Diversity
The Emanuel recognizes diversity in Jewish families. All are treated with warmth and respect.
We welcome families where one partner is Jewish and one is not. The non-Jewish partner is afforded full access to the synagogue resources and clergy, but cannot vote on synagogue business. School-age children may enter our religious school if they are being raised as Jews, but not if they are also attending religious instruction in another faith. To become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at The Emanuel, the children must have a Jewish mother or have had a traditional conversion. Consult with Rabbi Small to answer any questions about the conversion. We greatly appreciate the role of the non-Jewish partner in supporting his or her child’s Jewish education. The non-Jewish partner will have a significant role in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.- Adult children, grandchildren and descendants of intermarriage will feel welcome here.
- Jews by choice are embraced.
- Singles of all ages should be comfortable participating in our activities.
- Single-parent families are integrated into the fabric of our community.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender members are welcome and wholly involved in our setting.- Children and adults with special needs are full participants in congregation activities.
