Of Members and Friends

One of the many things that has delighted me during my first six months as rabbi of the synagogue is the genuine inclusivity of our congregation. As I've met more and more people and got behind the membership data, I've discovered the extent to which this shul really does provide a home for a wide range of people with varying backgrounds and living situations - in particular those living in households in which one partner is Jewish and one partner is not. My use of language here is quite deliberate: The partner who is not Jewish is not the other partner; such households can not necessarily be described as 'mixed faith'.

Let me explain: In my view, when two adults of different backgrounds decide to connect with a synagogue because one of the partners is Jewish, the partner who is not Jewish, whether or not they are actively supportive and involved in the congregation, is making the connection possible. And in those cases where the couple have children who attend the Religion School, the non-Jewish partner's role in enabling the children to grow up as Jews is particularly important. Clearly, it could not happen without their co-operation; clearly both partners together (not one and the other) have come to an agreement about the upbringing of their children.

The term 'mixed faith' household assumes that there are two faiths within one home. The reality is that sometimes there are and some times there are not. And that is why, although the expression 'non-Jewish partner' defines the partner who is not Jewish in relation to the partner who is, it is the only inclusive term for the variety of partners connected with our congregation who are not Jewish - that is, it's the only term which includes people of all religions and none.

A member of a synagogue, by definition, is a person who is Jewish either by birth or by choice. BHPS - like all other ULPS synagogues - is actually composed of both Jewish members and non-Jewish friends. Given the extent to which our congregation benefits from the co-operation of non-Jews, the leadership of the synagogue agrees that it is appropriate to recognise this contribution by making it official. So, if you are a non-Jewish partner, and you'd like to know more about becoming a friend, put this date in your diary now: Sunday 8th. July, 10.15a.m. - 12.30p.m. (with refreshments, of course!). Jewish partners are also very welcome.