FAQs

Where do most of Congregation Beth Emeth's members live?

Our members live throughout the Northern Virginia's Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. Most live in the Herndon/Reston area, but many reside in Fairfax, Oakton, Vienna, Chantilly, Centreville, and Great Falls.

How do I become a member of CBE?

To join our congregation, please visit our Membership page or contact the Main Office at office@bethemeth.org or 703-860-4515, ext. 106, for the link to our membership form. 

How much does it cost to join CBE?

Please call the Main Office at 703-860-4515, ext. 106, for information about membership dues. At CBE, finances are never a barrier to membership or participation in our community.

I am Jewish, but my partner is not.  Are we welcome at CBE?

At CBE, we fully embrace the increasing diversity of the Jewish community. There are many interfaith couples at CBE, and we offer couples and interfaith families support and resources to create Jewish homes and to practice and grow in Judaism.

Non-Jewish individuals are welcome at all of our religious services. For those who do not read Hebrew, we have transliterations of the prayers every Shabbat. Non-Jewish parents of Bar/Bat Mitzvah youngsters are invited to stand at the Torah table and offer a prayer for their child during the service. Adult education classes are offered throughout the year, many particularly relevant for interfaith couples. 

We have no doubt that once you walk through our doors, you will experience the warmth of our community, no matter your religious background. 

I am not Jewish, but I want to learn about Judaism. Can I attend services at CBE? What do I do if I want to convert to Judaism?

We welcome anyone wishing to explore Jewish life, teachings, and culture. Non-Jewish individuals are welcome at all of our religious services. We have transliterations of the Hebrew prayers available every Shabbat. 

Whether exploring or considering conversion to Judaism, Rabbi Warner Ferratier ("Rabbi Warner") will help guide you along your spiritual path. Feel free to contact him at rabbiwarner@bethemeth.org to discuss your journey. For further information, here is a list of recommended books on Jewish history, ritual, and culture:

• Introduction to Judaism: A Sourcebook by UAHC Press
• Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant
• Embracing Judaism by Simcha Kling
• Conversations with Rabbi Small by Harry Kemelman
• Jews, God, and History by Max Dimont
• Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
• The Observant Life, edited by Martin Cohen
• Entering Jewish Prayer by Reuven Hammer
• Celebrate! The Complete Jewish Holidays Handbook by Lesli K. Ross
   

Does the Rabbi officiate at non-congregant life-cycle events, such as a bris or wedding?

Our rabbi will consider these opportunities. Please email Rabbi Warner at rabbiwarner@bethemeth.org to discuss your needs.

What is Conservative Judaism?

The Conservative Movement in the U.S. was founded in 1886. According to ConservativeJudaism.org, Conservative Judaism:

“represents the passionate and engaged center of the Jewish people . and strives … to express and communicate a deep commitment to our tradition's values, concepts, and rituals.

It is equally committed to the values of individual conscience, democracy, equal rights and protection for all humanity, and other hallmarks of Western culture to enrich and deepen our lives as practicing Jews…

…we believe that integrating the Jewish tradition with our contemporary culture is the best way to create a vibrant and meaningful form of Judaism for ourselves and our descendants.”

Congregation Beth Emeth is an egalitarian Conservative congregation. This means that women are given equal opportunity to count in the minyan (prayer quorum), to have an aliyah blessing at the Torah, to chant from the Torah, to wear a tallit or tefillin, to lead services, to serve on the board, etc.  

Our synagogue is a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). To learn more, please go to: www.ConservativeJudaism.org or www.uscj.org.

Don’t see the question or answer you were looking for?

Contact our Main Office at 703-860-4515, ext. 101, or email us at office@bethemeth.org. We are happy to help!