My house shall be a house of prayer for all peoples. (Isaiah 56:7)
Reform Judaism holds the mitzvah of ahavat ger, welcoming the stranger, among the most important tenets of our faith. We actively welcome interfaith families into our communities and encourage their participation in our synagogues.
For over 30 years, the Department of Outreach and Membership has been developing innovative resources to help individuals, interfaith couples and families, particularly the non-Jewish partner, feel more comfortable in a Reform setting. We work to empower people to make Jewish choices for themselves and their families and strive to provide resources to inform educated decisions. Congregation Beth Israel offers numerous congregational resources so that our congregation is a welcoming place for people of diverse religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds.
For Individuals Every couple begins with two individuals from different backgrounds and the need to integrate separate lives into one family. Interfaith couples and their families also face special challenges posed by differing religious traditions and cultures. Remember: you are not alone. Reform Judaism welcomes you. Learn more about Reform Judaism through the classes we offer.
If you are a member of an interfaith couple or family, we invite you to find a spiritual connection at Congregation Beth Israel. Remember that Reform congregations warmly welcome interfaith families!
If you are raising children you should know about Union for Reform Judaism policies regarding religious school enrollment. Revisiting the 1995 Resolution on Religious School Enrollment gives a clear explanation as to why it is imperative for religious schools to have a clear enrollment policy regarding children of interfaith families and equally important to communicate this effectively to your congregation.
