18Doors
18Doors is a non-profit organization based in the Greater Boston area that provides resources and support to interfaith families and individuals exploring Jewish life. Founded in 2001, the organization aims to address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when individuals from different religious or cultural backgrounds come together to build a Jewish family or explore Jewish identity.
18Doors offers a variety of programs and services, including online resources, workshops, counseling, community-building events, and educational materials. These resources cover topics such as navigating holidays, raising children with multiple religious backgrounds, converting to Judaism, and creating inclusive Jewish communities. The organization also provides consultation services to Jewish organizations seeking to become more welcoming and accessible to interfaith families.
The name "18Doors" is derived from the Hebrew number 18, which represents "chai," meaning "life." The "doors" symbolize the numerous pathways into Jewish life that exist for individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. The organization emphasizes a welcoming and inclusive approach, recognizing that there is no single "right" way to be Jewish and supporting individuals in exploring their own Jewish identities.
18Doors partners with various Jewish organizations and institutions to expand its reach and impact. Its goal is to foster a more inclusive and understanding Jewish community that embraces the diversity of modern families and individuals. The organization's work addresses the increasing prevalence of interfaith relationships and the evolving demographics of the Jewish population.