WEST HARTFORD – Beth El Temple of West Hartford, was selected to participate in the Family Engagement Network, an initiative of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ) geared toward engaging young families in Jewish life and community. Only 20 Conservative congregations nationwide were chosen to embark on the program.

“By joining this program, we send the message to our community of young families that they are our future,” said Beth El’s spiritual leader, Rabbi James Rosen. “We are happy to invest our resources and energy into building the Beth El of tomorrow.”

USCJ’s Family Engagement Network is a coalition of synagogue professionals and lay leaders dedicated to advancing the work of engaging young families in Judaism. Over the course of a year, Network members will participate in webinars and be able to connect with each other to share resources and ideas.

Participating congregations will also have access to individual mentoring phone calls with Rabbi Cara Weinstein Rosenthal, USCJ’s family engagement specialist and the Network’s coordinator.

“I believe that the sharing and learning aspect with other synagogues is priceless,” said Beth El President Diane Lieberfarb, noting that family programming is already a part of the Beth El fabric. For example, she notes, the soul’s Parent Action Group “is a strong and creative organization working closely with the religious school. It has provided parents and children an avenue for fostering relational Judaism.”

In addition, added Lieberfarb, “One need only to have been present at our Show Off Shabbat,  Mitzvah Day or, Simchat Torah celebration to feel the energy, enthusiasm, and sense of community as it pertains to the number of young families at Beth El.”