God loves the stranger, providing food and clothing for each one. You too must love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy 10:19

Let your house be open wide.
Pirke Avot 1:5

As a Reform Congregation we are committed to actively welcoming all and building a vibrant, inclusive congregational community. Outreach is one of the ways we do this. Outreach activities center on the mitzvah of ahavat ger, loving the stranger - anyone who feels distanced from Judaism, God, Torah and Israel. Outreach is focused on welcoming to our community a diversity of Jews and their families, interfaith and inter-racial couples, new Jews and those interested in Judaism, Jews of color, gay and lesbian individuals and families, single adults and blended families, rich and poor, young and old and in between, women and men.

If your life has been touched by an interfaith relationship or if you are exploring Judaism, Beth Tikvah is here to offer guidance and support. We offer opportunities to share your experiences and learn from others in a non-threatening, friendly environment.

The goal of Outreach is to offer supportive programming with the help of our rabbi, cantor, educators and facilitators. If there are any interfaith issues in your family, please feel free to contact Beth Tikvah Outreach at outreach@beth-tikvah.org to ask any questions. We strive to reflect the views and orientations of all members and the community.

Outreach is focused on:

• Welcoming new Jews-by-choice and educating those investigating Judaism.
  
• Welcoming interfaith families to take part in synagogue life, to learn more about Judaism, and to raise their children as Jews.
  
• Assisting young adults in strengthening their Jewish connection and identity.
  
• Inspiring Jews to engage more fully in the synagogue community, especially those who feel disconnected or distant.
  
• Educating and sensitizing the congregational community to be accepting of all that seek a place in our congregation.
  
• Educating the entire community on Jewish customs and practices.
  
• Opening up Inter-religious dialogue with other congregations in the community.

• Every Person's Guide to Judaism (URJ Press)
  
• Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice (URJ Press)
  
• Mixed Blessings: Overcoming the Stumbling Blocks in an Interfaith Marriage (Penguin Books, Inc.)
  
• If I'm Jewish and You're Christian, What Are the Kids? (URJ Press)

• The UAHC Department of Outreach
  http://www.urj.org/outreach
  
• ClickonJudaism, a Webzine for twenty- and thirtysomethings
  http://www.clickonJudaism.org
  
• Jewish Family & Life's Interfaith Web site -
  http://www.interfaithfamily.com
  
• Jewish Outreach Institute -
  http://www.joi.com

• Opening Doors to Shabbat
  For this educational Shabbat Service a custom Shabbat prayer book filled with explanations will be used. Many prayers in Hebrew and English will be projected on a screen for all to follow along. This service is designed for all to attend; there is always something new to learn.
  
• Opening Doors to __________
  A few times throughout the year the Rabbi and Cantor will conduct introductory and educational workshops. These will focus on various topics such as different Holidays and Festivals and life cycle events. The first workshop will be held prior to Rosh Hashanah and will explore the various prayers and symbols of the High Holidays.
  
• Holiday Cooking and Baking
  Interfaith and Non-Interfaith families sharing different Holiday time family recipes and stories. This will not only be a fun and social event it will also fill us up as we try different foods and cookies.
  
• Thirty Something get-togethers
  Not every event needs to be in the Synagogue and involve structured learning. We will organize a few informal meetings outside of the synagogue for social get-togethers. It could be at a local restaurant or members home. This is a perfect time for members that are new to the congregation or to the area to meet and talk to new people in a relaxed setting.
  
• Discussions on the close “Proximity” holidays
  Open discussions on how different interfaith families handle “proximity” holidays (Hanukkah/Christmas, Passover/Easter). The various holiday seasons can be difficult times of the year for many interfaith families. Join with others in frank conversation to learn how they cope with the seasons. Most of all, you'll learn that you are not alone and your issues and feelings are not unique.
  
• Inter-religious topic discussions
  Meeting with other religious congregations to discuss various topics of interest and current events. Included in this will be a comparison discussion regarding Easter and Passover.