Question to Jewish Mumsnetters

[underrepresented]

I am Jewish, born in a different country (not UK) and only moved here in my thirties, never been particularly religious and don't have Jewish friends in this country.
Now I have started to realise that my children are missing out on being brought up as Jews. I would love for my kids to connect to their roots but I feel I can't do it alone - I myself was brought up in a Jewish community and although not religious, I always had a strong Jewish identity. It would also be quite nice for me to reconnect to the local Jewish community but I have no idea how to.

As I said, I haven't been to Jewish religious services much, having been brought up in a country where religion (any religion) was frowned upon and quite frankly banned. So, I think I would feel awkward just showing up to a service as I wouldn't know how to behave etc. I know from websites that some Synagogues offer community courses including classes for kids, but I just have no idea how to get into one. I tried to email those Synagogues/Centres but never got a reply :( I guess I need someone to introduce me? Any tips welcome!

Where are you located and how old are your kids? That’s a key one. There are loads of ways to connect without going to formal services but would help to have an idea of location to help to direct you.

@underrepresented are you in London? JW3 is a Jewish cultural centre (non religious) so you could start there.

Outside of London and big cities the communities are very small but you may find seeking out a liberal community to be more cultural and less formal religion.

As @Holidaydreamingagain your location is kind of key here x

Thanks holiday!
I am in South London and my kids are 12 and 6.

@Janefx40 Thanks - yes I know about the JW3 and it is great, however too far for us to go to on a regular basis. I might resort to it if nothing else can be found.

Limmud is a great organisation that runs pop up learning/socialising events around the country. Not religiously affiliated but culturally so.

You might find a liberal community more welcoming/less scary than an orthodox one.

I'm not in London but I've found this website, that might help? www.southlondonjewishservices.org.uk/

I would also look up pj library. Free Jewish books for your children delivered monthly. Your children may be past the picture book stage but your younger one should still be eligible for the next stage up. PJ library also runs events sometimes which can be a good way to meet other local families.

Not sure how local this chabad is to you - but Chabad is often a good place to find people. They are usually very welcoming and keen to provide support that brings people towards religion. www.chabadselondon.com/

Amazing! Thank you - will check that out

look at getting your 12 year old onto one of the summer camps with the liberal movement (LJY) or Reform (RSY) if you can’t afford it you there are bursaries. That’s an absolutely brilliant way for them to get some cultural experience. Also try a few services with the liberal synagogue, they tend to be very welcoming as do Reform. I wouldn’t bother with orthodox, maybe look at the kids going to cheder. Think it’s much more fun and interactive than it used to be. Especially for the little one.

OP - it's very impressive that you managed to maintain any sort of Jewish identity in such difficult surroundings (and I don't mean South London!). Agree you should try out different places, including the orthodox. Chabad are very welcoming and non-judgmental, for more so than limmud, IMHO. I wouldn't pay an unannounced visit to the vizhnitzer shtiebl in Stamford Hill, but i doubt whether that was on the cards in any event.