Interfaith Households

Multi-Heritage Households at Beth Jacob Congregation

At Beth Jacob Congregation, we believe that Jewish life is strengthened by the diversity of people and stories within our community. We proudly welcome Multi-Heritage Households—families and couples that may include different cultural, ethnic, religious, or spiritual backgrounds—who are exploring, building, or living Jewish lives.

Judaism has always grown through dialogue, learning, and shared values. At Beth Jacob, we honor the full identities of our members and strive to create a sacred community where everyone feels respected, included, and truly at home.

Whether you are Jewish, partnered with someone Jewish, raising Jewish children, exploring Judaism, or weaving together multiple traditions, you are welcome at Beth Jacob Congregation.

Support for Couples: Counseling with Rabbi Tamar

Beth Jacob Congregation is committed to supporting couples as they build meaningful lives together. Rabbi Tamar offers compassionate, confidential counseling for couples who wish to better understand each other’s spiritual, religious, and cultural perspectives.

Couples seek out Rabbi Tamar for support with:

Navigating interfaith or multi-heritage relationships
Exploring Judaism together in a thoughtful and open way
Preparing for marriage or strengthening an existing partnership
Discussing how traditions, holidays, and values will shape their shared home

Rabbi Tamar provides a non-judgmental, respectful space for honest conversation, helping couples deepen understanding and build connection across differences.

Creating a Jewish Home & Raising Jewish Children

At Beth Jacob Congregation, we believe that creating a Jewish home is a journey—one guided by curiosity, intention, and love. We support families from all backgrounds as they explore how Jewish values and traditions can become meaningful parts of daily life.

We partner with families to help:

Celebrate Jewish holidays in accessible and joyful ways
Introduce Jewish rituals that feel authentic and sustainable
Raise children with a strong Jewish identity while honoring all aspects of their heritage
Navigate children’s questions with confidence, openness, and care

Through family education, holiday programming, life-cycle celebrations, and personal guidance, Beth Jacob Congregation offers a welcoming community where families can grow together.

Children of Abraham Cemetery

Beth Jacob Congregation is committed to honoring families in life—and in memory. Our cemetery includes a dedicated “Children of Abraham” section, created with care and compassion for families from Multi-Heritage Households.

This section reflects our belief that family bonds, love, and shared values transcend labels. It provides an option for families who wish to be laid to rest together in a way that respects Jewish tradition while honoring the reality of diverse family structures.

We approach these conversations with sensitivity and respect, and clergy are available to guide families through questions and decisions with dignity and care.

Voices from Our Community

Families and couples from Multi-Heritage Households are an integral part of Beth Jacob Congregation. Their experiences reflect the care, openness, and support found here.

“I love inviting new and prospective members to my house for Shabbat dinner, but I’m always surprised when someone says, “I’d love to, but … my spouse isn’t Jewish” as though that’s a problem, or something they should keep quiet. I guess in some synagogues, maybe it is. But not at Beth Jacob. I could tell them that our non-Jewish spouses are members of the congregation, and members of our Shul community. That our rabbis help them sit Shiva, visit them in the hospital, and take care of them as members. That no one keeps track, or notices, or judges anything. But instead, I usually just smile and say “That’s ok – neither is mine! Does 7pm work for you?” — Rachel

“It has now been 10 years since my mother, two of my sisters, and I converted, and 8 since my father followed. In that time I can state that, without a doubt, Beth Jacob has played the lead role in my religious journey. My family members, even those that did not convert, are now part of an incredibly loving and supporting community to whom we can turn in times of sadness and celebration.” — Tovah

“The variety in the backgrounds of Beth Jacob members as well as the different ages groups is also a plus in why we continue to come here. We are fascinated by the reasons people choose to become Jewish here; especially when it is not just because of marriage.” — Joan

These stories represent the many ways Beth Jacob Congregation supports meaningful Jewish life for today’s families.

You Belong at Beth Jacob Congregation

Beth Jacob Congregation is a community rooted in tradition and open to the lived experiences of today’s families. We believe Jewish life is at its best when it reflects the real people who shape it.

We invite you to learn, celebrate, and grow with us—just as you are.