In 1983 the Reform movement officially recognized children of Jewish fathers as Jewish. But if you read the statement it says that every child of a mixed marriage, whether the mother or father is Jewish, must establish their identity as a Jew “through appropriate and timely public and formal acts of identification with the Jewish…
Read More »Adult Child of an Interfaith Family
I want my Parents to be Buried Together
Here’s a question I got from a teenager: My mom is Jewish, my dad is Catholic, and my brother and I were raised Jewish. Last month they told us they had recently written their ethical wills and each plan to be buried in the cemetery of their own faith. I was so stunned that I…
Read More »I was Born Black and Jewish
Kim Carter Martinez is born Jewish and is tired of the questions: How did you get to be Jewish? OR How long have you been Jewish? She said, “I feel like saying, I got to be Jewish through my mother’s vagina.” I told her to go ahead and say that. People won’t forget. Kim in…
Read More »2016 BJB Programs for Interfaith Families
Happy 2016! This is a great time to commit to increase your understanding of your spouse/partner, learn more yourself and get to know others on the same path. Now is the time to consider what role your non-Jewish spouse will have in Jewish life. Time to think about how to balance your love of Judaism…
Read More »Do You Have One Jewish Parent?
Are you male and grew up in an interfaith home? I am trying to balance out the ratio of male to female interviewees. Women seem to be more willing to share their thoughts and experiences. Guys! Time to jump on the train! We need your voices! *** A couple years ago I asked Dr. Bruce…
Read More »This Conservatively trained Cantor grew up in an Interfaith Home
Cantor Jennie Chabon shared this story with her congregation: For the first 13 years of my life, I had a beautiful Christmas tree in my living room every winter, and an Easter basket filled with chocolate waiting outside my door every spring on Easter morning. One year my parents made flour footprints leading from our…
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