Most couples’ conflict is not about religion, even in an interfaith relationship. However, it is certainly possible to use your religious differences to shoot holes in your relationship. Let me tell you about a very effective way to do that, and hopefully you can avoid it. Many non-Jewish Americans are not aware of how Christianized…
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American Folkloric Christianity
(image from www.realmomkitchen.com) Growing up with no specific religion in the United States can lead many people to claim, “I have no religion. I’m certainly NOT a Christian.” They look at what they would term “real Christians” and they see the difference to be that those folks go to church, believe in Jesus as savior,…
Read More »Second Chances & Changes of Mind
Pesach Shini (Second Passover) comes exactly one month after Passover. It is found in the Torah in Numbers 9:1 – 14. It’s historical purpose was to prove an opportunity to observe Passover for anyone who was unable to do so at the correct time due to ritual impurity or because they were too far away…
Read More »Books for Interfaith Couples and Family Members
I’m often asked for book recommendations. Here are some of the best books for interfaith families. Mixed Matches: How to Create Successful Interracial, Interethnic, and Interfaith Relationships By Dr. Joel Crohn This book remains the gold standard in the field. It respects the couple and those around them while identifying core values vs. prejudices. There…
Read More »Family Dynamics in an Interfaith Family
Don’t let anyone tell you that being in a family is always easy! But when you add more than one religion or culture there can be confusion and upsets that you couldn’t anticipate. Family gatherings, holidays, lifecycle events all take on a new color. How can you navigate your role as child, spouse, parent or…
Read More »Where We Are Heading?
Abi & Andy with their kids Lori Voices From Our Community Imagining What’s Next Activists, environmentalists, single mothers, Israelis, interfaith couples, Jews of color, spiritual seekers, grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, adopted, transgendered – describe anyone you know? Join us Sunday, Feb. 26, from 1-5 p.m. at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto. I am…
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