Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education

J.E.F.F. - Jewish Experiences for Families

Jewish Experiences for Families (J.E.F.F.) is a community sponsored organization that works with community 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 parents in teaching their children about Jewish values and thought, and to encourage ongoing family participation within congregations, agencies, and the total Jewish community.

Who Sponsors J.E.F.F.?

These programs are offered through Federation's Alliance for Jewish Education in conjunction with congregations, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, and the Fresh Air Society.

How Is This Organization Unique?

J.E.F.F. is unique because it seeks to answer the questions that its participants are actually asking about living a Jewish life. It seeks to meet the real needs of families today as they express themselves and to help families become part of the Jewish community network.

What Kinds of Activities Are Offered?

Planning family holiday celebrations
Offering relevant Jewish parenting seminars
Designing and executing Jewish family weekends, retreats and reunions
Forming Chaverot
Planning family workshops for Shabbat, holidays, tzedakah, or daily Jewish living
Utilizing all of the Detroit Jewish Community’s sites including the Jewish Community Centers and campgrounds
Creating innovative Jewish materials to be used by families at home (ie. Family Holiday Guides)

Who Makes J.E.F.F. Run?

You! In order for a congregation, agency or organization to become part of J.E.F.F., it must form a committee along with your professional staff and the J.E.F.F. staff. Together we will decide the programming for your congregation, agency, or organization.

Helping Jewish Families Grow

Here are just a few of the many Jewish Family Education programs that J.E.F.F. offers:

Sefer Safari/Parent Connection: a Jewish family literacy program designed to encourage families to share Jewish books, become acquainted with libraries located in synagogues, temples, and Federation agencies, and to begin to build their very own Jewish libraries at home.
Single Jewish Parents Network: Provides outreach, programming, and support to single Jewish parents and their families to keep them involved in our Jewish community’s activities and organizations.
Apples & Honey: a Pre-High Holiday Fair—with hands-on education, crafts, demonstrations and entertainment.
The Great Purim Parcel Project: city-wide Mishloach Manot, making & taking!
The Tzedakah Fair: an exploration of good deeds for fifth graders and their families in co-sponsorship with Women’s Division of the Jewish Federation of Metro Detroit, Temple Beth El and the Jewish Educators Council.

And, of course, lots, lots more!

For more information, email Lisa Soble Siegmann.