Reform Judaism Welcomes You!

Mazel tov and congratulations on the birth of your son. Your decision to welcome your son into the covenant God established with Abraham is one that has been experienced by generations of Jews. The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) is an organization with over 900 synagogues across North America. The Reform movement is known historically and today for its strong welcoming to all those looking for a connection to Judaism: disconnected Jewish families, interfaith families, families of diversity, LGBT families, everyone is welcome in our Reform congregations.

Following is some information to help you raise your Jewish child. We are the URJ are happy to be of assistance. If you'd like to find a synagogue community in your area, check out our congregational listing page: www.urj.org/congregations.

If you're interested in more information on raising a Jewish child, check out our learning pages: www.urj.org/learning/forparents, or look at the web pages referenced below.

We are here to help you as you embark on the wonderful experience of parenting.

Again, mazel tov on becoming a parent!

Can you help us understand and celebrate living Jewishly and Jewish holidays?
Our website has a lot of information! Here are two webpages to get you started:
www.CelebrationsGuide.org
www.urj.org/learning/forparents

Can you recommend Jewish books for our young family?
The URJ Press offers a selection of children's books for holidays and basic Judaism:
http://www.urjbooksandmusic.com/home.php?cat=551

and how about connecting with other parents?
http://blogs.rj.org/reform/youth/

We are intermarried. Will be welcomed and included in a Reform synagogue community?
Reform synagogues are very welcoming to interfaith couples and families. Children from an interfaith family that are being raised as Jews are considered fully Jewish. The Reform movement recognizes patrilineal descent if the child is being raised as a Jew. Check out our online resource:
http://urj.org//life/interfaith//?syspage=document&item_id=13609

Looking for a contact in a URJ congregation?
Our website features a listing of congregations by geographic area:www.urj.org/congregations

Would you like to talk to an Outreach Specialist?
The URJ has Outreach Specialists who are happy to discuss how to raise a Jewish child and connect you to the best resources in your area. Contact one of the following Outreach Specialists:
East Coast: Vicky Farhi vfarhi@urj.org
West Coast: Arlene Chernow achernow@urj.org
Midwest: Stephanie Fink sfink@urj.org