Interfaith

The Brit Milah is the rite through which a baby boy is welcomed into the Jewish community and receives his Hebrew name. Our clergy are available to assist in planning and to participate in this meaningful ceremony.

Upon the birth of a daughter, our clergy will be delighted to discuss options for a naming ceremony, either at the synagogue or in your home.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony marks an important rite of passage as a Jewish child transitions into adulthood. We encourage the involvement of all family members during the service.

On Friday night, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child, along with the parents, will be called to the bimah for the Kiddush. On the morning of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Jewish and non-Jewish relatives may participate in the presentation of the tallit and offer prayers or blessings at the end of the service. During the ceremony, the parents will have the opportunity to share a blessing with their child.

The union of a couple is a celebratory event. The PAS clergy will be happy to meet with couples contemplating marriage and will discuss opportunities for involvement in the synagogue. Please be aware that rabbis of the Conservative Movement are only permitted to officiate at the marriage of two members of the Jewish faith. 

Our community does offer several rituals led by the clergy to warmly welcome the couple to the community, including a tena'im engagement ceremony, aufruf blessings, and a mezuzah-hanging ceremony

If a non-Jewish spouse affiliated with our congregation loses a loved one, our rabbis are available to offer comfort and support. Judaism provides meaningful mourning practices, many of which are universally comforting in times of loss. The rabbis are available to discuss rituals and observances that may be helpful during this difficult time.

You do not need to be Jewish to take advantage of the many educational opportunities at PAS. Our adult education programs and classes are open to all. Children of interfaith couples can be enrolled in the Penn Family Early Childhood Center. They also can attend Congregational School if they are Jewish or there is an intent for them to convert to Judaism when they become Bnei Mitzvah.