Looking for an interfaith-family-friendly synagogue in Northern Virginia

[Anonymous]

Ideally in Alexandria or Arlington. The catch is that I'd prefer a conservative synagogue. I know that Reform ones are more likely to be interfaith-friendly but I grew up in a conservative synagogue and generally prefer conservative services.

My husband is not Jewish and not planning to convert, but is totally on board with raising DD Jewish. I.e., we plan to go to services, religious school, don't plan to have a Christmas tree.

I'm interested in Agudas Achim and Etz Chayim -- does anyone have any feedback on how welcoming and inclusive of interfaith families these two synagogues are?

[Anonymous]

We belong to Hill Havorah on Capitol Hill. This is probably farther than you want to go, but it is a Reconstructionist congregation and you might want to see if you can find one in NOVA. My husband grew up Conservative and doesn't like the Reform service personally because it is so different from what he grew up on. I am not Jewish and don't plan to convert. He has found that the Reconstructionist service is closer to the Conservative (more hebrew, etc.) but that the congregation is very open to interfaith families. I would say that a healthy minority of the families at Hill Havorah are interfaith.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Etz Hayim is incredibly welcoming and inclusive of interfaith families (including mine). I cannot say enough good things about the rabbi - she is extraordinary. The synagogue has really grown into this warm, wonderful family that is very community-oriented. Lots of families now, a very active preschool and religious school, and awesome family services. We love it.

[Anonymous]

Funny- you want conservative but are ok marrying a goy?! Confused, much???

Conservative shuls wont make you comfortable. Stick to the Rs

[Anonymous]

Rodef Shalom

[Anonymous]

OP here -- thank you all for the helpful feedback. And to the snarky poster: My husband and I discussed this all VERY early on in our dating. I would never have married anyone who wouldn't raise our kids Jewish, and he is very much on board. Honestly, he's the one who's pushing us to join a synagogue now. Which is why I particularly want one that will welcome him too.

The way I see it this way the Jewish community gets my kids, plus I left an extra nice Jewish boy free for some other nice Jewish girl to have babies with. So -- I'm just doing my bit for Jewish continuity