Relationships
I Chose a Non-Jew--and the Non-Jew Chose JudaismBy Lyssa Friedman
A personal narrative of a woman whose partner converted to Judaism while she remained conflicted.
Go To LGBTQ Relationships
Article Archive
Pregnancy and Birth Ceremonies
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Having a Jewish Baby? "In the Beginning" Can Help
By Dru GreenwoodGeneral information about a new Reform program that teaches expecting parents about the Jewish customs of preparing for a baby and raising a young child.
Date: 08-14-2007 -
A Connection with Our People
By Rabbi Kenneth S. WeissOpinion piece from a rabbi who says debates for and against bris are irrelevant--it’s an essential part of Jewish tradition.
Date: 06-21-2006 -
Cheese Blintzes: An Adoptee Discovers Her Jewish Roots
By Dina Beach LynchPersonal narrative by an adopted woman whose Catholic parents ignored her birth mother’s wish that she be raised Jewish, nevertheless, the woman always "felt" Jewish growing up, and continues on a journey to become a learned
Date: 11-06-2006 -
Questions about Baby-Naming Ceremonies for Girls and Patrilineal Descent
By Rabbi Bradley Shavit ArtsonA professional view from a rabbi discussing the origin and character of baby-naming ceremonies for girls (simchat bat), and the relationship between birth ceremonies and "official" Jewish identity.
Date: 06-21-2006 -
Naming Baby Tabitha
By Andrea CohnThe author chose a baby naming ceremony for her daughter to cement her committment to raising her as a Jew.
Date: 04-02-2008 -
Interfaith Parents, Chinese Children
By Merri RosenbergSidebar to Jewish Moms, Chinese Daughters, on interfaith families raising Chinese children.
Date: 11-20-2006 -
Our Special Angel: Adopting Chloe'
By Debra A.W. BergerPersonal narrative by a Jewish woman who is raising her husband’s children from a prior marriage and an adopted daughter from Guatemala, who cannot imagine loving any children--biological or not--more than she loves hers.
Date: 11-05-2006 -
Why the Brit and Brit Bat Are So Popular Today
By Amy WeissProfessional view by rabbi describing why people are choosing Jewish baby ceremonies--some because of the importance of continuing age-old traditions, and others because the Torah requires it.
Date: 07-26-2006 -
A Baby-Naming That Made Me Cry: Olivia's Ceremony
By Melissa DesjardinsThe baby-naming was everything she'd hoped: it was fully Jewish and honored her Catholic husband and his family.
Date: 11-25-2009 -
Kreplach and Wontons: Asian-American Havurah Helps Blend Two Cultures, Traditions
By Leisah WoldoffReprinted news article about Jewish families with adopted Asian children, and how they raise their cihldren with a strong Jewish identity, as well as knowledge and respect for the culture of their birth parents.
Date: 11-20-2006
