Dear Friend,
Are you a partner in an interfaith marriage? I am. For over 30 years I’ve been the non-Jewish half of the relationship. I am writing to other members of interfaith marriages to tell you about an exciting scholarship opportunity for adult Jewish learning.
A generous donation from The Holzman Foundation is providing scholarship funds for the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School 2-year Classic Core program uniquely for members of interfaith families! This Melton program is the perfect way for people like you and me to answer questions about the rich Jewish heritage we are discovering. Here’s why.
As a 2008 graduate of the Melton Classic Core program, I can testify on how valuable this is to Jewish and non-Jewish partners alike. Even though I took an “Introduction to Judaism” class before my wedding, throughout my adult life, I still had so many questions about Judaism. In addition, my non-Jewish parents and extended family members had a great curiosity about Judaism and asked a lot of questions—most of which I couldn’t answer. Learning to fry latkes and bake challah was easy compared to understanding the nuances of a 5000-year-old tradition.
I got tired of being confused in services, or having my kids (who were involved in religious school at our synagogue) know so much more than me. Fortunately, I discovered Melton Adult Mini-School. This is NOT a conversion class, but an exciting and easy way to explore Jewish thought, practice, history and ethics. There is no pressure, no homework and no tests. You merely spend about 2 hours a week during the school year listening and discussing ideas with amazing teachers and fellow students.
- It is a completely pluralistic look at Judaism without preference for any particular Jewish denomination.
- It is objective and non-judgmental.
- There are both Jews and non-Jews in class, and we all bonded during our two years together.
- And it was super fun to discuss what I learned each week over dinner with my husband and kids.
I urge you to take advantage of our Holzman Foundation scholarship program for members of interfaith families today. My only regret is that I didn’t take this program a long time ago, when my kids were younger. So don’t wait. We anticipate that these scholarship funds will go fast. There is no time like the present to begin enriching your life and the life of your family.
Shalom,
Mandi Scott Chestler
Portland Melton Board Member
How to apply for Interfaith Family Scholarships
Call Melton today to apply for your scholarship and enroll. Our number is (503) 384-2476 or contact us at rachel@meltonportland.org.
(Not a member of an interfaith couple or family? Contact us at the info above for more scholarship opportunities.)