FAQ

I have Jewish roots and would really like to learn more about Judaism. Can you help me with that?

Absolutely. One of the main reasons Ec chajim was founded was to create a safe space for people interested in exploring their Jewish roots. You are welcome here regardless of whether you have a Jewish mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather. And it doesn’t matter at all if you don’t know much about Judaism or synagogue etiquette. Not knowing something and asking questions is nothing to be ashamed of.

What requirements must I meet to apply for full membership in your community?

Any person over the age of 18 may apply for full membership in our community; however, applicants under the age of 18 must have the consent of their parents or legal guardians. The applicant must meet at least one of the following criteria: (a) at least one of the applicant’s grandparents must be Jewish according to halakha, (b) the applicant became Jewish according to halakha through conversion before a rabbinical court. The interpretation of halakha and the acceptability of the giyur are the responsibility of our community’s rabbi. A condition for the acceptance of an application into the approval process is that the applicant for membership does not identify with any religion other than Judaism and is not a member of a non-Jewish religious community. The applicant is advised that membership is subject to approval by the Ec Chaim Council and is not guaranteed.

I am Jewish, but my spouse/partner is not. Will we still be welcome in your community?

Of course, you are welcome to attend our services as well as all of our community’s educational and social activities. Mixed marriages are completely normal for us, and we are happy to welcome non-Jewish spouses and partners alongside our full members or those interested in full membership. We offer non-Jewish spouses/partners the option of associate membership.

My mother isn’t Jewish, but my father is. Will I be considered Jewish in your community?

Halacha, traditional Jewish religious law, follows the traditional matrilineal principle when assessing this question, according to which a person’s Jewish status is determined by the mother’s identity. If the mother is Jewish, the child is also considered Jewish. If the mother is not Jewish, the child is not considered Jewish either. However, most contemporary progressive rabbinic authorities believe that this phenomenon cannot be viewed so simply today and also recognize Jewish identity for individuals who derive their Jewishness through the paternal line. For full participation in Jewish religious life, however, they are required to undergo the process of giyur, which is viewed here as a formal confirmation of an already existing status.

I am interested in converting to Judaism. Can your community help me with this?

We appreciate your interest in Judaism. Although conversion to Judaism is possible in principle and our community is also home to people who have converted to the Jewish tradition, Judaism does not actively seek to proselytize, and its religious authorities advise those interested in conversion that it is far better to adhere to the current or ancestral religious traditions of one’s own family.

What is the difference between Progressive, Reform, and Liberal Judaism?

In continental Europe, all these terms are synonymous with a single branch of Judaism whose roots trace back to the Jewish Enlightenment that took place in Germany and other Central European countries in the 18th and 19th centuries.

I am interested in supporting your community’s activities. What can I do?

Our community relies entirely on the support of its members and supporters to fund its operations. Therefore, we would greatly appreciate your financial support, which you can send according to the instructions provided in the “Support Us” section of our website. Rest assured that no contribution—for which we are grateful regardless of the amount—will go to waste.