INTERFAITH

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. We also offer numerous congregational resources so that our synagogues can be welcoming places for people of diverse religious backgrounds, sexual orientations and ethnic backgrounds.

For Congregations
The definition of what constitutes a “Jewish family” has changed. Whether both partners are Jewish or not, your congregation can educate and encourage families to make Jewish choices and support them along their journey.

At the 2005 Biennial, Rabbi Eric Yoffie issued a resounding call to our movement not only to accept interfaith families, but to embrace them as a vital part of Jewish life today. As you work to make your congregation more welcoming to interfaith families, learn about our Biennial Initiatives: (provide links for below)

• Supporting Interfaith Families: Recognizing and Honoring the Non-Jewish Spouse
• Inviting and Supporting Those Who Are in the Process of Conversion .
• A Two-Year Action Plan to Recognize and Honor Non-Jews Raising Jewish Children and to Invite and Support Conversion
• Revisiting the 1995 Resolution on Religious School Enrollment

As you continue to build warm, welcoming communities, we have numerous resources to help. From programming ideas to networking opportunities, you can find what you need here.

• Outreach Fellows training for lay leaders
• Books and programming ideas
• TalkingOutreach networking listserv to share thoughts and resources with other synagogue leaders
• Monthly Outreach Newsletter with resources, tips and programming ideas for Outreach chairs or anyone interested in the work of Outreach
• Trained staff members to help tailor your Outreach programming to your congregation. Contact an Outreach professional for more information.

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. Our congregations welcome you. Learn more about Reform Judaism through the classes we offer.