Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun

Interfaith Families

Hear what Emanu-El interfaith family members are saying:

  • “What makes us comfortable as an interfaith household at Emanu-El is the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Temple and, equally, the camaraderie with Temple members. Emanu-El feels very inclusive.”
  • “As an Interfaith family, we feel very comfortable at Emanu-El and have raised our three kids at the synagogue, from kindergarten Hebrew school through b’nai mitzvah. As a non-Jew, I felt included to participate and stood alongside my spouse in my children’s b’nai mitzvah ceremonies.”
  • “For us, ritual and tradition are a huge part of spirituality. Through our Jewish observances, we create important family bonds. The non-Jewish member of our family has never needed to explain himself or justify his presence in the congregation. That he is willing to create a Jewish life with his children has always been enough. He has been made to feel an essential part of the B’nai Mitzvah for both of our children.”
  • “Emanu-El feels inclusive to our family for all of the services and programs which we attend.”
  • “As a Christian partner, I was afraid that I would never really find a spiritual place for myself outside of what I grew up with. But at Emanu-El I’ve found a loving, supportive, and welcoming community that accepts me for who I am and where I am in my own Jewish journey.”
  • “I am comfortable as an interfaith family participating in events, and I am not thought of as interfaith. I am a member, a worshiper, a participant, an ice cream server, a greeter, a sukkah builder, a student, a teacher, a planner and a participant. The best part, to me, of being part of this congregation is worshiping together and finding our own way to speak to God. It is an honor to feel welcome, to sing or not sing, to be able to attend or watch on Zoom.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Our congregational life is enriched by our members who come to us with different faiths and religious backgrounds. We welcome your entire family. Both Jewish and non-Jewish partners are considered members if they so choose.

Yes. We believe it is important to welcome all of our members’ families, regardless of their own religious affiliation. Please contact our rabbi to discuss how best to involve your family.

Our clergy seek to support interfaith couples, guiding and counseling couples before, during, and after a wedding ceremony. Before the wedding, our clergy are available to meet with a couple and talk about what they’re looking for religiously in a ceremony as well as in their marriage. In many cases, our clergy are honored to guide a couple to the chuppah (wedding canopy) and lead the ceremony under it. Once a couple is married, we look forward to continuing to welcome them in our congregation as they build their Jewish future, whatever that journey might look like for them.

Yes. We conduct our worship services in English and Hebrew. We provide transliterated Hebrew and English translations of all Hebrew prayers and readings.

Yes. All adult learning programs are open to all of our members, regardless of faith. We also welcome anyone interested in exploring Judaism to reach out to our clergy to ask about Introduction to Judaism classes to learn more. Please contact our clergy or Director of Lifelong Learning with specific questions or interests you may have.

No. While we are delighted to talk with you about conversion, those of different faiths are always welcome at Emanu-El.

No, we respect your traditions and your background. We hope you will still come join in the learning, socializing, praying, and activities we do here. We do expect that children who enroll in Emanu-El’s religious school are being raised as Jews.

Non-Jewish family members can participate in all services including b’nei mitzvah services, and other life cycle events. Everyone is welcome to attend services and all Emanu-El events. Please contact our rabbi to discuss how best to involve your family.

Emanu-El clergy will officiate at funerals for non-Jewish congregants in the sanctuary, funeral home or grave site. If asked to participate, Emanu-El clergy will offer a prayer or eulogy at a funeral that is officiated by non-Jewish clergy elsewhere.

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