July/August, 2010 NON-JEWS ARE WELCOME IN OUR TENT At the most recent conference of Reform rabbis, held this past January in San Francisco, there were many discussions and workshops about interfaith families in our congregations. I was most thankful to hear that for many of my colleagues these families are not a burden or a challenge, but rather, a great blessing! It is a fact of life that we are seeing an increasing number of these families joining our religious communities. I am so pleased by the number of interfaith families who belong to Congregation Or Chadash. At the same time, I am proud of those of you who are not Jewish, who feel that by belonging to this congregation you and your family find reward in your membership. Your choice to belong to our synagogue only strengthens our mission. At the same time, I am aware of the challenges that many of you face. We need to come together to find the balance between preserving the integrity of Judaism and at the same time responding sensitively to the human needs of all involved. As your rabbi, I am reflecting on my role as a rabbi in your lives. This year, I am seeking to learn how I can more fully participate in the life cycle events of your family. That is all I can say at this time; but if you want to sit with me and discuss your personal needs and desires regarding birth, marriage, death—whatever the topic—I hope you are comfortable to call upon me at any time. Due to our desire to be more proactive and clear about roles and involvement in synagogue life, Allen and Karen Erenberg have taken on the role of heading our Interfaith Committee, known as Shalom LaKol (All are Welcome). This year Shalom LaKol will reach out to our interfaith families and families in our community to provide leadership in discussing and finding common ground in how our families can participate more fully in Jewish life and in the life of our congregation. The prophet Isaiah, who lived in the sixth century BCE, said, Enlarge the site of your tent, extend the size of your dwelling, spare not! Lengthen the ropes, and drive the pegs firm (54:2). We at Or Chadash, since our inception, have been committed to welcoming those who are not Jewish as members of our sacred community. You are most welcome in our tent. But now it is time to do more. Let us first recognize outwardly: * Intermarriage is a reality in the life of many; * Many Jews will be brought closer to Judaism if there is a recognized place for their non-Jewish partner; * Many non-Jews are actively offering their spirit, their talents, and their time to our community; * Without violating the integrity of Judaism there are educational and leadership opportunities for those who are not Jewish; * There needs to be a way to acknowledge the presence and the contributions of these members of our community. Along these lines, the Shalom LaKol Committee will hold their first meeting on Sunday, August 22nd from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and will be offering, for the first time, an educational program specifically for our interfaith families. On Monday, August 30th, I will be teaching a class Negotiating Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur for Interfaith Families. Please see the bottom of this page for an outline of this class. For questions or to discuss how you might want to be involved, please contact me or the Erenbergs, erenberg@comcast.net. B’ruchim Haba-im: Welcome to those non- Jews who dwell amongst us in this tent and who share and shape our story. l’Shalom, Rabbi Thomas A. Louchheim |