Comments on: Where Do You Stand? http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/ Everything you always wanted to know about intermarriage, but were afraid to ask. Sat, 04 Jul 2009 20:40:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: anti-intermarriage http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-560 anti-intermarriage Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:00:17 +0000 http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-560 The best way to inspire children to honor their Jewish heritage is by having two Jewish parents. Intermarriage dilutes that and we are now seeing what a mess it's become. Intermarriage is leading to a decline of Jews in America and the world. That's the truth and no amount of propaganda can change it. The best way to inspire children to honor their Jewish heritage is by having two Jewish parents. Intermarriage dilutes that and we are now seeing what a mess it’s become. Intermarriage is leading to a decline of Jews in America and the world. That’s the truth and no amount of propaganda can change it.

]]> By: michelle http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-497 michelle Wed, 07 May 2008 06:53:33 +0000 http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-497 I don't normally comment on blogs but I found this one interesting. I have been married to a Jewish man for 25 years. We grew up in almost opposite religious backgrounds; but what I remember that one of my attractions to him was that he was Jewish. I converted to Judaism after a few years that we were married because the more I learned about Judaism the more I understood that I did not have to be afraid of the religion. I wanted to have one faith in our home. Having experienced both faiths, I understand that each side of our family has a lot of fear mostly based on each other's ignorance of the other faith or a lack of willingness to understand the other's point of view. I chose Judaism because, learning that religions develop to maintain groups of people, I believe in the covenant between Abraham and G-d. I believe that G-d gave or inspired Moses to write the Law. I believe there is only one G-d and I have a personal belief that the truth associated with any other mystical speculation will eventually be revealed. My job on this earth is to live an exemplary life in front of my children and to teach them well. Judaism provides that path and that is what will maintain the future. What has been painful among both families is each side focusing on differences in customs. What has been painful for me is various people focusing on heredity rather than focusing on the commonalities between us. Living a Jewish life is not so difficult. Living with stigma is very difficult. Unfortunately, children get caught in the middle of two cultures. Families have to inspire their children and grandchildren to honor their Jewish heritage and I strongly believe this is done by inclusion. Jewish family life can be very beautiful and if the children come to understand that they will remain in the faith. I don’t normally comment on blogs but I found this one interesting. I have been married to a Jewish man for 25 years. We grew up in almost opposite religious backgrounds; but what I remember that one of my attractions to him was that he was Jewish. I converted to Judaism after a few years that we were married because the more I learned about Judaism the more I understood that I did not have to be afraid of the religion. I wanted to have one faith in our home. Having experienced both faiths, I understand that each side of our family has a lot of fear mostly based on each other’s ignorance of the other faith or a lack of willingness to understand the other’s point of view. I chose Judaism because, learning that religions develop to maintain groups of people, I believe in the covenant between Abraham and G-d. I believe that G-d gave or inspired Moses to write the Law. I believe there is only one G-d and I have a personal belief that the truth associated with any other mystical speculation will eventually be revealed. My job on this earth is to live an exemplary life in front of my children and to teach them well. Judaism provides that path and that is what will maintain the future. What has been painful among both families is each side focusing on differences in customs. What has been painful for me is various people focusing on heredity rather than focusing on the commonalities between us. Living a Jewish life is not so difficult. Living with stigma is very difficult. Unfortunately, children get caught in the middle of two cultures. Families have to inspire their children and grandchildren to honor their Jewish heritage and I strongly believe this is done by inclusion. Jewish family life can be very beautiful and if the children come to understand that they will remain in the faith.

]]> By: h. http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-480 h. Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:56:41 +0000 http://www.InterfaithFamily.com/blogs/Network/statistics/where-do-you-stand/#comment-480 to answer the blog's initial title of "Where Do You Stand?": i find flaws in both side's opinions. the "education camp" emphasizes that Jews should marry Jews, therefore being the only real method of ensuring continuity. the "outreach camp" emphasizes that intermarried populations can strengthen the community. i don't stand with either side. but that doesn't mean a solution can't be formulated. intermarriage is widely known for confusing kids and making (Jewish) in-laws uncomfortable. but in-marriage doesn't always guarantee success if the pair has no common compatibility other than sharing a religion (though there are also the obvious marital problems such as financial stress and infidelity that can ruin any marriage, whether same-faith or interfaith), or if one spouse is more observant than the other. i am part of the elusive 20's and 30's group. the few times a year i do go to shul, it's not to meet Jewish men. it's to get in touch with G-d. if the community is so concerned about retaining the 20's and 30's demographic, they should focus more on engaging them in Jewish life rather than trying to get them to date each other. to answer the blog’s initial title of “Where Do You Stand?”:

i find flaws in both side’s opinions. the “education camp” emphasizes that Jews should marry Jews, therefore being the only real method of ensuring continuity. the “outreach camp” emphasizes that intermarried populations can strengthen the community. i don’t stand with either side. but that doesn’t mean a solution can’t be formulated.

intermarriage is widely known for confusing kids and making (Jewish) in-laws uncomfortable. but in-marriage doesn’t always guarantee success if the pair has no common compatibility other than sharing a religion (though there are also the obvious marital problems such as financial stress and infidelity that can ruin any marriage, whether same-faith or interfaith), or if one spouse is more observant than the other.

i am part of the elusive 20’s and 30’s group. the few times a year i do go to shul, it’s not to meet Jewish men. it’s to get in touch with G-d. if the community is so concerned about retaining the 20’s and 30’s demographic, they should focus more on engaging them in Jewish life rather than trying to get them to date each other.

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