Passover/Easter Interfaith Resources

The above link is a guide to resources for dealing with the "Spring Dilemma" - celebrating Passover and Easter in an interfaith family. There are many articles dealing with this subject as well as tips for making your seder more inclusive and interfaith readings that can be added to the Haggadah.

Chag Sameach and Happy Holiday,
Lois

One initiative of the Union for Reform Judaism is to recognize and support the non-Jewish spouse. Here is an excerpt from the URJ mission statement on this subject:

"THE BLESSING OF THE GEREI TOSHAV"

Excerpted from an article by Rabbi David B. Cohen, Congregation Sinai, Milwaukee, WI

"Even in biblical times, Jews met and fell in love with non-Jews. Take Moses, for example, who married Tzipporah, the daughter of a Midianite priest. Even then, the non-Jews who dwelled among us—referred to biblically as gerei toshav, or resident aliens—were the support and help that made Jewish existence possible.

Have things really changed? Consider: How often is the non-Jewish partner the one who maintains the rhythms of the Jewish homes? Whether lighting candles for Shabbat or a holiday, wrapping Chanukah packages, preparing charoset for a seder, planning the details of a baby naming or bat mitzvah or driving in the carpool—it is often the non-Jewish partner in the proverbial driver’s seat.
That so many choose to contribute to Jewish continuity is astounding and a blessing we ought not take for granted. Even more, the gerei toshav in our midst sometimes do so at great personal sacrifice. It is clear that the gerei toshav in our congregation and other Reform congregations everywhere have added immeasurably by their presence and participation. Every Jewish family, very Jewish child, is precious. To those gerei toshav who have made this possible, we owe the highest debt of gratitude. Let’s not take this blessing for granted. Let’s make sure the gerei toshav in our midst feel as welcome as they should."

Temple Emanuel Outreach will be supporting this initiative with programs dedicated to the gerei toshav of our congregation. Our congregation highly values our non-Jewish members and is committed to providing well-deserved recognition and support to these congregants.

Shalom from Lois, Temple Emanuel Outreach Coordinator!

There are many things that make Temple Emanuel special. One of these is the diversity of our membership. Rabbi Goldstein and Temple leadership are committed to building a vibrant, inclusive congregational community in which all of our members, regardless of faith, feel valued and comfortable participating in every aspect of Temple life. Teaching in the Religious School made it apparent to me that we have many families in which a parent isn't Jewish but are lovingly and supportively raising their childrens as Jews. There also appeared to be a need to provide resources and support to those members of our Temple community, regardless of whatever faith they might practice. The first step was to appoint a Temple member dedicated to addressing the needs and issues faced by our interfaith families. With the Temple's support, I attended a 5-day program sponsored by the URJ Outreach department. This program, called the Alexander Schindler Fellowship, prepares lay leaders to specifically address the challenges of interfaith families through program development, education, and other resources.

In my role as Outreach Coordinator, I will be offering programs and resources for individuals and families, including extended family members. URJ Outreach has a vast collection of programs and materials to which I have complete access. I have already started work on program development for our Temple. More information will be provided in subsequent posts and in the Temple bulletin.

I encourage you to use this blog as a source of information, a way to connect with the larger Temple interfaith community, and a forum to discuss whatever you wish in a supportive environment.

Please share your thoughts regarding this new Temple initiative.....