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August 2007
Regional News
North Bay “There are many Jewish paths, and they’re all very rich,” says Rabbi Noa Kushner, who directs Congregation Rodef Sholom’s Open Tent, a program that reaches out to interfaith families at the San Rafael synagogue. In fact, the Reform congregation has an enthusiastic committee working with Kushner to develop innovative and inclusive activities that engage the temple’s large interfaith membership. “We want to create a program for anyone who wants to learn about Judaism,” said Kushner. That engagement may be on a one-to-one basis through the congregation’s mentorship program, which pairs congregants who want to learn more with someone who can teach them. Or it may be participation in classes such as the Learner’s Shabbat or Introduction to Jewish Living, a course that will begin its two-year cycle this fall. Also beginning in the fall, committee members will staff an Open Tent table at religious school, children’s services and other events that draw young families. Visitors to the table can have their questions answered, make appointments with clergy and mentors and pick up printed resources and giveaways. Non-Jewish partners are invited to participate in most rituals at Congregation Rodef Sholom, with the single exception of being called for an aliyah during Torah reading, said Kushner. They can stand with their partner to pass the Torah to their child at a bar or bat mitzvah and have non-Jewish deceased parents included on the kaddish (weekly memorial) list. “Unless they have the opportunity to experience Jewish acts, what’s to motivate them to do more,” asked Kushner. The Open Tent committee is in the process of reviewing Rodef Sholom’s website, membership and other materials to be sure they are inclusive. “We want to make it clear that we’re a diverse congregation that serves people with many different needs,” Kushner concluded. For information about the Open Tent program at Congregation Rodef Sholom, contact Kushner at noa@rodefsholom.org or call the synagogue office at 415-479-3441.
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