Interfaith Familes at Kesher Zion
Kesher Zion has a long and proud history of welcoming interfaith families into our congregation. Conservative Judaism considers anyone who has a Jewish mother or converts to Judaism to be a Jew, and we welcome any member of that congregant’s family as an integral part of our community.
During religious services, we encourage everyone gathered to participate. Leading services, opening the Ark, carrying the Torah, lifting and dressing the Torah, being called for an aliyah and reading from the Torah or Haftorah are special obligations for Jewish adults. Non-Jewish participants are often asked to read English prayers during services and are invited to the bimah with their families during life cycle events.
Everyone, including members of other congregations and religions, is invited to attend services, events, classes and special programs. We especially encourage our members to get involved in our congregation. Education classes are open to adults and children with a passion for learning. We invite all volunteers to share their time helping our congregation perform tikkun olam (repairing the world). Non-Jewish members are welcome to join any of our synagogue’s committees. Board member positions are open only to Jewish congregants. Children who wish to be called to the Torah as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah must be Jewish.
As part of our commitment to religious understanding and tolerance, we participate in interfaith events in the larger Berks County community. We are always happy to welcome church groups to our services and in return, we enjoy visiting our local churches. We love sharing our Jewish faith with others.
