Routines and Rhythyms of Parenting Course Offered

Jewish Federation of the North Shore (JFNS) and Cohen-Hillel Academy (CHA) are partnering to offer to the North Shore for the first time “Routines and Rhythms of Parenting,” a program designed to address the practical challenges of the daily parenting routine, and the possibilities that Jewish structures can offer for creating a life of purpose. The course is a program of Parenting through a Jewish Lens, developed by Hebrew College and Combined Jewish Philanthropies.

“Routines provide our children with comfort and a sense of order, and Jewish rhythms provide meaning,” explains Alanna Cooper, JFNS Director of Adult Jewish Education, cultural anthropologist and program designer, “I work on creating both sorts of structure for my own daughters, and am passionate about exploring these aspects of parenting in my teaching.”

Four Sunday morning sessions will take place at Cohen Hillel Academy on October 14, 21 and 28 and November 8 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Free babysitting will be offered. Topics include:

  The Daily Parenting Routine: Mornings and Evenings – how finding meaning in the daily rhythm can provide security and a sense of purpose in our homes.

  Marking the weeks and months – how Jewish tradition provides ways to mark the moments as our children grow and to be mindful of the incremental changes in our family lives.

  The Life-Cycle – how Jewish tradition provides opportunities to nurture the stages of our children’s ethical and spiritual growth.

 A Meaningful Life – how Judaism provides our children with the practical tools they need to reach adulthood and helps parents to identify their children’s personal strengths so that they can find their life’s calling.

The course is open to the public and will be taught by Alanna Cooper. The fee - $40 for individuals and $65 for couples. – is offered at less than 50% of cost through generous subsidies provided by the JFNA, CHA and the Jim Joseph Foundation, a California-based charitable organization devoted exclusively to fostering compelling, effective Jewish learning.

“I am excited that Cohen Hillel Academy is partnering with JFNS and the Jim Joseph Foundation to host 'Routines and Rhythms of Parenting' at our school,” says Noah Hartman, CHA’s Head of School, “ I'm looking forward to large parent participation, as this is one of our hallmark initiatives designed to foster strong community and to strengthen parents’ engagement in their children's learning.” 

Register by contacting Barbara Tanger at btanger@cohenhillel.org or 781-639-2880 x215.