What is Outreach?
Outreach is the name for the Temple Adat Elohim's and the Reform community's commitment to actively welcoming all who are new to Judaism, returning to Judaism, those in interfaith relationships, and those simply interested in Judaism. Outreach activities center on the mitzvah of ahavat ger, loving the stranger-anyone who feels distanced from God, Torah and Israel. Outreach provides resources to help welcome and integrate a diversity of Jews and their families-interfaith and inter-racial couples, new Jews and seekers, Jews of color, gay and lesbian individuals and families, single adults and blended families, rich and poor, young and old and in between, women and men. Outreach assures that every stranger's voice is heard.
Interfaith Couples Groups
Also known as "Yours, Mine and Ours," "Times and Seasons," "Let's Talk," or "Opening Doors", offers a place for couples to meet one another and, under the guidance of a trained facilitator explore common issues. In an 8 week series, couples discuss such questions as how to raise children, how to negotiate holidays and family life-cycle events,
and even what role they want religion to play in their lives.
We are in the planning stages of a workshop to be coming soon. Interested participants can contact the Outreach Chair or call the temple office at (805) 497-7101.
Interfaith Lecture Series: Jewish Values For Everyday Living...From Various Interfaith Perspectives
This past year, we embarked on a temple-wide learning initiative focused on “Jewish
Values for Everyday Living.” Our congregation focused on one Jewish value (middah)each month from September through May. The values we focused on were forgiveness, humility, gratitude, simplicity, loving kindness, honor, patience and modesty. This year we will continue the program focusing on welcoming, joy, compassion, truth, and order. These are universal values shared by other faiths and
presented in this series. Each lecture will be held from 7:30—9:00pm.
Introduction to Judaism
A hands-on course that introduces beginners to the basics of Jewish thought and practice. The class runs 18 and presents a mix of study, discussion and practical experiences designed for all interested in exploring a Jewish life for themselves-interfaith couples, non-Jews considering conversion, and Jews looking for adult-level basics. Topics include Jewish holidays and life cycle events, theology and prayer, Israel, history and Hebrew. Temple Adat Elohim offers enrichment activities including a tour of the local mikvah, a tour at the Skirball Cultural Center, a tour of Mt Sinai in Simi Valley, a cooking activity, and attendance at 3 Shabbat Services as a group with a trained Outreach Fellow.
Parents of Interfaith Couples Groups
Is your child intermarrying? Discussion programs for Jewish parents with intermarried children are available. With the guidance of trained facilitators, participants explore common concerns, including approaches to communication and grand parenting in an interfaith family. Groups are in formation.
A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious?
A Taste of Judaism: Are You Curious? is a free, 3-session class for beginners -- Jewish or not -- that explores the topics of Jewish spirituality, ethics and community designed for unaffiliated Jews, non-Jews, intermarried couples and all searching for an entry into Jewish life.
