday. Prospective families are invited to sit in on classes in September and/or to participate in Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot celebrations.

MJW representative Emily Grand said that classes start on Sunday, September 19.

"Families/students are welcome to sit in on classes in September and/or to attend a Rosh Hashanah celebration on September 19 or a Sukkot celebration on September 26 to check out MJW without making a commitment," she said.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.montclairjewish.org or contact Lisa Rosenberg at lisarosenberg@comcast.net or 973-509-7257.