What our Florence Melton PEP students are saying……

The knowledge I have gained from this class so far has been much greater than I thought possible. I have come so far in my quest for knowledge…It has enriched my family tremendously. I can now teach as well as learn from my children…I feel it was the best thing I could have done for myself and my family. We will continue to grow as a family and Judaism will always play a major factor in our lives.

A. S., Boca Raton

We are now considering different options for how to help all of us have a Jewish identity and be connected to a Jewish community S. E., Portand

I talk more to my children in a Jewish Tanakh context, speaking of the stories with them. I talk with my husband a lot about the classes and our kids hear us. We comment to our children about teachings. J. B., Portland

I was very surprised with the level of deep and thoughtful study. I have learned much more than I imagined I would…This class has taught me a lot of information I didn’t have before, but more importantly, it has sparked many meaningful conversations between me and my husband. I feel this class has prompted us to address some really huge topics---the meaning of life, what is God? How do we explain God to our kids? Do we want to teach our children to pray? What does it mean to provide a Jewish upbringing?-to name a few…That’s a pretty big impact for one class to make. M. N., Portland

This program has helped me to incorporate a number of Jewish practices and rituals into our family experience… . My children will grow up (knowing) not only that they are Jewish, but what that means to them and be proud to be Jewish. A. S., Portland

I think this class has helped us think about trying to give our family a strong Jewish commitment-trying to increase our level of observance perhaps, keeping Judaism in the forefront. B. R., St. Louis

This class will cause us to take a more focused look at our observances in the home, what we want our children to learn abut being Jewish.

J. L., St. Louis

It is more important than ever that our family do more together as a Jewish family. My kids’ Jewish education is more important and it’s been easier for me to overcome the challenges and obstacles that make getting that education.

H. E., St. Louis

I’m becoming stronger in my personal Jewish identity and my confidence in being Jewish and this helps my children as I set an example. B. G., St. Louis

This class has led to an increase of Jewish practices in my home and greater commitment to raising my child Jewishly.

K. S., St. Louis

This course, especially because of the instructors, has been a life changing and improving event in my life. I feel more comfortable introducing new Jewish observances and traditions into our family. For instance, this year we collected and burned chametz and really added meaning to our Passover Seders. M. K., St Louis

After class one evening, a student approached me with a story. She and her husband are friends with a couple who have always been Jewishly involved. They used to call these friends every time they had a question. She beamed with pride as she said, “Now they call me with questions!”

Director’s Report