With the high holidays around the corner, a workshop that teaches the ins and outs of Judaism’s cultural traditions to Jewish and non-Jewish parents is a welcome stress reliever.

Congregation Dorshei Emet is hosting two free high holidays prep classes, open to members of the Mothers Circle as well as congregation members, non-members, and anyone else interested in learning more about Judaism’s holiest time of the year.

This workshop, taking place at one of Montreal’s only open-to-all Reconstructionist synagogues, is perfect for “mothers of other faiths raising Jewish children … or those who just want a refresher and to return to Jewish life after some time away,” assistant rabbi Julia Appel says.

“We’re going to talk about the meaning behind the holidays so that people can best experience them at home,” Appel says. “By decoding what’s going on in synagogue, people can feel more empowered to take part in the holidays.”

The class will cover the basics of preparing a Rosh Hashanah meal, saying prayers, and other traditions. Parents are invited to become better equipped to impart Jewish knowledge on their children and become involved in the religion’s customs, whether they were raised in a practicing Jewish home or not.

Congregation administrator Carmela Aigen led the Mothers Circle last year. The participants encouraged her to delve deeper into Judaism’s concepts this time around.

“I introduced them to Judaism in an inclusive way,” she says, “not wanting them to convert, but to (get a) feel for Judaism since they are raising Jewish kids.” She will be introducing participants to major concepts associated with the four high holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

The workshops will be held on Sept. 16 and 30 from 7:30 to 9 p.m., at Congregation Dorshei Emet, located at 18 Cleve Road in Hampstead.

For more information or to register, call 514-486-9400 or email info@dorshei-emet.org by Sept. 9.