Interfaith Resources

At Shir Ami, we are proud to be a community that includes many interfaith households. You are not alone—and your presence deeply enriches our congregation. We warmly welcome and celebrate the diversity you bring, and we offer many meaningful opportunities to get involved, from Shir Groups and Lifelong Learning programs to large, inclusive community events.

INCLUSION STATEMENT

Shir Ami is the beating heart of Reform Judaism in Bucks County and has been the center of people's Jewish lives since 1976. We are inclusive and warmly welcome Jews and their partners to engage deeply and meaningfully in Jewish life. We welcome Interfaith households, LGBTQIA+ households, bi-racial households, children and adults who are neuro-diverse or have different physical abilities than others, people from various political perspectives, and more.

We estimate that 30-40% of our households, especially among our younger families, include one partner who is not Jewish. It is important to us that every member of our households feel welcomed, valued, and comfortable at Shir Ami and see Shir Ami as their home just as much as their Jewish partner.

LIFECYCLE & RITUAL INCLUSION

At Shir Ami, we welcome and encourage participation in all lifecycle events, offering guidance, references, and explanations to help make each moment meaningful. We understand that a b. mitzvah may be a family’s first experience with synagogue life, and we provide supportive resources to ensure it feels accessible and enriching. We are especially committed to including non-Jewish family members in ceremonies, offering clear and respectful roles so everyone feels part of the celebration. Partners who are not Jewish are also warmly invited and encouraged to take an active role in Jewish rituals and lifecycle events, fostering a sense of belonging and shared spiritual experience.

JEWISH RITUAL AND LIFECYLE EVENTS AT SHIR AMI

B. Mitzvah
For families preparing for a child to become b. mitzvah, we offer many opportunities for a partner who is not Jewish—and their extended family—to participate meaningfully in the service. We recognize that this may be the first synagogue experience for many guests, and we work to make the experience welcoming and inclusive. Our b. mitzvah program includes an outline of the service, a glossary of terms, and our prayer book is fully translated and transliterated for accessibility.

Weddings
Shir Ami clergy are honored to officiate weddings between someone Jewish and a partner who is not. We work closely with couples to explore and appreciate the beauty of Jewish wedding rituals. Each clergy member may bring a unique approach to officiation, so we encourage you to speak directly with the clergy person you wish to work with.

Baby Naming Ceremonies
We love helping families welcome a new child into the Jewish community. For boys, we can officiate at a naming ceremony during or apart from a B’rit Mila (bris—ritual circumcision). We create inclusive, meaningful naming ceremonies for boys and girls that engage all members of the family.

Funerals and Mourning
If a non-Jewish parent of a Shir Ami member passes away and does not have a strong connection to another faith community, our clergy are available to lead a non-denominational funeral or memorial service. For members who have converted to Judaism and are mourning a non-Jewish parent or sibling, we encourage observing shiva and holding at least one Shiva Minyan service.

Conversion to Judaism
Our clergy are honored to accompany those seeking to convert to Judaism—whether they feel disconnected from their birth tradition or are building a Jewish home with a partner. Conversion at Shir Ami is a meaningful journey, typically taking 10–12 months. It includes:

An 18-week Introduction to Judaism course
Active participation in synagogue life
Incorporation of Jewish rituals at home
Regular meetings with the rabbi (every 4–6 weeks)

We do not charge a fee for conversion, though we ask that individuals affiliate with Shir Ami during or after the process. To learn more, please contact Rabbi Briskin directly.

INTERFAITH FAQ's

I’m not Jewish, but I’m married or partnered to someone who is. If we join Shir Ami, will I be considered a member?
Yes! When couples or families join together, both partners are fully recognized as members and receive all the benefits of membership.

Can I participate in Shabbat services and other Jewish rituals?
Absolutely. Partners who are not Jewish are warmly included and may be honored in many parts of our services. This often includes readings during Friday night services, the High Holy Days, and other special occasions.

What can I do at my child’s b. mitzvah service?
There are many meaningful ways for you to participate. You can pass the Torah, bless it alongside your spouse/partner, read prayers, and more. Family members—including grandparents, aunts, and uncles who are not Jewish—may be invited to offer readings, open or close the ark, help dress the Torah, or even join in a group aliyah (Torah blessing) in some cases.