Reprinted from ReformJudaism.org
I am Jewish; my partner is not. Are we welcome as a couple to attend worship services in the Jewish community?
Yes!
The prophet Isaiah said: "My house shall be called a house of prayer
for all peoples." (Isaiah 56:7) We know from the Torah that from the
very earliest days, there have been individuals who lived with the
Jewish community but who were not themselves Jewish. Contact your local
Reform synagogue to find out about times for Sabbath worship on Friday
nights and Saturday mornings, as well as for information about holiday
services. Reprinted from ReformJudaism.org
I am not Jewish. Are there parts of the service reserved only for Jews?
You are welcome at all regular services in the synagogue and, of course, at any lifecycle events to which you are invited (for example, a wedding). Each congregation has its own specifications regarding who may lead services and perform certain roles, but you are welcome to participate in everything that is done or read by the whole congregation at a service. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to ask the clergy or lay leaders.
I don't read Hebrew. How can I possibly follow the service?
Most Reform congregations in North America use both English and Hebrew in the services and provide English translations for many of the Hebrew prayers and readings. If you wish to participate in reading the Hebrew aloud, transliterations for common prayers in the service are often available. (A transliteration is a phonetically written version of a prayer.) Transliterations usually appear either on the same page or in the back of Reform prayer books and you can also ask if other transliterations of prayers are available. It is perfectly acceptable to read only the parts of the service with which you feel comfortable or to just sit and listen. If you need help finding the place in the prayer book, simply ask someone nearby. Temple members want visitors to feel welcome and at ease during services.
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