Andrea and Michael Leven Family Jewish Identity Institute
Through a generous gift from the Leven Family, The Temple is able to significantly enhance the ways we welcome and support interfaith couples and families in the early stages of their journey into the Jewish community and our congregation. As the name suggests, we are helping to strengthen Jewish identity and connection for the generations to come.
The programs of the Leven Family Jewish Identity Institute are particularly aimed towards interfaith couples (dating, engaged, married, partnered) who are figuring out the role Judaism has in their relationship and future and those who are trying to figure out what connection their children (or future children) will have to Judaism and the Jewish community. Our goal is to help you find your path into The Temple and to feel supported in your journey.
If you have questions or want to speak to other interfaith couples, or want to make sure you’re receiving emails about upcoming events, please contact Rabbi Loren Filson Lapidus (llapidus@the-temple.org) or our Leven Institute chair, Brian Weiss (brianweissmedia@gmail.com).
Upcoming Events
Save the date!
Chanukah Party at the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Tuesday, December 17, 2019
Leven Institute Young Couples Cohort
This exciting new membership program offers couples under 35 years old an opportunity to meet others and learn about what The Temple and the Jewish community can provide. There are monthly programs to engage, learn, and connect, and as part of this program, couples are encouraged to attend our annual marriage retreat. In the first year of this program, the Leven Institute underwrites the membership dues, and in the second year, we encourage couples to both mentor a new incoming couple and also contirbute to The Temple in a way that is meaningful and appropriate for their family. For more information, please contact Rabbi Lapidus or Brian Weiss.
Beineinu: The Temple's Marriage Retreat
2020 date to be announced soon!
For our fifth year, we will be offering an overnight marriage retreat for couples in their first 5-7 years of marriage. For more information, please contact Rabbi Lapidus.
Connecting in Small Groups
There are opportunities to meet other young couples and families, and other interfaith families, through our Temple Connect small groups. For more information, please contact Rabbi Lydia Medwin or go to https://www.the-temple.org/temple-connect
Learning
Judaism 101: The Leven Jewish Identity Institute provides subsidies for couples interested in taking Judaism 101 and learning more about Jewish belief and practice.
Our Shared Journey…The Temple’s Israel Trip for Interfaith Couples.
This pilot program is made possible by the generosity of Leah and Richard Davis, Temple members who approached us with the idea to fund this experience. The goal is that this time in Israel, along with gatherings before and after the trip, will increase your connections as an interfaith couple, help you connect with other interfaith couples, and deepen your relationship with Israel and The Temple and Atlanta Jewish community.
While we wish we could take everyone to Israel, this pilot grant is for younger interfaith couples who:
- Live in metro Atlanta
- Are married
- Have never been to Israel together
- If you have children, your oldest is around kindergarten-aged or younger
- Are interested in using this to deepen your connection to The Temple and the Atlanta Jewish Community
The trip is June 4-14, 2020. The cost for each couple is $1000 plus trip insurance, with the first deposit of $500 and the purchase of trip insurance required to hold the spot, and the second deposit of $500 due on December 1. Please contact Rabbi Loren F. Lapidus with any questions at llapidus@the-temple.org
To receive the detailed itinerary, insurance, and registration forms, please fill out the following:
