Interfaith and Multifaith
Temple Isaiah welcomes people from interfaith/intercultural, and multi-faith families or relationships. Our clergy and members meet people where they are when they enter our midst, and guide everyone toward learning and Jewish growth at an appropriate, individual pace. Many non-Jewish members of Jewish partners at Temple Isaiah choose active participation in Temple life without conversion to Judaism, while others choose to embrace Judaism.
Who is Jewish?
As a Reform congregation, we recognize as Jewish those who are the children of either Jewish mothers or fathers, and Jews by choice who have converted to Judaism.
Who is interfaith/intercultural?
Temple Isaiah welcomes people from interfaith/intercultural families and relationships where one person is Jewish, and the other is not Jewish and is not currently practicing another faith tradition/religion.
Who is dual/multifaith?
Temple Isaiah also welcomes people from dual/multifaith families and relationships where one person is Jewish, and the other is not Jewish and is currently practicing another faith tradition/religion.
Interfaith and Multifaith Partnerships
Temple Isaiah is a proud leader in the local interfaith and multifaith community.
18 Doors (formerly InterfaithFamily) 18doors.org
18 Doors is the online resource for interfaith families exploring Jewish life and the grass-roots advocate for more welcoming Jewish communities. This resource is for everyone touched by interfaith relationships where one partner is Jewish, on every topic of interest to them, and for everyone who works with and cares about them.
Building Jewish Bridges: Outreach to Interfaith Families buildingjewishbridges.org
Building Jewish Bridges offers workshops, couples groups and other programs to help you find answers to questions about family life, religious identity, and religious practice. Couples come together in a warm, supportive environment to share their questions & concerns, hopes and ideas. Many couples continue to be friends long after their groups conclude.
Interfaith Council of CCC interfaithccc.org
The Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County (I4C) is an autonomous local organization overseen by its own Governing Board of Directors, with an advisory and consultative Elected Council of representatives, who are drawn from its 108 member congregations and organizations, and elected at the I4C annual meeting. With members of diverse faiths, gender and race, the Board builds and provides a sacred container that through its leadership, will nurture the growth towards a world of interfaith peace.
Multi-faith A.C.T.I.O.N. Coalition multifaithactioncoalition.org
(Advocates & Communities Taking Initiative 4 Our Neighbors)
Temple Isaiah is a proud member of the Multi-Faith ACTION Coalition, dedicated to addressing the root causes of poverty in Contra Costa County through advocacy and policy change. The coalition grew out of a meeting of faith groups at Temple Isaiah five years ago, and we have been active participants ever since. MFAC members take many actions to bring light to the injustices that keep people in our community in poverty and to change state and local policies to ease their burdens. These actions include speaking out at public meetings, writing or calling legislators, and attending informational town halls and forums. Among other issues, coalition members advocated for the 2018 Veterans and Affordable Housing Act, increased funding for anti-poverty programs in the state budget, and banning the box regarding prior incarceration on job applications. To get involved, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Union For Reform Judaism: Interfaith reformjudaism.org
For decades, Reform Judaism been committed to welcoming interfaith couples into our community. Interfaith issues impact entire families. Grandparents, parents and children all face challenges posed by differing religions and cultures. The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We are here to serve as a resource for you and your extended family.