The Mothers Circle Conference will bring together Mothers Circle facilitators and coordinators from across the country and will provide them with practical training and networking opportunities. The goal of the conference is to enable Mothers Circle facilitators and coordinators to realize their full potential and to become energized by JOI's vision for community transformation. We hope you will be able to join us!

The 2007 Mothers Circle Conference schedule:

NOTE: This schedule is tentative and will be updated as more content is added. Additional breaks will be scheduled.
Last updated: April 18, 2007.

Sunday, October 14, 2007 The Mothers Circle in the Context of an Inclusive Community

Pre-Conference Registration Table opens and Informal Welcome Reception begins at 1:30pm

2:30pm-3:00pm The Mothers Circle Welcome Reception

3:00pm-4:00pm Launch of “Big Tent Judaism” National Campaign Words of Welcome from Terrence A. Elkes Opening Remarks by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky Participants in the Campaign by TBA Inspirational Performance by Philadelphia's Congregation Temple Bethel Choir Presentation to launch the “Big Tent Judaism” initiative—a coalition of inclusive Jewish institutions determined to grow the Jewish community—and to contextualize the conference by delineating how we must prepare for growth, both within our individual institutions and community-wide.

4:00pm-4:45pm The Jewish Values of Outreach Facilitated by Rabbi Sam Gordon Brief text-based conversation breaking into chevruta study small groups to examine how outreach has precedent in Jewish tradition, including Abraham’s tent and the commandment to "Welcome the Stranger."

4:45pm – 5:45pm Drawing Strength From Our Mixed Multitude Introduced by Jay Kaiman Moderated by Suzette Cohen Panelists: Cindy Petersiel and Beth Mazur Increased diversity requires increased sensitivity, and the Jewish community is more diverse than ever. Learn the sensitivities required in broadening our tent from a panel that includes women who were not born Jewish but have joined us through raising Jewish children (participants in JOI’s "Mothers Circle” program).

5:45pm – 6:45pm Dinner

6:45pm – 7:15pm Keynote: At Sinai Together...My Story - Your Story By Adam Bronfman Introduced by Irene Kaplan One of the most important philanthropists in the Jewish community today and part of a new generation of leaders, Adam Bronfman will share his unique perspective on the challenges facing the organized Jewish community and his personal experiences on how outreach can make a difference.

7:15pm-8:00pm Envisioning an Inclusive Jewish Community and Exploring What We Bring - A Brainstorming and Networking Opportunity Facilitated by Eva Stern Join us for our first formal opportunity for participants to get to know each other and the unique skills and experiences we bring. This conversation will be launched by the keynote, and guide participants to move forward to explore the ideas that guide their work. Participants will explore their visions for a more inclusive Jewish community and what they need to make those visions a reality.

8:00pm-9:45pm Entertainment as Outreach - Model Program Post-program conversation facilitated by Rabbi Andy Bachman Though you may not realize it, Fox’s sitcom “The War at Home” often deals with the trials and tribulations of raising children in an interfaith household. In the episode “13 Going on $30,000,” the family’s youngest son, Mike, announces that he is interested in having a bar mitzvah. Mike’s Catholic mother must deal with feelings of rejection as her son opts for a different faith, while Mike’s Jewish father secretly wonders if his son’s main motivation is simply a lavish bar mitzvah party and ample gifts. Mike eventually wins his parents approval by diligently studying Hebrew, showing a genuine passion for understanding his Jewish heritage, and being willing to put in the work necessary to be bar mitzvahed—whether there’s a party for him at the end or not. A conversation following the screening will focus on “Can culture sustain us?”

Late Night Hospitality Room TBA

Monday, October 15, 2007 The Mothers Circle: Reaching Out

7:30am-8:00am Shacharit - Morning Services Begin your day with a traditional, egalitarian service where the torah will be read. Alternatively, participate in an uplifting service of meditation and prayer to energize your day.

8:00am-9:00am The Mothers Circle Networking Breakfast For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY!

9:00am-10:45am The Role of The Mothers Circle in our Communities For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY! This session gives facilitators and coordinators the tools they need to advocate for The Mothers Circle (and affiliates) in their communities, including how to build coalitions and refer mothers to community programs that are most relevant.

10:45am-11:30am Judaism Can Happen Anywhere: Broadening Our Outreach Approach Rabbi Kerry Olitzky and Paul Golin *Split session: Introductory and Advanced JOI’s Public Space JudaismSM model expands the traditional definitions of “outreach.” Developed after years of outreach program evaluation, it focuses on methodologies for lowering barriers to participation. At this session you will learn how to plan and implement a successful Public Space Judaism event, which can be a valuable Mothers Circle recruitment tool. You may choose to attend the beginner or the advanced session, depending on your experience.

11:45am-1:00pm Outreach Marketing Workshop Facilitated by Larry Cohen An inclusive approach to marketing and advertising.

1:00pm-2:00pm Networking Lunch: Slingshot’s Innovative Programs Introduced by Jessica Warren of Grand Street Tables hosted by operators of innovative programs listed in the Slingshot directory and participating in the conference’s Innovative Program Fair. The Mothers Circle will have a table at this lunch. Feel free to sit at the Mothers Circle table and share your experiences with professionals who are considering bringing The Mothers Circle to their communities, or you can sit at another table and learn about a new program idea to bring back to your community.

2:15pm-3:30pm FUNC: Follow-up through Name Collection Workshop Facilitated by Ruth Decalo Programs that attract the unaffiliated are only effective outreach vehicles if names of newcomers are collected and followed-up on a personal basis.

3:30pm-4:30pm Recruiting the Moms For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY! What works and what doesn’t work, when you seek participants for The Mothers Circle? Bring your experiences to the table; JOI will also bring recommendations.

4:45pm-6:00pm SLINGSHOT Innovative Program Fair Also open to all Washington DC Jewish communal professionals and lay leaders Walk among booths and tables hosted by program operators from organizations included in "SLINGSHOT: A Resource Guide for Jewish Innovation" by the Andrea and Charles Bronfman Philanthropies. Learn about the techniques they use to engage traditionally under-affiliated populations. The Mothers Circle will be one of the programs featured at the fair.

6:00pm-7:15pm Networking and Brainstorming Dinner - How to build alumni groups For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY!

7:30pm-9:30pm Jewish DC – Insiders’ Access Tour - TBA Innovative Jewish tour of DC or special access to an institution in DC

Late Night Hospitality Room TBA

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 The Mothers Circle: In the Classroom and Beyond

7:30am-8:00am Shacharit - Morning Services Begin your day with a traditional, egalitarian service. Alternatively, participate in an uplifting service of meditation and prayer to energize your day.

8:00am-9:00am Controversies in the Classroom Breakfast Discussion For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY! Anticipating solutions for difficult issues that face some interfaith families.

9:00am-10:15am Social Justice Programs as Outreach Ruth Messinger in dialogue with Simon Greer How and why does social justice appeal to traditionally under-affiliated Jewish populations such as young adults and children of intermarriage?

10:30am-11:45am Growing The Mothers Circle For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY! How to reach fathers, grandparents, and kids.

11:45am – 1:00pm Closing Session - Taking it Back Home Here is a chance to take all that you have learned of JOI’s signature models and programs and share it with you community in the form of JOI’s Conference in a Box, an innovative approach to local training.

1:00pm-2:00pm The Mothers Circle Closing Lunch For Mothers Circle Facilitators and Coordinators ONLY!

*In general terms, "Introductory" and "Advanced" refer to your experience with JOI outreach methodology, not your tenure as a Jewish communal professional or lay leader. Prior to the conference, an individual conversation will help map out the program course that will be most valuable for you. It might include a combination of Introductory and Advanced sessions, depending on your prior experience with certain methodologies. Introductory - If this is your first JOI conference or training session, these sessions are recommended for you. This is also an opportunity to brush up on the key building blocks of outreach programs. Advanced - If you have already been thoroughly trained by JOI in certain areas, these sessions can help you move forward to master the next steps with regard to outreach in your community.