Temple Isaiah Extends a Warm Welcome to Our Interfaith Families
Temple Isaiah wants to support and help create strong Jewish families. Interfaith marriages and interfaith families make up a significant part of our congregation. We hope that all who want to create a Jewish family and become a part of our diverse community will take advantage of the many opportunities to learn and celebrate at Temple Isaiah. You are welcome in our midst and we will help you find a comfortable home in our synagogue. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions:
If I’m the non-Jewish member of the family, am I a full member of the synagogue?
Yes! Both Jewish and non-Jewish spouses are entitled to the privileges of synagogue membership, including participation in all our services and programs and voting at our Annual Meetings.
Can I convert to Judaism?
Yes! Gerut (conversion) is a compelling and powerful process. We feel blessed when an adult comes to the serious and wonderful decision to adopt Judaism as his/her faith. Some make that decision early in life, or at the time of their marriage to a Jew, while others formally choose Judaism after having been part of (and helping to create) a Jewish family for many years. While it requires strong dedication and soul-searching, the results are extraordinary. As Lydia Kukoff, herself a Jew-by-Choice, writes, “Those who choose Judaism are witnesses to the beauty and value of Jewish tradition.”
At Temple Isaiah, each convert follows an individual course of study through meetings with one of our rabbis or cantor. The convert also takes our Encountering Judaism class on Sunday mornings. The period of preparation is usually about a year and the study culminates in a beautiful ceremony at the mikveh (ritual bath). During the period of study, the prospective Jew-by-Choice learns about Judaism, participates in the life of the synagogue and the Jewish community, and develops and deepens his or her personal commitment to, and relationship with, God, Torah and the Jewish people. We look forward to working with you as you explore Jewish life. For more information on conversion, please contact one of our rabbis or cantor. We can also set up a meeting for you with one of our members who participated in our program and is already a Jew-by-Choice.
Religious School Programs
The clergy of Temple Isaiah believes that children should be given a clear message in the development of a religious identity. We ask that parents who enroll their children in our religious school make the choice to raise their children as Jews. If you are wondering about the impact of dual religious training, we invite you to discuss your thoughts with one of our rabbis or cantor.
All parents, Jewish and non-Jewish, are welcomed and encouraged to join in all aspects of their child’s learning experience. This includes participating in family programs and religious services, meeting with the teachers, helping in the classroom, and working with students on at-home assignments
Youth and Camp Programs
The children of all members are invited to participate.
Adult Education
Adult courses are open to all members of the congregation. This will be a terrific way to learn more about Judaism, study with our Rabbis and Cantor and get to know other members of the congregation.
Life Cycle Events
Both parents are invited to participate in ceremonies such as Brit Milah, baby naming, Bar and Bat Mitzvah, weddings and funerals.
Brit/Naming Rituals
The rituals of brit and baby naming are ceremonies that welcome and confirm a child’s membership in the covenantal Jewish community. Traditionally, the brit for boys includes circumcision and is held on the eighth day of your son’s life. Some parents choose to have the circumcision in the hospital and the naming ceremony on the eighth day in their home or at a later date in the synagogue. Baby girls are welcomed into the covenant with a Brit/naming ceremony that can also be held on the eighth day or on another date, usually during the first year of life. Those ceremonies take place at home or in the synagogue. Please contact one of our rabbis or cantor with any questions and to ask one of our clergy to participate with you at this important first step in your Jewish child’s life. If you have any questions about the role of this ritual in the life of your child, please call one of our rabbis or cantor.
B’nai Mitzvah
We are grateful for the love and support that many non-Jewish parents give to their children as they prepare to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah. We invite both parents to celebrate and participate in learning with their child. During the service of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, both Jewish and non-Jewish family members are welcome to open and close the Ark and dress and undress the Torah. Both parents will present the Tallit (prayer shawl) to their child. The Jewish grandparents and parent pass the Torah from one generation to the next, while the non-Jewish grandparents usually open the ark and the non-Jewish parent stands with his/her spouse at this important moment. The Jewish parent recites the Aliyah (blessing over the Torah reading), again accompanied on the bima (pulpit) by the non-Jewish parent.
Weddings
Our clergy participate in weddings for couples who want to create a Jewish home within the context of interfaith partnership.
Funerals and Mourning
Temple Isaiah clergy will officiate at funerals of any Temple member if a Jewish ritual is requested. We do not include prayers from other faith traditions nor co-officiate with clergy from other faiths. Non-Jews may be buried with their Jewish spouse in the Temple Isaiah portion of our local Jewish cemetery. The custom of reciting the name of a recently departed loved one for a month during our Shabbat services may be observed for both Jews and non-Jews. Both Jewish and non-Jewish family members may be memorialized for the observance of Yahrzeit (the anniversary of a death).
What did we forget?
If this page does not answer your questions about interfaith and Temple Isaiah (and even if it did!), please contact one of our rabbis or cantor for a meeting. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you find your place at Temple Isaiah.
Additional Resources
Interfaith Family Connection http://www.interfaithfamily.com
InterfaithFamily.com, Inc. is the online resource for interfaith families exploring Jewish life and the grass-roots advocate for more welcoming Jewish communities. This resource is for everyone touched by interfaith relationships where one partner is Jewish, on every topic of interest to them, and for everyone who works with and cares about them.
Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Families http://buildingjewishbridges.org/
Building Jewish Bridges offers workshops, couples groups and other programs to help you find answers to questions about family life, religious identity, and religious practice. Couples come together in a warm, supportive environment to share their questions & concerns, hopes and ideas. Many couples continue to be friends long after their groups conclude.
Union For Reform Judaism: Interfaith http://urj.org/life/interfaith/
For over 30 years, Reform Judaism been committed to welcoming interfaith couples into our community. Interfaith issues impact entire families. Grandparents, parents and children all face challenges posed by differing religions and cultures. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We are here to serve as a resource for you and your extended family.