(This article originally appeared in the J-weekly and was titled: Seeking acceptance in one faith after being raised with two) The idea of a child of interfaith parents being educated in both Judaism and Christianity and then being “allowed to choose” sounds very New Age to many ears. The book “Being Both” by Susan Katz…
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How do I tell people that, yes, my kids are Jewish?
(This originally appeared in the J-weekly in my Mixed and Match column, April 13, 2020) Dear Dawn: I keep being told that my kids aren’t Jewish because I am not Jewish. I am sick of hearing this! Any ideas how I can shut people down? I’ve tried a whole range. I’ve been angry: “Oh go…
Read More »My wife and kids are Jewish. Is it OK to pray in Jesus’ name?
(This article originally appeared in my Mixed and Matched column for the J-weekly on Sept. 30, 2020) Dear Dawn: I am a Christian man married to a Jewish woman. We are raising our children Jewish, and I am very comfortable with that decision. However, things are so terrible right now and I feel like praying….
Read More »Are my friends giving me bad advice about conversion?
(This article originally appeared in my Mixed and Matched column for the J-weekly Aug. 28, 2020) Dear Dawn: My father is Jewish and my mother is not. I had no religious upbringing at all. Neither of my parents is interested in religion. However, as I get older, I am now in my 30s, I am more…
Read More »A Smoky Sukkot
(Image from the SF Chronicle) Rabbi Chai Levy sent her congregation, Netivot Shalom, this email as we begin Sukkot and it spoke to my heart. Sukkot is my favorite holiday and I have to forgo it this year – at least in the ways I usually celebrate. There’s a Talmudic debate about the biblical mitzvah…
Read More »Edible Sukkahs!
I LOVE Sukkot and I’ve endeared myself to many children by having edible sukkah-making as a regular part of my Sukkot parties. You can do this will a party crowd or just your own family – or even just you! Sweet Edible Sukkah for Kids (and some grownups!) Graham crackers for the walls…
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