Having a baby should be among life's most joyous events. But for many new Jewish parents in our community, it often leads to a feeling of isolation—especially if they have recently moved to suburbia and lack the traditional support of parents and grandparents who often live far away. In order to help new mothers and fathers feel closer to the community, the Synagogue Leadership Initiative of the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey sponsors the Shalom Baby. The goal of this initiative is to reach out to young Jewish families who have recently experienced the birth or adoption of a child. The program helps young families network with each other and connect to the Jewish community.

"One of the most beautiful things about having a baby is feeling more connected to your own family. But it shouldn't stop there. It is also an opportunity to feel more connected to your community," says Diane Schusterman Bank, chair of the Shalom Baby Committee from Fair Lawn. "Through Shalom Baby, young mothers and fathers can feel more connected to our Jewish community. It is so helpful for someone to call or stop by and tell young parents where they can go for Jewish nursery programs, what day schools have to offer, or where to turn if they need any help."

Shalom Baby is an outreach program of the Synagogue Leadership Initiative (SLI) that welcomes parents and their newborns or newly adopted children into the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey’s community.  The program is a wonderful way for new parents to find support and build a social connection during this special time in their lives.

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