Interfaithing: Why families can embrace two faiths under one roof

Rabbi Ari and Reverend Anna tackle one of the most challenging questions facing interfaith families: How do you honor both traditions in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony? This episode centers on a real family—nicknamed "the DeLucabergs"—where a Jewish mother and Italian/Irish father are wrestling with their son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah. As they began planning, the mother questioned whether proceeding with such a distinctly religious ceremony truly reflected their interfaith identity. This sparks a rich conversation about authenticity, engagement, and what it means to create meaningful ceremonies that honor multiple heritages. Topics addressed include: - The fundamentals of Bar/Bat Mitzvah traditions—what the ceremony entails, why Torah reading is central, and how it marks a young person's transition into full membership in the Jewish community. - The difference between support and deep engagement for non-Jewish partners in Jewish lifecycle events, and why identity questions make Bar Mitzvahs more complex than interfaith weddings. - A powerful personal story from Anna about participating in an interfaith Bar Mitzvah ceremony a decade ago, including the family's decision on what to call the event and how to acknowledge both traditions authentically. - The sacred role of Torah in Jewish ceremonies and why this creates unique challenges for fully integrating other faith traditions—unlike wedding chuppahs, the Torah carries specific religious obligations. - The naming dilemma: Should it be called a "Bar Mitzvah and..." something else? What comes after the "and" when the non-Jewish parent doesn't actively practice their birth religion but their cultural heritage still matters? - Fairness versus equality—a crucial framework showing that interfaith ceremonies don't need equal weight for both traditions to be respectful and meaningful. Fair doesn't mean equal! And MUCH MORE!! Join us as we explore how interfaith families can create authentic coming-of-age ceremonies that honor who they truly are! Have thoughts on what should follow "Bar Mitzvah and..."? Send your ideas to interfaithingpod@gmail.com or by joining patreon.com/interfaithing —Rabbi Ari is actively seeking input from the interfaithing community!

Join Ari and Anna as they wrap up Season 2 of Interfaithing with the second part of Ella Goldberg's captivating journey of self-discovery and faith exploration in "Becoming Whole in the Holy Land"! Topics addressed include: Ella's transformative Birthright trip to Israel, where she felt her identity come together in harmony; The emotional rollercoaster of converting to Judaism in Israel; Navigating the complexities of interfaith identity and family dynamics; The power of interfaith families in promoting dialogue between faiths; And MUCH MORE!! ~ Hear Ella's powerful words: "When I was in Israel... that was the first time that I just felt everything come together beautifully and in harmony." ~ Consider Ari's passionate declaration: "Interfaith families are not just key to it, but I think that they are central figures in making a beautiful faith life happen for the world." ~ Plus, don't miss Anna's inspiring message: "Don't be afraid to know yourself and then to share yourself. Like don't hide yourself." This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about interfaith relationships, Jewish identity, or the power of personal spiritual journeys. Tune in and prepare to be inspired! --- For more insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!! Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!! Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content!! Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!! --- Glossary of Hebrew words listed chronologically from today's episode: Mefaked (מפקד) - A commander of a unit in the Israeli military. Keshet (קשת) - Literally, "rainbow." Also used metaphorically to refer to the diversity of ethnicities, races, and religious backgrounds of Israelis. Rabbanut (רבנות) - Chief rabbinate of Israel responsible for official policy of the Israeli government related to Jewish identity, weddings, conversions, and burial. Halakhic (adj) or Halakhah (n) (הלכה) - Often translated as "according to Jewish law," this term refers to a system of how Jewish identity, practice, and beliefs are deemed legitimate according to accepted rabbinic authorities. Giyur (גיור) - The process of converting to Judaism. Hashlamah (השלמה) - Literally, "fulfillment." This term is used to describe the process of finishing a term of study, especially primary school. Shul - A Yiddish term meaning "synagogue." Mefakdot (מפקדות) - The plural form of "mefaked" (see #1). Meah She-arim (מאה שערים) - Literally, "100 gates." This term refers to a particulalry ultra-orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem and is often used as a shorthand to describe an ultra-orthodox lifestyle and approach to Jewish practice & belief. Sechel (שכל) - Literally, "mind" or "logic." This term is used by Ella to describe how the person convincing her to make aliyah appealed to her sense of logic. Mikveh (מקווה) - A bathouse or natural body of water used to immerse individuals or objects for Jewish ritual purposes, including conversion & purification. Misgeret (מסגרת) - Literally, "framework." Beit Din (בית דין) - A Jewish tribunal - often consisting of 3 rabbis - who preside over important Jewish ritual & legal matters, including conversion. Kippah Srugah (כיפה סרוגה) - Literally, "a Jewish head covering (i.e. Yarmulke) that is knitted." This term is used to refer to a subset of Jewish Israelis who typically wear a knitted kippah and identify as religious, modern, and Zionist. Teek (תיק) - A general term that can refer to a "bag, binder, or file." Ella uses it in reference to the material collected by the Beit Din regarding her candidacy for conversion. Shema (שמע) - A well known prayer declaring the God of Israel as the One God. It is the closest statement in Judaism to a formal creed and is thus recited as a statement of loyalty to the Jewish people during the ritual of conversion. Neshamah (נשמה) - A person's soul. Neshamot (נשמות) - The plural form of "neshamot" (see #17). Safek (ספק) - Literally, "doubt." The term was used by Ella to explain how the rabbi who presided over her conversion had "no doubt" that her soul was at Mt. Sinai with all other Jewish souls.

Get ready for an emergency episode of "Interfaithing" that's shaking up the religious world! Rabbi Ari Saks drops a bombshell about his resignation from the Conservative Jewish movement, all because of his stance on interfaith marriages. But that's just the beginning! Dive into a fascinating exploration of Jewish law, interfaith relationships, and the evolving nature of religious traditions. Here's what you'll discover: • The shocking reason behind Rabbi Saks' resignation and the controversy it's stirred up; • A mind-bending "career-long research project" that challenges traditional views on interfaith marriages; • The surprising historical connection between intermarriage and idolatry in Judaism; • How embracing multiple faith traditions can strengthen families and prevent division • A game-changing announcement from co-host Anna DeWeese that could revolutionize interfaith ceremonies This episode is packed with scholarly insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for anyone navigating the complex world of interfaith relationships. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking discussion that's sure to spark conversation and challenge long-held beliefs! And MUCH MORE!! Join Ari and Anna as they push the boundaries of religious tradition and pave the way for a more inclusive future! --- Read JTA's article on Ari's resignation from the Conservative Movement by clicking on this link For more Interfaithing insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!! Email us with any questions, insights, or comments at interfaithingpod@gmail.com Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!! Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content!! Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!

Get ready for an exciting update from the Interfaithing podcast! Ari and Anna are back with a quick interlude episode that's packed with news, sneak peeks, and community-building goodness. What's in store? Buckle up for: • A recap of their springtime episodes on Passover and Easter • Exciting growth in their Patreon community • Sneak peeks at upcoming stories, including a fascinating tale of growing up in an interfaith household • BIG NEWS: They're offering FREE membership options to make the podcast accessible to everyone! • Plans for written content to complement the audio episodes • Personal updates from Ari and Anna But wait, there's more! The hosts are cooking up ways to bring the interfaith community together, including virtual events and opportunities to share your own interfaithing experiences. Curious about how families can embrace two faiths under one roof? This episode is your perfect starting point! Join Ari and Anna as they continue to build a vibrant, inclusive community for interfaith families. Don't miss out on the fun – head over to patreon.com/interfaithing to join the conversation. And get ready for an amazing third season coming your way!

Join Ari Saks and Anna DeWeese for the 3rd part of their 4-hour long holiday LiveStreamathon which originally aired on Wednesday, April 9th. You can view the ENTIRE LiveStreamathon on their website www.interfaithingpod.com. They will be dropping each part of the LiveStreamathon as independent podcast episodes from Wednesday, April 16th through Easter Sunday, April 20th. This episode dives into the vibrant world of interfaith relationships, focusing on the rich traditions of Easter and Passover! Hear from Interfaith Family Pastora Caregiver Eleanor Harrison Bregman, who shares her personal journey and insights as part of an interfaith couple. Together, they explore the challenges and joys of blending religious traditions, offering practical advice and heartfelt stories. Key Topics: - Easter Traditions & Theology: Discover the origins and significance of Easter, and how its story shapes Christian faith. - Interfaith Relationships & Challenges: Eleanor shares her experiences, highlighting the importance of communication and compromise. - Community Support for Interfaith Families: Learn about resources and communities that help families navigate religious differences. - Theological Discussions: Ari and Anna delve into the connections between Judaism and Christianity, exploring how understanding can bridge divides. - Practical Tips for Couples: Eleanor offers actionable advice for celebrating holidays and respecting each other's traditions. And MUCH MORE!! Join us for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the beauty of interfaith connections! ---- You can contact Eleanor Harrison Bregman for interfaith family counseling by emailing her at eleanorharrison@me.com. For more insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!! Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!! Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content including the full video of our LiveStreamathon for Passover & Easter 2025!! Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!

Join Ari Saks and Anna DeWeese for the 1st part of their 4-hour long holiday LiveStreamathon which originally aired on Wednesday, April 9th. You can view the ENTIRE LiveStreamathon on their website www.interfaithingpod.com. They will be dropping each part of the LiveStreamathon as independent podcast episodes from Wednesday, April 16th through Easter Sunday, April 20th. In this first part, Ari and Anna explore the vibrant intersection of Easter and Passover! This episode dives into the rich tapestry of interfaith traditions, offering insights and resources for families embracing multiple faiths under one roof. Key Topics: - Origins of Interfaith Work: Discover how Ari and Anna's backgrounds as clergy kids sparked their passion for interfaith collaboration. - Interfaith Passover Seders: Hear from Anna's father, Ted DeWeese, about organizing Seders that bridge Jewish and Christian traditions. - Jesus as a Jewish Figure: Unpack the historical context of Jesus, challenging common misconceptions. - Easter & Passover in Interfaith Families: Get practical advice on celebrating these overlapping holidays with harmony. - The Blooming Cross Tradition: Explore creative ways to adapt this Christian symbol for interfaith families. And MUCH MORE!! Join us for a journey through the sights, sounds, and stories that make these celebrations so special! ---- For more insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!! Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!! Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content including the full video of our LiveStreamathon for Passover & Easter 2025!! Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!