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November 2006
Regional News
Peninsula Some 25 years ago, a group of interfaith families on the Peninsula joined together to found a synagogue that would welcome them at a time when many did not. “From the beginning, the congregation has been open and inclusive,” says Rabbi Melanie Aron, spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Hadash, the Los Gatos Reform congregation. The openness enables spouses who may not be living a Jewish life to connect and see themselves as part of the synagogue community. It also enables non-Jewish partners to participate fully in congregational life, whether as members of the board or a committee to taking part in life cycle events such as bar and bat mitzvahs. Congregation Shir Hadash offers an ongoing discussion group for interfaith couples. The focus in the fall is on the couples themselves – looking within, determining values and sharing with each other. In the spring, participants turn outward to family matters – children, parents and extended families. Participants range from couples considering marriage to those in second marriages. They come in and out of the groups, Aron says, and do not need to be members of the congregation to participate. Besides the discussion group, the synagogue offers holiday workshops and introduction to Judaism courses designed to help non-Jewish partners understand holidays and rituals. These sessions are a place to explore Judaism, Aron explains, but not a vehicle for conversion. Times have changed since Shir Hadash was founded, and today interfaith families comprise a significant percentage of most Bay Area Reform and Conservative congregations. Another thing has changed as well: there are more intercultural and interracial families in the mix. It’s a change, Aron notes, that is both interesting and challenging. For information about the discussion group or other activities, contact Congregation Shir Hadash. 408.358.1751 or office@shirhadash.org « Previous Article |
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