Interfaith inclusion

Rabbi Laurie’s Attitude & Approach

Welcoming opens the door with dignity and kindness. Belonging helps people find a meaningful place in Jewish life.

Interfaith families are an important part of contemporary Jewish life. Throughout my career, I have worked with couples and families navigating questions of identity, tradition, belonging, and Jewish practice. My role is not to judge where people are, but to listen, teach, support, and help families take meaningful next steps in their Jewish journey.

My goal is not only for interfaith family members to feel welcome in Jewish communities, but for them to become confident participants in the Jewish lives of their families—as learners, supporters, and partners in creating Jewish homes and raising Jewish children.

I believe Jewish life is strengthened when we approach interfaith families with honesty, warmth, and confidence. Interfaith family members are not outside the Jewish communal ecosystem. They are often at the heart of it: spouses and partners, children, parents, grandparents, extended relatives, friends, and allies who love Jewish people and help shape the Jewish homes in which many children are raised.

At the same time, Jewish life is not something to minimize or apologize for. Jewish values, traditions, culture, learning, ethical commitments, and peoplehood have enriched families and communities for generations. I believe Jewish heritage is most deeply transmitted when parents and caregivers make an intentional commitment to raising children with Jewish identity, memory, values, and practice. We can extend a confident invitation into Jewish life without coercion, pressure, or judgment. Jewish life is beautiful, serious, joyful, demanding, and worth sharing.

Weddings and Interfaith Couples

As a Conservative rabbi, I am not able to officiate interfaith wedding ceremonies. Yet I care deeply about supporting interfaith couples and families. I welcome opportunities to help you explore Jewish traditions, create meaningful rituals, and build a Jewish home that reflects your values and commitments. Jewish life unfolds through many moments beyond the wedding day, and I am honored to accompany families along that journey.

Every family's story is different. I welcome the opportunity to learn about yours and support your family's connection to Jewish wisdom, tradition, and community. Contact Rabbi Laurie to begin a conversation.