Interfaith Families Are Warmly Welcomed at SHAARE ZEDEK
Shaare Zedek Synagogue
is a vibrant, inclusive congregation that invites members of all
backgrounds to participate in our community.
Keruv (which means to come closer), spearheaded by the Federation of Jewish
Men’s Clubs and United
Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, was formed to answer the needs of
interfaith couples and
families, and, in the words of the Torah, to “welcome you into the
tent.”
If you are an interfaith couple or family and would
like to learn more about interfaith outreach
at Shaare Zedek, please contact:
Alan Schwartz, Keruv Consultant – 314.503.4356
Your Family Is Invited to Worship With Us
We welcome both Jewish and non-Jewish
family members to worship at all services.
Weekday, Shabbat, and Holiday services
are open to members of all faiths.
Honors
As a couple affiliated with Shaare Zedek, we welcome you to participate in our
Torah service and the following honors:
Being called to our bimah (pulpit) to participate in family life cycle events:
baby naming, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, confirmation, graduation, birthday, anniversary
Readings from the bimah:
Prayer for our country, Prayer for Peace, Prayer for State of Israel in Hebrew or in English
Brit Milah and Naming Ceremonies
Brit Milah (ritual circumcision) is the rite through which a baby boy is
welcomed into the Jewish
community and at which he receives his Hebrew name. Rabbi Fasman and/or
Hazzan Dulkin will be
happy to assist in the planning and participate in the celebration of
this most meaningful ceremony.
Upon the birth of a daughter, the Rabbi will be delighted to discuss the
options for a naming ceremony in the synagogue or in the home.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony is an important rite of passage, as a
Jewish child becomes a Jewish
adult. We afford opportunities to all family members to participate in
the service. During the service, both parents will be invited to come to
the bimah (pulpit), and both parents may stand before the Ark to share a
blessing with their child.
Weddings
The union of a couple is always a celebratory event. Rabbi Fasman will
be happy to meet with all couples contemplating marriage and discuss
opportunities for involvement in the synagogue.
Please be aware that Rabbis of the Conservative movement are only
permitted to officiate at the marriage of two members of the Jewish
faith. However, this only applies to the wedding ceremony itself. Before
and after the ceremony, the Rabbi hopes to be part of your family life.
We are here to help you create your Jewish home, filled with love,
celebration and learning.
Funerals
In the event that a non-Jewish spouse affiliated with our congregation
loses a loved one, Rabbi Fasman
and /or Hazzan Dulkin will be available for comfort and support. Judaism
offers much in the way of
mourning practices. Many Jewish traditions are universal in their
ability to provide comfort at a time of loss. The Rabbi is available to
discuss rituals and observances that may be helpful in a time of
mourning.
Jewish Education
One need not be Jewish to take advantage of the many educational
opportunities offered by the synagogue.
Everyone is welcome to our adult education programs and classes. A child
need not be Jewish to attend our Early Childhood Educational Center.
Children of interfaith couples may be enrolled in our Shaare
Shalom Religious School, provided that the child is Jewish or that there
is an intent to have the child
converted to Judaism.
Synagogue Participation
Shaare Zedek welcomes the participation of everyone in synagogue
activities. Both Jewish and non-Jewish spouses are invited to join our
Sisterhood and Men’s Club and are welcome to serve and participate in
numerous programs and congregational committees.
Mishpacha (young family programs)
Connecting young families to our congregation is the goal of the
Mishpacha Program, led by Hazzan Dulkin.
This program is geared for families with children age 6 and under,
allowing these members to get to know
each other in a friendly and casual setting. Events and services are
scheduled throughout the year to coincide with holidays and Shabbat.