Last month, Mosaic Law Congregation in Sacramento changed its bylaws to be more inclusive of interfaith families and patrilineal Jews. Non-Jews in interfaith relationships are now considered full members of the congregation, and patrilineal Jews may serve on the Board of Trustees.
Why would a Conservative synagogue make such changes?
The process began by hearing from participants in our congregation who don’t meet the Conservative movement’s definition of Jewish identity. They expressed concern about paying full family membership dues while being excluded from formal membership and voting at congregational meetings. They said they would feel truly included if the bylaws allowed them to become members and participate on our Board.
A committee drafted the proposed language for the changes, which the board reviewed in November. After a lengthy discussion, we determined there was not sufficient support for including someone not Jewish to serve on our Board, but there was for patrilineal Jews, those with a Jewish father, but not a Jewish mother. The recommended bylaw changes were then presented at a special congregational meeting in February, which required a quorum of 50 members, with two-thirds needed to vote in favor of the change.
At the meeting, 115 members attended, many giving passionate speeches for and against the changes. The final vote was 86-28 with one abstention, an overwhelming 75 percent majority in favor. The new bylaws grant membership to non-Jews partnered with Jews (those born of a Jewish mother or who have converted) and allow anyone with one Jewish parent to serve on the congregational board.
I recognize that 25 percent of members at the meeting opposed these changes. I strive to be rabbi for all my congregants, even when we disagree. At the same time, I want to explain why I support these changes.
The prophet Isaiah said that the Temple in Jerusalem would be “a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). The Temple, a central place of Jewish worship, welcomed all nations, especially during the holiday of Sukkot. The Babylonian Talmud (Sukkah 55b) teaches that the 70 bulls sacrificed during Sukkot corresponded to the 70 nations of the world. Everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity or faith, was invited to gather in Jerusalem during that holiday of holidays.
At Mosaic Law Congregation, almost half of our young couples and families are interfaith. I have seen the commitment of both Jewish and non-Jewish parents in raising their children Jewish, through Hebrew school drop-offs, cooking congregational Friday night dinners and helping set up our congregational sukkah.
In synagogues, we need to define what true inclusion looks like. There is a difference between being a diverse congregation and becoming an inclusive congregation. My favorite definition of the distinction is by diversity, equity and inclusion expert Verna Myers: “Diversity is being invited to the party; inclusion is being asked to dance.” Being invited is wonderful, but without agency in the congregation’s decision-making processes, one is not truly included.
In making these bylaw changes, Mosaic Law Congregation took seriously that giving a seat at the proverbial Kiddush table does not go far enough; Jewish-adjacent members must be invited to dance alongside us.
I encourage other congregations to follow Mosaic Law Congregation’s example. (Many Conservative synagogues have done the same since the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism began allowing it in 2017.) There will always be those who choose to join our people through conversion, which is wonderful. I have brought 47 individuals to the mikveh in the past three years and will bring more this June. Not everyone will choose conversion, and yet all can contribute to our community.
Inclusivity requires concrete actions, not just saying, “We’re a welcoming congregation.” My hope and prayer is that these bylaw changes help fulfill Isaiah’s vision and that Mosaic Law Congregation will embrace all who join us, regardless of their original faith or background. By valuing everyone who enters our doors, we strive to be a beacon of light to others.