Interfaith Families
Naming events: A Brit Milah (for a son) or Simchat Bat (for a daughter) ceremony marks a newborn Jewish child’s entrance into the Jewish community. Both parents of an Interfaith family may be involved in the naming ceremony.
B’nai mitzvah services: Upon completion of Agudat Achim Religious School requirements, Jewish boys and girls at about age 13 read participate as a Bar Mitzvah (for a boy) or a Bat Mitzvah (for a girl). There are many opportunities for both parents to be involved in the service and we will work with families to create a service that both respects our conservative traditions while involving all members of an interfaith family
Weddings: Agudat Acim is a welcoming inclusive congregation that embraces interfaith couples as they become part of Synagogue life. Our Congregation is guided by the standards and practices of the Conservative Movement regarding officiating at interfaith weddings.
Funerals & Mourning: The custom of reciting the name of a recently departed loved one may be observed for both Jews and non-Jews. Both Jewish and non-Jewish family members may be memorialized for the observance of Yahrzeit (the anniversary of a death).
We are willing to work together with all families in their time of need. The observance of Shivah and other mourning rituals, are encouraged regardless of the deceased’s tradition of faith.
The Agudat Achim Cemetery is located in Schenectady, and maintained by the Congregation. Information regarding burial is available through the synagogue office.
