Continuing to Strengthen Our Bonds: A Discussion For Our Jewish Adjacent Members

This article first appeared in our May/Jun '25 edition of The Bulletin

What is Jewish Adjacent?

“Jewish adjacent” refers to non-Jewish individuals who are closely connected to Jewish culture, traditions, or communities, often through family, relationships, or participation in Jewish life.

Did You Know?

• In 2019, the term “Jewish-adjacent” gained prominence, particularly at the Union for Reform Judaism’s (URJ) Biennial, where Rabbi Rick Jacobs advocated for the inclusion of non-Jewish individuals with Jewish family connections, emphasizing the importance of expanding the Jewish community.

• Congregation Beth Emeth:

  • prides itself on welcoming, valuing, and supporting all members

  • is committed to strengthening our community to ensure its growth, its culture of belonging, and vibrancy for generations to come.

  • is committed to exploring the topic of expanding the current volunteer and engagement opportunities

  • offered to our Jewish Adjacent members to include leadership positions, such as serving on the temple board.

What is CBE Doing?

Congregation Beth Emeth has formed a Jewish Adjacent Task Force consisting of Jewish Adjacent Members, Jews by Choice and Jews by birth and is chaired by Immediate Past President Robyn Marinstein. Robyn, along with the committee members, are passionate about this topic.

If you are a Jewish Adjacent member, we want to hear from you. Please join us in conversation on Monday, May 12 at 7:00 pm, and RSVP to Robyn at RMarinstein@gmail.com by Thursday, May 8.