Some of Masorti Judaism’s most frequently asked questions.
Masorti is Hebrew for ‘traditional’. We believe in traditional Judaism for modern Jews. Click here to learn more about our beliefs and practices.
It will be familiar to anyone who’s grown up in a traditional synagogue. It’s in Hebrew, uses the traditional liturgy – with one or two innovations – and familiar melodies. Some of our synagogues also offer alternative and explanatory services.
Yes. People of all gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome in Masorti communities. Most Masorti synagogues also offer same-sex ceremonies and marriage registration. We have a Masorti LGBT+ Network that regularly runs activities. You can learn more about it here.
Most Masorti synagogues are egalitarian, offering equal opportunities for women and men to lead and take part in the service. Women are recognised as rabbis across the Masorti movement and all Masorti communities give women and men equal access to all lay-leadership positions. A few of our communities feature more traditional, male-run services, while offering women the opportunity to lead certain parts of the service.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, many Masorti communities began live-streaming weekday services and study sessions as well as pre-and post-Shabbat services on Friday afternoon and Saturday night. While we do not endorse the use of Zoom and other video-conferencing technology on Shabbat, some Masorti synagogues live-stream Shabbat and festival services in ways that are permitted by Jewish law.
Yes. Masorti synagogues include people with a very wide range of religious observance. You’ll be welcome no matter how you choose to live your Jewish life.
Masorti Judaism celebrates the diversity of our contemporary Jewish community, while making its own, distinctive contribution. We identify with Orthodox Judaism’s adherence to tradition and Jewish law, in particular its commitment to Torah study. We also respect Reform Judaism’s integrity, commitment to modern values, and emphasis on personal spirituality. Masorti is unique in its steadfast commitment to integrating traditional Judaism with modern values, and in maintaining traditional observance while being fully inclusive and intellectually open-minded.
Yes, we welcome people seeking to become Jewish. Several of our synagogues operate conversion programmes which are overseen by the European Masorti Bet Din.
Masorti synagogues are fully licensed to carry out weddings. Most Masorti communities cater to both mixed and same-sex couples. Our marriages and same-sex partnership ceremonies are carried out in accordance with Jewish law.
While Masorti rabbis do not carry out interfaith weddings, we welcome couples and families with Jewish and non-Jewish members, and encourage them to take a full part in the life of the community (with certain activities restricted to those of the Jewish faith). Formal membership arrangements for non-Jewish partners vary so please ask your local community.
All our communities aim to be inclusive and offer support to people with disabilities or special needs. Please contact your local community to discuss your personal requirements and how they can help you access their services.
Our fees vary from community to community but are in line with fees charged by other denominations.
If you and a group of friends would like to start a Masorti community, we would love to help and support you. Please contact us for more details. If there is no Masorti community in your area, you are welcome to attend our national conferences and educational events, which are open to members and non-members alike.
We believe in the centrality of Israel in Jewish life and strive to build a meaningful relationship with the people and land of Israel. We also recognise the legitimacy of a wide range of views about contemporary Israeli society and politics. We are part of Mercaz, the worldwide Masorti Zionist organisation and have a strong connection with the Israeli Masorti movement.
Yes. All our synagogues offer burial arrangements and accept new members into their burial societies.
Yes, we are part of Masorti Olami (World Masorti), which brings together up to two million Masorti and Conservative Jews in North and South America, Israel, Europe and across the world. We are active members of our regional organisation, Masorti Europe.
While driving on Shabbat is not permitted by Jewish law, we respect the personal choices of each individual and will welcome you however you choose to join us.
In our communities you will find people from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances: people who are married, divorced, single and in relationships; people with children of all ages and people without children. Our vision of Jewish community life is inclusive and we’ll do our best to make you feel at home.
Marom – Masorti Students and Young Adults – runs Shabbat meals, services, study sessions, volunteer projects and social events at campuses around the country.
Our communities offer children’s services, playgroups and nurseries, cheder (religion school), bar and bat-mitzvah classes. Noam – Masorti Youth – provides a full range of activity for young people