09/17/2015
jHUB Offers Path to Jewish Connection
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Article reprinted with permission from Chagrin Valley Today
By Sue Hoffman
Many families are searching for their path to a Jewish connection and celebration, said Rabbi Melinda Mersack of Solon.
“If you weren’t raised with Judaism, setting foot into a Rosh Hashanah service at a synagogue, even though it is very welcoming, may not feel comfortable. There’s where jHUB can help by providing an introduction.”
Rabbi Mersack serves as director of jHUB, a joint initiative of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, to connect interfaith families to Jewish life. The Federation’s 2011 Greater Cleveland Jewish Population Study showed a growing number of interfaith families in Cleveland, she said. There are also Jewish individuals and families who wish to become closer to their heritage.
“Our goal is to help them feel more connected to the Jewish community in whatever ways they choose,” she said.
Rabbi Melinda Mersack and Rabbi Sharon Marcus of Park Synagogue recently held an interactive program on the High Holy Days (which begin Sunday evening) at Horseshoe Lake in Shaker Heights. Parents, grandparents and children participating in the program received prayers, recipes, book and craft suggestions and several links for additional materials.
Rabbi Mersack will present another introductory program to the High Holidays: “Rosh Hashanah at the Beach,” 10 a.m. Sunday at Euclid Beach Park and 10 a.m. Sept. 20, at Huntington Beach in Bay Village.
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