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"May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, to guide us in peace, to sustain us in peace, to lead us to our desired destination, in
health and joy and peace, and to bring us home in peace. Save us from every enemy and disaster on the way, and from all calamities that
threaten the world. Bless the work of our hands. May we find grace love and compassion in Your sight and in the sight of all who see us...”
T 'Hat Haderech, the Traveller's Prayer
Perhaps if such a plea—a request for health, serenity and contentment—were to be trumpeted from the front doors of the homes
of Jewish families from Walled Lake to Oak Park and Farmington Hills, it would be a given that our families would look Jewish, feel
Jewish—live Jewish lives. Maybe, if such a cry were uttered, moms and dads, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, would find the
challenges of flourishing as a Jewish family less daunting. Conceivably, the content of this appeal would make the journey of the
Jewish family a traffic-free, and bump-less road, where families of all religious denominations could easily navigate the map of Jewish
identity development. Maybe, maybe not.
WHO ARE WE
WHERE ARE WE
GOING/ .
J.E.F.F. (Jewish Experiences For Families) aids in the preparation for the potholes of this journey. Because let's face it—there is not one
definition of shalom bayit (peace in the home), nor is there one defined destination for Jewish living or a single pre-determined route to
get there. J.E.F.E is a community organization that works with congregations, agencies and lay committees to create experiences that help
families strengthen their Jewish identity and build positive Jewish memories.The goal of J.E.F.F. is to assist families in learning about Jewish
customs, rituals, values and thought, and to encourage ongoing family observance at home, participation within congregations, agencies
and building bridges to the entire Jewish community.Throughout the course of the year, J.E.F.F., in partnership with other communal
organizations, provides family education programs and learning opportunities that will enable your family to grow together as Jews.
OUR PACKING
LIST
Journeys such as this require the proper provisions, but before packing up your new luggage, J.E.F.F. knows that each individual and family
arrives with their own baggage—with pre-conceived notions and experiences, which frame the perspective through which the world is
viewed.This baggage cannot easily be left behind. J.E.F.F. will meet you and your family where you are—we will work with you and your
family to develop your own personal road map for Jewish growth.
You are not just the passenger on this journey—this is not a passive enterprise, one in which a tour guide will direct you to all the
appropriate sights and sounds—encouraging you to think and feel in a particular fashion. Rather, your family serves as the driver, and
J.E.F.F. can help you to navigate. But before you can hit the road, please pack the following:
•An open mind!
•All the questions you ever had about Judaism!
•Your imagination!
•Your hands (for hugs, for clapping, for drawing—and other arts and crafts projects)!
• A travel diary (to chart your family's growth and development throughout your journey)!
• Clothes you don't mind getting dirty!
STOPPING ALONG
THE WAY
AN INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY FOR YOUR FAMILY
Since this is not your ordinary journey, your family will need a special passport—regardless of your past traveling experiences.
This passport will help your family determine its destination, as well as what each of your travel companions bring to the journey.
Please complete the following as a family:
Family
Front cover:The
Inside front cover:A recent photo of your family
Side back cover: Destination—as a family, list five different ways you want to grow/develop in the next year (for example, spend more
quality time together; light Shabbat candles each week, etc.)
Back cover: Each member of the family lists three special qualities that she/he brings to the family