Congregation Beth Shalom
"A Community as a Family"
An inclusive congregation with members of varied levels of observance. Interfaith families and Jews by choice are an integral part of our synagogue family.
The following information represents a brief overview of our Ritual policies as they pertain to interfaith families at Beth Shalom. Should you have additional questions, after reviewing this page, please contact Rabbi David Senter at 973 835-3500
Synagogue Life Both Jewish and non-Jewish spouses are encouraged to participate in synagogue life as members of the Beth Shalom family.
Hebrew School Program All parents, Jewish and non-Jewish, are invited, welcomed and encouraged to participate in all aspects of their child’s learning experience. This includes participating in family programs, meeting with the teachers, and helping to complete at-home assignments.
Because Beth Shalom welcomes Interfaith families and believes that children should be given clear guidance in the development of their religious identities. Families raising children with dual traditions of faith are encouraged to discuss their situation with the Rabbi prior to enrollment in Hebrew School.
Ritual Participation
Many opportunities exist for participation by Jew and Non-Jew alike.
Examples:
- Anyone may be invited to the Bimah (pulpit)
- Prayer for Peace and Prayer for our Country are examples of prayers open to all
- Kaddish (prayer in memory of the dead) may be recited for anyone, regardless of their tradition of faith.
Life Cycle Events:
Naming events A Brit Milah (for a son) or Simchat Bat (for a daughter) ceremony marks a newborn Jewish child’s entrance into the Jewish community. Both parents of an Interfaith family may participate in the naming ceremony. Both parents may be invited onto the Bimah (pulpit) for the ceremony and may participate in the ceremony.
B’nai mitzvah services Upon completion of Beth Shalom Hebrew School requirements, Jewish boys and girls at about age 13 read participate as a Bar Mitzvah (for a boy) or a Bat Mitzvah (for a girl). Both parents are invited present the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child with their Tallit.
Many opportunities exist for Non-Jewish family and friends to participate in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony:
· Presentation of the Tallit (prayer shawl)
· Opening the Ark
· Carry the Torah ornaments
· Parents Prayer
· Selected English Readings
Weddings Beth Sholom is a welcoming inclusive congregation that embraces interfaith couples as they become part of Synagogue life. Our Rabbi, Rabbi David Senter is guided by the standards and practices of the Conservative Movement regarding officiating at interfaith weddings.
Rabbi Senter is more than happy to meet with you to discuss building a Jewish home and options for interfaith families.
Funerals & Mourning The custom of reciting the name of a recently departed loved one may be observed for both Jews and non-Jews. Both Jewish and non-Jewish family members may be memorialized for the observance of Yahrzeit (the anniversary of a death).
The Rabbi is available to work together with all families in their time of need. The observance of Shivah and other mourning rituals, are encouraged regardless of the deceased’s tradition of faith.
The Beth Shalom Cemetery is located within, and maintained by, King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton, NJ. Burial for our interfaith families is available through Cresthaven Cemetery. Cresthaven is a nonsectarian affiliate located next to King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton.
Information regarding burial is available through the synagogue office.
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