Interfaith Marriage and Families in Chicago

Our Philosophy

Since 1982, we at Chicago Sinai Congregation have opened our hearts and doors to couples confronting one of the most challenging dilemmas of family and faith – the reconciliation of deep personal love with the significant spiritual, religious, and cultural differences that can be inherent in interfaith marriage. Sinai is at the vanguard in responding to this modern challenge. We offer interfaith families and couples’ compassion, understanding, and a caring perspective that embraces those of all faiths, and seeks to provide a spiritual home to Jew and non-Jew alike.

Others in the Jewish community respond to interfaith marriage as an unfortunate concession to assimilation.

Our position is very different. Today, we Jews share so much with and are so closely connected to neighbors of all faiths that we welcome those raised in any faith, those individuals, or couples curious about how our Jewish tradition can enrich their lives and personal identities.

When couples and families decide to join Chicago Sinai Congregation, everyone—regardless of how they identify religiously—is fully welcome to participate in our communal life: on our sanctuary’s bimah, in our religious school’s parent programs, and as an elected leader of our Congregation.

The most compelling evidence of our philosophy? Our members’ deep commitment, the remarkable warmth of our community, and the way and extent to which we live our ethics and traditions.

Please share your journey with us, as we together explore the profundity of our Jewish heritage.

Interfaith Outreach Programs

Since the inception of our Interfaith Outreach Programs a generation ago, more than 500 couples have participated in our programs. Over the years, many have chosen to become part of Chicago Sinai Congregation; in fact, one-fourth of our members are interfaith couples.

Those families belong for one reason: they found, in Sinai, a community of faith committed to their spiritual journey. That help is found in our interfaith outreach, as follows:

• An open invitation to couples and individuals to come and discuss their questions with our Rabbis and our community’s interfaith members
• Connect with our Rabbis to work through wedding plans and discussions. We are happy to work with all couples who want to celebrate their marriage within our Jewish tradition. We encourage all couples to take our Introduction to Judaism course to learn more about Judaism and what it means to have a Jewish household. Registration is required to participate, click here to submit a form. 

What if I am curious about becoming Jewish?

Chicago Sinai Congregation is happy to help individuals explore Judaism and their religious identity.  We encourage people open to exploring Judaism or considering conversion to take part in our Introduction to Judaism course, and to schedule a time with our Rabbis to discover what this journey might look like.