Conservative synagogues can now officially accept non-Jews as members

Although some Conservative synagogues have already welcomed non-Jews as members, the body that governs America’s second-largest stream of Judaism has now officially sanctioned the practice.

The 94-8 vote of the general assembly of the United Synagogue of Conserva­tive Judaism, the umbrella group for the movement, allows individual congregations to decide whether they will extend membership to non-Jews.

“The Rabbinical Assembly believes in the idea that synagogue life should be open to those who wish to be part of the Jewish community, and we are enriched by their presence,” said Stewart Vogel, treasurer of the association of Conserva­tive rabbis. “We encourage a spirit of welcoming that can strengthen the connections of all.”