Interfaith Outreach Committee

The Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel (TSTI) Outreach Committee strives to meet the needs of interfaith couples and families, Jews-by-choice and non-Jews who wish to learn about, and participate more fully in, Jewish life. Our goal is to provide a warm and comfortable environment in which to connect, or re-connect, with Judaism through social, cultural and educational programming.
Background:Reform Jewish Outreach became a priority in the late 1970s as a response to the growing number of Jews choosing non-Jewish partners. Over time, the agenda has evolved to embrace all those seeking a return to, or entering into for the first time, active Jewish lives. Outreach is very much about making and understanding Jewish choices. The ideal choice is an educated choice, and to accomplish that, we must develop knowledge and insight, ask questions and seek answers. Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel's Interfaith Outreach Committee’s activities programs provide opportunities to learn and ask, share input and shape ideas.At Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel, temple and non temple members are welcome to participate in the Interfaith Outreach Committee’s rich educational and social programs and consult its resources. Additionally, the committee welcomes the input and participation of all members of the congregation.

At the more personal level, the Outreach Committee can answer questions or to direct inquires to the person in the TSTI community who can best provide assistance.Ongoing Activities Include:
* Offering Shabbat, holiday and life cycle programs such as "Shabbat for Everyone: A Shabbat Dinner and Learners’ Service" and "Honoring Our Mothers and Fathers: The Life-Cycle of Death and Mourning."

* Providing support systems such as Discussion Groups for interfaith couples and, coming in the fall of 2007, a "Mother's Circle" for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children.
* Working with the TSTI Preschool, Religious School and other Temple committees to sensitize them to the needs of the interfaith community.
* Maintaining a resource center including information from the Union for Reform Judaism and other sources.
Please Join Us For One Of Our Upcoming Programs!Our programs provide informal group settings for interfaith families and others to share thoughts and experiences, and to learn more about Jewish practice.
Programming & Discussions for 2007-2008 to include:
* A Shabbat dinner & learner's service
* Sukkot dinner & decorating
* Simchat Torah celebration
* Discussion of the life-cycle event: B'nai Mitzvot
* Interfaith Couples' Discussion Series
* Mother's Circle
* Grandparenting for Jewish and non-Jewish grandchildren
* Dating – intrafaith and interfaith

Want More Information? For more information, or to get involved, please contact Jennifer Larson, URJ Outreach Fellow and committee chair (973) 762-6636.