Couples often tell me that they want their children to have a religion that will teach the children good values. That’s a great start but it is certainly not a sufficient reason to choose to have a religion practiced in the home. First, you don’t need religion to be a person of principle and decency….
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When a Child asks, Why Aren’t You Jewish?
Some parents fear this question. They aren’t sure what to say. Let’s consider the question and the possible answers. First, why is your child asking that question? You want to find out what she is thinking. Begin with, “what made you think of that, honey? Why do you ask?” Some possible reasons are: Your child…
Read More »Teach Your Children Well
What do you want your children to remember you for? What values are you working to instill? What cultural and/or spiritual message do you want to impart? Many interfaith couples share core values. This class gives you an opportunity to articulate those values for yourself, your spouse, and especially for your children. What a wonderful…
Read More »Feeling like the “Outsider Parent”
In a recent workshop a mother spoke of the challenges from her own interfaith upbringing and her desire to avoid being the odd-parent-out, as one of her own parents had been. Being the non-Jewish parent in a Jewish family may feel “other” because you did not have a Jewish childhood, don’t know much about Jewish…
Read More »Creating Meaning in Little Ways
Savor the moments of your life When my youngest was an infant there was an evening when we had company over. After dinner my husband took the adults into the living room to chat. I took the baby into the bedroom to nurse, rock, and put to bed. I wanted to get back to adult…
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