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On March 1st, 2017, the General Assembly of Kehillot of the United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (USCJ), the umbrella organization to which Beth El belongs, began to allow synagogues to expand membership to include non-Jews. Also, USCJ permits each synagogue to interpret that ruling in a way that is appropriate for their particular congregation.

On May 16th, 2018, Beth El's congregation will vote to update the synagogue's bylaws to include non-Jewish spouses as official members.

“During these times when there are more and more interfaith couples in the Jewish community, we need to ensure that Beth El is as open and welcoming as it can be to those families, their children, and their needs,” said Senior Rabbi Steve Schwartz.

Beth El has always welcomed families with one non-Jewish spouse (or partner) to our community. The board's decision to update Beth El's bylaws to officially include interfaith households into our congregation as full members is an enlightened direction for the synagogue.

The Board of Directors assembled a small committee and charged them with the task of revising the bylaws. The committee presented the new language to the executive committee, and finally, the Board of Trustees approved the revised bylaws this past March.  

“Inviting interfaith families into our congregation as members is an integral part of our mission to be a progressive and welcoming congregation,” said Rabbi Schwartz. “I am grateful to the board for approving the recently suggested changes to our by-laws, and by doing so opening our doors even wider for the interfaith families in our midst.”

We encourage members of the congregation to come out for this symbolic and important vote at the Annual Meeting on May 16th at 6:00pm. Click here for more information or to RSVP.