Conversion of the non-Jewish partner was "an ultimate hope and goal," she said, though not a commitment that could be expected "on demand."

Dorshei Emet began accepting non-Jewish partners of members as a gerei toshav in 1985.

Mr. Gniwisch said that Jewish businesses can operate on the Sabbath if they are also owned by non-Jewish partners, provided the owners follow certain guidelines.

The non-Jewish partner making this commitment became a "ger toshav", or "non-Jewish member of the Jewish people".

A. About a third of intermarriages involve conversion of the non-Jewish partner to Judaism.

The conversion of the non-Jewish partner is often stimulated by a strong desire on the part of the born-Jewish spouse to have a fully Jewish family.

Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis are free to take their own approach to performing marriages between a Jewish and non-Jewish partner.

A number of members have non-Jewish partners who, although not eligible for membership, are made very welcome and encouraged to attend services and join in community activities.

We therefore reach out to the couple with the hope that the non-Jewish partner will move closer to Judaism and ultimately choose to convert.