Welcoming Interfaith Couples and Families

The 2003 Demographic Study of Greater Washington found the interfaith couples rate in Greater Washington area to be 41%, and greater than 50% in some areas. Of these families about 75% are unaffiliated. Research in many communities has demonstrated that easy accessibility to continuing education and interfaith programming can be very successful in increasing affiliation rates and the Jewish choices that families and parents make. Our community needs to expand the services and programs to meet the needs of this expanding and important population.

Programming would include a combination of new pilots and the continuation of previously successful programs like Interfaith couples workshops, volunteer programs, Mothers Circles (workshops for non-Jewish parents raising Jewish children), easily accessible educational opportunities and interfaith “alumni” follow-up programming for couples who have completed participated in some outreach programs. The objectives of these programs are to make interfaith couples and families feel welcome, educate them Jewishly, foster social networking and encourage Jewish choices.

The Federation of Greater Washington will partner with its community organizations to offer these programs throughout our community.