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.
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Article Archive
Anti-Semitism and Interfaith Families
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Oasis: An Arab-Jewish Romance in the Negev Desert
By Loolwa KhazzoomPersonal narrative by an Jewish woman whose family is descended from Jews from Iraq describing the delights and dilemmas of dating a Bedouin Muslim man in Israel.
Date: 01-02-2007 -
Does Half Count?
By Jason BortnickThe personal narrative of a man who was raised with immense knowledge of the Holocaust, where much of his father’s family had perished, and faced much anti-Semitism, despite the fact that he was not truly a Jew.
Date: 07-19-2007 -
European Jews Rally for Israel: Jews from across Europe Converge
By Toby AxelrodReprinted news article about a rally held outside a European Union meeting in Brussels to show solidarity with Israel and express concern for growing anti-Semitism in Europe.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Why Do People Hate Jews?
By Gil MannReprinted opinion piece answering the question "Why are Jews always getting picked on"; author blames the "insecure tribal" nature of humankind, the history of anti-Semitism, and the peculiarity of Jewish mannerisms and values.
Date: 07-26-2007 -
A Star of David in a Land of the Crescent
By Miriam EmonsPersonal narrative by a Jewish woman whose family was living in the MIddle East, where she fell in love with a Muslim man, but realized that the pressure of being surrounded by his family and culture, with its differing societal expectations, would be
Date: 01-03-2007 -
Bomb Detonated at Quebec Synagogue
By Bram EisenthalReprinted news article about anti-Semitic violence--arson at synagogues and verbal abuse at businesses and on streets--throughout Canada.
Date: 07-25-2006 -
Boycott The Passion of the Christ
By Rabbi Shmuley BoteachReprinted news and opinion article by a rabbi describing the anti-Semitic, ahistorical content of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, and advocating a boycott of the film.
Date: 07-31-2006 -
A Converstion with Eugene L. Pogany, author of In My Brother's Image: Twin Brothers Separated by Faith After the Holocaust
By Judith Bolton-FasmanProfile of Eugene L. Pogany, author of In My Brother’s Image: Twin Brothers Separated by Faith After the Holocaust, about his family’s experience with conversion and the Holocaust..
Date: 02-18-2007 -
Czech Jewish Official Brings Kerry News of His Holocaust Dead
By Magnus BennettReprinted news article about John Kerry’s Czech ancestors who died in the Holocaust, with a note that "indifference to the Holocaust" is still a problem in Czech society today.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Palestinian "Resistance Poetry" Class Causes Academic Uproar at U.C. Berkeley
By Joe EskenaziReprinted news article about a controversial Palestinian "Resistence Poetry" course taught at the University of California at Berkeley, and where school administrators do and should draw the line between "open discussion" and "ind
Date: 11-30-2006 -
Israel--Still a Sticky Subject in Interfaith Families Like Mine
By Marlena ThompsonPersonal narrative of an intermarried Jewish woman describing her thoughts and emotions about Israel.
Date: 07-27-2006 -
Forbidden Love: Anti-Semites Who Loved Jews...And the Jews Who (Sometimes) Loved Them Back
By Mandy KatzOverview of anti-Semitic historical figures, including Hitler and Mussolini, who fell in love with Jews.
Date: 09-20-2007 -
Victim Hailed As Dedicated Convert
By Rebecca SpenceObituary of Pam Waechter, the convert to Judaism who was killed by the gunman who attacked the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle in July 2005.
Date: 08-08-2006 -
Purim and Intermarriage
By Rabbi Geela Rayzel RaphaelProfessional view about the central meaning of the Purim story: intermarriage can produce important non-Jewish allies for Jewish communities.
Date: 08-01-2012 -
Educate, Connect, and Exemplify
By Rosemary DiDio BrehmPersonal narrative from an intermarried Catholic woman describing her journey from insensitivity to concern when she hears anti-Semitic slurs.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
The Only Jew in Mammarrosa
By Jeri ZederPersonal narrative by a Jewish American woman describing her wish to feel connected with the long-gone Portuguese Jewish population every time she goes to visit her non-Jewish husband’s family in Portugal.
Date: 12-11-2006 -
German Jews Warn Against Racism, Say Taboo on Anti-Semitism Is Gone
By Toby AxelrodReprinted news article about growing anti-Semitism in Germany
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Opening Yourself to Danger
By Zack KushnerPersonal narrative from a Jewish man married to a non-Jewish woman recalling the whispers and doubts he’s heard about his interfaith relationship.
Date: 08-24-2006 -
Jews Welcome Choice of Pope, and Hope That He Builds on John Paul’s Legacy
By Chanan TigayReprinted news and professional view article about the new pope, Benedict XVI, and whether he is "good" for the Jews, Jewish causes, and Jewish-Catholic relations.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Meeting of Catholic, Jewish Figures Blasts Anti-Zionism as Anti-Semitism
By Florencia ArbiserReprinted news article about a meeting between Jewish and Catholic religious leaders in Argentina and the statement they issued "rejecting anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism."
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Accusations of Anti-Semitism Roil Germany's Literary, Political World
By Toby AxelrodReprinted news article about the controversy over a famous and (many think) anti-Semitic German author, Martin Walser, and his new book, Death of a Critic.
Date: 07-25-2006 -
How Jewish Are We?
By Rabbi Stephen S. PearceA news article that looks into varying levels of "Jewishness" in today’s Jewish population, as well as the decrease in the community’s size.
Date: 06-07-2007 -
Despite Rally, Israel's Friends Face an Uphill Battle in Europe
By Toby AxelrodReprinted news article describing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism triggered by an Israel rally in Brussels.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
NPR Host Scott Simon: Riding on Airwaves
By Jeff RubinProfile of a National Public Radio host Scott Simon, who adopted an Asian girl and whose mother was Catholic and father was Jewish.
Date: 11-30-2006 -
Confronting Anti-Semitism: If I Don't Respond, Who Will?
By Paula C. YablonskyPersonal narrative from an intermarried woman describing her journey toward being more--and possibly overly--sensitive about anti-Semitic remarks she hears, and her efforts to educate about the dangers of anti-Semitism.
Date: 07-19-2006 -
Seeds
By Reika DuttaPersonal narrative from an Indian woman whose sister is married to a Jewish man about the subtle ways racism and anti-Semitism can seep into families’ attitudes toward their in-laws.
Date: 01-02-2007 -
"Who Knows What Easter Means?
By Charlotte Honigman-SmithPersonal narrative by a grown child of interfaith parents describing her thoughts and feelings about Easter as she’s grown--at first she thought it was only about eggs and bunnies, often she thinks it’s about the anti-Semitism in Europe, and a
Date: 08-10-2006 -
My Breakfast with Paul Wellstone
By Mordecai SpecktorProfile of Paul Wellstone, the Jewish Minnesota senator who perished along with his interfaith family in a plane crash.
Date: 02-20-2007 -
The Identity Dance: Actress Michelle St. John Used Personal Experiences as a Jewish Indian for Her Latest Role
By Melissa MinkinArticle about Sherman Alexie’s film about a gay Indian poet who falls in love with a Jewish woman, The Business of Fancydancing. The film features actress/singer Michelle St. John who is of Jewish and Christian Indian descent.
Date: 02-21-2007 -
Translating Between Two Worlds: An Interview with Rebecca Walker
By Judith Bolton-FasmanProfile of Rebecca Walker, daughter or Alice Walker and Mel Leventhal, and author of her new memoir Black White and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self.
Date: 02-22-2007 -
Embracing Two Realities: Thoughts about Opposition to Intermarriage as I Approach Mine
By Mina SilberbergOpinion piece by a Caucasion Jewish woman who is married to a Christian African-American man describing her desire to be welcomed and appreciated by the Jewish community, but also her understanding of those critical of intermarriage
Date: 07-11-2006 -
my choice/my identity/my struggle
By Loolwa KhazzoomThe personal narrative of an Orthodox Jewish woman who was excluded and fearful as a child because of her faith, but has now formed immense pride in her Jewish heritage.
Date: 08-07-2007 -
Lustiger Was a Bridge and Puzzle to Those in the Interfaith World
By Ben HarrisNews article about the death of Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, a Catholic official who was instrumental in Jewish-Catholic interreligious dialogue but who also was a convert from Judaism.
Date: 08-13-2007 -
"I'm Jewish, Jewish, Jewish!"
By Teresa McMahonPersonal narrative from an intermarried Catholic woman who is raising her two daughters as Jews, and her realization, throguh personal and international events, that anti-Semitism is still a threat.
Date: 07-19-2006 -
Anti-Semitism: Now It's My Problem, Too
By Jim KeenPersonal narrative of an intermarried Protestant man who sees anti-Semitism differently now that it’s a direct threat to his wife and daughters.
Date: 07-19-2006 -
What is Zionism Anyway?
By Gil MannReprinted opinion piece defining Zionism and briefly explaining Zionist history.
Date: 07-27-2006 -
Anti-Semitism: Where Does It Begin...and End?
By Rabbi Arthur P. NemitoffProfessional view from a rabbi about Jewish sensitivity around anti-Semitism, described through the story of a young boy from an interfaith family who felt uncomfortable singing a song about Christ in school, and whose father understood, but
Date: 07-19-2006 -
In Europe, Passion Is Panned--but Still Breaks Box-Office Records
By Ruth GruberReprinted news article about the film The Passion of the Christ and how it was received by different groups in various European countries.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
How Can We Solidify Intermarried Families' Commitment to Israel?
By Sarah TauberOpinion from an intermarried Jewish woman living in Europe talking about the links she sees between European anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, and the importance of educating and actively engaging non-Jewish spouses in Jewish communal affairs, including
Date: 07-27-2006 -
Today I am a Jew
By Catherine FordReprinted editorial from an intermarried woman fed-up with anti-Semitism around the world and determined to proudly stand with her Jewish husband and children and say "I am a Jew."
Date: 11-30-2006 -
Anti-Semitism Within: A Review of The Believer
By Ronnie FriedlandFilm review of the disturbing film The Believer, written and directed by Henry Bean, which tells of a young Orthodox man who becomes neo-Nazi and tries to juggle both Jewish an Nazi identities.
Date: 11-30-2006 -
Looking for Answers
By Allison HarperPersonal narrative about a Jewish woman and her love of a non-Jewish man who broke up with her because he said "I can’t tell my family that I love a Jewish woman".
Date: 06-13-2007 -
New Report on Anti-Semitism in Arab World Called "Bone-Chilling"
By Sharon SamberReprinted news article about the intensity of anti-Semitism in the Arab world, prompted by the release of a research report by the American Jewish Committee.
Date: 11-30-2006 -
Outreach Yes... but Not at the Expense of Standards
By Rabbi Gerald C. SkolnikProfessional view from a rabbi defending his and his synagogue’s policy to welcome non-Jewish partners in interfaith marriages, but prohibit them from participating in ritual practices.
Date: 06-12-2007 -
The Musical "Cabaret" Presents The Chilling Transition to Nazism . . . Including an Interfaith Marriage Derailed by Thre
By Ronnie FriedlandReview of the on-stage production of Cabaret, which tells the story of the transition to Nazi-Germany through the lens of a seedy nightclub and those who work there.
Date: 02-16-2007 -
The Passion: Learning from Interfaith Families
By Edmund CaseReview of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, and an exploration about how the relationships between partners in an interfaith marriage can serve as the model for the larger relationship and understanding between Christians and Jews.<
Date: 06-28-2007 -
A Passion for Division
By David WeintraubReview of Mel Gibson’s film, Passion of the Christ, from the perspective of a Jewish man married to a non-Jewish woman.
Date: 02-15-2007 -
As Youth, General and Now Candidate, Wesley Clark Is the Perennial Outsider
By Ron KampeasProfile of Wesley Clark, including his family background and the story of his Jewish father as well as his work with Israel in the context of his bid for the Democratic nomination for the election in 2004.
Date: 04-24-2007 -
What Would Jesus Think? Violence and Anger Overshadow Love and Forgiveness in Mel Gibson's The Passion
By Neal CohenReview of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ and its indulgence in violence over Jesus’ message of love, and what this will do to the perception of Jews worldwide.
Date: 02-17-2007 -
Can Intermarriage Be a Form of Outreach?
By Rabbi Kerry M. OlitzkyOp-ed arguing that intermarriage can be a form of Jewish outreach to non-Jews.
Date: 06-01-2007 -
U.S. Commission Poised to Address Europe's Latest Anti-Semitic Scourge
By Sharon SamberReprinted news article about the urgent need for Europeans and Americans to speak out against the growing anti-Semitic violence in Europe.
Date: 07-20-2006 -
Anti-Semitism Undertow
By Tracy Hahn-BurkettReview of Body Surfing, by Anita Shreve, about a woman with interfaith parents who takes a job with a wealthy WASP family and encounters anti-Semitism.
Date: 07-27-2007 -
How to Meet Your Great-Great-Grandparents: Filling In Your Interfaith Family Tree
By Cynthia SpikellA Jewish genealogy expert gives an introduction to the tools for researching your family history.
Date: 06-16-2010 -
Kalooki Nights' Unhealthy Obsession
By Helene DunbarReview of Kalooki Nights, a Booker Prize finalist about Jews in 1950s England who defined the world in terms of Jewishness.
Date: 09-20-2007 -
Yeehaa! Oh --And Shalom
By Sara CukerbaumI told them that growing up surrounded by two families of differing beliefs provoked thought and acceptance.
Date: 08-15-2008 -
Birthright Israel Next Monologues: Ruby Marez
By Ruby MarezIn honor of Israel Independence Day, a young woman of mixed Jewish and Puerto Rican heritage tells about reclaiming both identities.
Date: 04-29-2009 -
Adopted and Part of an Interfaith Family
By Rebecca YackleyI don't look Jewish, but I am. My mom is, too, and my dad is Catholic. My interfaith family life is
Date: 02-19-2010 -
Out of the Desert
By Sara DaviesShe always knew that her mother's family was Jewish and that her father's family wasn't, and didn't like Jews.
Date: 07-15-2009 -
The Fourth of July: A Jewish Holiday
By Rabbi Barbara AielloMy parents had seen hatred and cruelty and had been on the receiving end of anti-Semitism. They were forever grateful to live in America.
Date: 07-08-2010 -
MetaMaus: Look Inside a Classic
By Benjamin A. MaronReviewing MetaMaus, an inside look at the making of, and lives that have impacted/been impacted by, Art Spiegelman's Maus.
Date: 11-29-2011
