​​
At Temple Emanuel we welcome interfaith families of all backgrounds. Non-Jewish spouses are welcome to participate fully in all aspects of congregational life with the exception of leading prayer and serving on the Temple Board of Directors.
Approximately 35% of our families are interfaith families. Children of interfaith families who are enrolled in our educational programs are considered Jews. We follow the practice of the national Reform Movement that when a child of an interfaith family becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, he/she will henceforth be considered a Jewish adult by the congregation. Though there is no need for a formal conversion, the Rabbi is available to take children of interfaith families to the mikvah for formal conversion upon the wish of the parents.
We want non-Jewish spouses to feel at home at Temple Emanuel and to regard themselves as part of our congregational family.
Want to learn more about becoming a Jew?
ReformJudaism.org has resources for people who may wish to know more about choosing Judaism.
The URJ has resources for interfaith families here.