Gurlz J.A.M.

(Greater Hartford, CT) – A consortium of organizations from throughout the Greater Hartford Jewish community is excited to introduce an event for middle school aged girls and their moms or other adult female role model.

Gurlz J.A.M. (Judaism, Anat and Me) is an interactive, fun and thought-provoking evening which will create an opportunity for Jewish girls and their moms to talk about issues they face today. The session will meet on Thursday, January 24, 2013 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Underground (740 N Main St, West Hartford).  The focus is on the wearing of prayer shawls (tallitot) and how families make that decision.

The program will feature guest presenters Yael Freimann, Rabbi Sheryl Katzman and Nancy Rosen who have been inspired by the group Women of the Wall (WOW), their chairwoman Anat Hoffman and WOW’s advocacy for women’s rights at the Western Wall. Participants will learn about the history of Women of the Wall, why we wear prayer shawls and how they can create a positive name for themselves as emerging teenagers. Over the course of the evening, the group will create a prayer shawl that will be donated to WOW.

Gurlz J.A.M. is open to all Jewish girls in grades 6-8 and their moms or female adult Jewish role model. Reservations are required and the cost of this event is $10 per family.

Community partners for Gurlz J.A.M. include Beth El Temple, The Commission on Jewish Education and Leadership of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, The Emanuel Synagogue, Jewish Teen Learning Connection and the Mandell Jewish Community Center. For more information or to reserve your place at the program, contact the JTConnect office at 860-727-6110 or visit our website at www.jtconnect.org.

JTConnect is a learning and social community that offers a rich experience for teens, enhancing their connection to Jewish heritage, traditions and values. The program is designed for students in 6th through 12th grades. Synagogue membership is not required.