Interfaith

Keruv means welcoming and incorporating all into our synagogue, the Jewish community and Jewish life itself.  For interfaith families, members of the LGBT community, and those exploring Judaism, Neve Shalom offers a warm atmosphere where we seek to nurture and support your spiritual journey.

We offer a warm atmosphere where you can develop a meaningful connection to Judaism. Our members are as diverse as the communities in which we live; our vibrant adult and youth programs provide something for everyone.

KERUV consists of both attitude and action, openness, and warmth, assisting all – including those who are born Jews, interfaith families and “seekers” who may be interested in exploring Judaism.

Congregation Neve Shalom teaches Jewish values which will inspire Jewish living and encourage children in their Jewish education. This includes assistance with the possibility of conversion to Judaism.

Our life cycle events are inclusive and welcoming, and include the following aspects of participation:

• Birth - During the Baby Naming, non-Jewish spouse is invited to hold the baby while the Hebrew name is given.
• Bar/Bat Mitzvah - Parent(s) and the Jewish Child are encouraged to attend the Rabbi’s pre-bar/bat mitzvah clinic.  The couple, including the non-Jewish spouse, is invited to the Bimah (pulpit) to present the Bar/Bat Mitzvah with the Tallit (prayer shawl).Non-Jewish members of the family are invited to read a Psalm in English. All members of the family are invited to stand during the Shehechiyanu (a prayer thanking God for preserving us in Life until this happy moment).
• Marriage - When two Jews marry under the Chuppah (the marriage canopy), both the Jewish and non-Jewish parents stand with the couple and bask in this joyous moment.  One of our “Klei Kodesh “ (spiritual leaders) will officiate at the marriage of both heterosexual and same-sex Jewish couples.
• Death - In case of the death of an interfaith spouse our “Klei Kodesh” (spiritual leaders) will council, administer to, and support the bereaved family.

We hope this information helps start to answer questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Keruv Committee at interfaith@neveshalom.net.  We are happy to provide more information and answer your questions.