Outreach

Beth Haverim Shir Shalom is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming attitude. In the past two years we have created programs for members of our congregation who are in interfaith families. Our Interfaith Couples Discussion Group, Opening Doors, began meeting in January, 2003 affording the opportunity to discuss the many common concerns that arise in a dual-religion household. We've discussed sensitive subjects surrounding Life Cycle events such as "Bris or Baptism," marriage and burial. We've celebrated holidays such as Shabbat and Sukkot together and explored the similarities and differences in our religions. A frequent topic of discussion is the push and pull of holiday celebrations in families that have two religions. As synagogue members, we explore ways to make Jewish choices while respecting the different religious beliefs of our loved ones. Opening Doors is a safe, informal place where we can talk about issues that might otherwise be daunting subjects.

Now, we have a brand new Outreach Committee and with the formation of this committee, comes new possibility for reaching out both to our members and those who might be looking for a spiritual home. Since 1978, when Reform Jewish Outreach pioneered a message and program of welcome to Jews-by-choice and interfaith families, the North American Jewish landscape has changed dramatically. These individuals and families are now an integral part of a far more diverse Jewish community. All Jews---young, old, and in between--- and their families including new Jews, seekers, Jews of color, gay and lesbian individuals and blended families find a welcoming home in Reform Jewish congregations. Honoring differences while creating a cohesive community calls for an all-embracing approach that offers many different kinds of programs and entry points within each congregation.

Outreach and Synagogue Community is the name for a new generation of Reform commitment to actively welcoming all and building vibrant, inclusive congregational communities. Outreach and Synagogue Community activities center on the mitzvah of keruv---welcoming the stranger anyone who seeks connection with God, Torah and the Jewish community.

The Department of Outreach and Synagogue Community of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) offers programs and varied resources to enable congregations to succeed in welcoming a diversity of Jews and their families, and facilitates each congregation’s growth toward its own unique expression of a sacred community.

Like the URJ's Department of Outreach and Synagogue Community, Beth Haverim's Outreach Committee will strive to ensure that every voice is heard and we will actively work to create new programs to provide welcoming, inclusive and meaningful Jewish experiences in our rich, engaging Jewish community.

Our congregation's Outreach Committee is brand new and we would like to expand our programs to include keruv (affinity) groups for many segments of Beth Haverim Shir Shalom- for instance: 20s and 30s; singles; widows and widowers; gays and lesbians to name a few possibilities. In order to do this, we will need YOU to step up & tell us what you want and need!

Please come to our Outreach Committee meeting at the synagogue on Monday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. We want to create dynamic programs that will be meaningful for our diverse congregation. Get in on the ground floor of Outreach at Beth Haverim Shir Shalom. We look forward to welcoming you!

Jane and Mark Young
Co-Chairs