These remarks were delivered on March 31, 2004 at a lunch in honor of Rosanne Levitt's retirement as director of The Interfaith Connection at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. We are extremely pleased that Rosanne has become a member of InterfaithFamily.com's Advisory Board.
Almost seven years ago, five interfaith couples huddled in the JCC ready to embark on a journey discussing, crying, laughing, soul searching, and determining what religion meant to each of us as well as a couple. We were a diverse group: an African American, an Israeli, a staunch Catholic, a rebellious Catholic, a lost Conservative Jew, a couple of Reform Jews, and a few somewhere in between. We had all signed up for this interfaith workshop for different reasons, but most importantly to discuss the issues that are involved in an interfaith marriage.
At the first meeting, everyone was quite apprehensive and uncomfortable, but Roseanne broke the ice with delicious cookies and an atmosphere of equality and ease. Over the next eight weeks, we discussed family traditions and holidays, our future families and their feelings, but most importantly, what religion meant to each one of us. There were many times when we wanted Roseanne to give us the answers, but instead she gave us the tools that empowered us with the ability to both listen and talk effectively.
Roseanne never made anyone feel unimportant or that she judged their beliefs, rather she encouraged us to adapt the traditions that we felt strongly about into our new lives. She constantly stressed the importance of being part of a community, either Christian or Jewish, and the reward of giving back. Roseanne was right. All of the couples have integrated into a Jewish home, not because we were told to by our parents or rabbis, but because we felt it was the right thing to do.
Our interactions with our "interfaith group" did not end with the last session that Roseanne led. It has blossomed into a wonderful friendship over the years. We have shared Passovers, Hanukkahs, weddings, baby namings and bris's, first, second, third and even fourth birthday parties, as well as many picnics and dinners. Our group and personal experience are just a snap shot of the many classes Rosanne has taught over the years. She has made religion a union of two people and their families, instead of a battle. We have walked away with great friends, a Jewish identity, a sense of community, and most importantly, the ability to discuss and work out difficult family decisions.
On behalf of all the interfaith couples you have helped, we thank you.
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Connie and Jeffrey Zlot live in the San Francisco area.
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