Article Discussion: Highs and Lows: A Non-Jewish Husband's Take on the Jewish New Year

[admin]

Click here to read the article:Highs and Lows: A Non-Jewish Husband's Take on the Jewish New Year

[Shifrah]

Birger, your experiences aren't very different than Jews from a secular background.  I converted myself and yet, your view is very much in line with my husband, who was born and raised Jewish.

The most important thing is to find a balance that works for everyone - we are always working on ours and it seems that you and your wife have created an environment that works for you.

As for your son, as he gets older and can understand things better, even if he engages in aspects of Judaism that you don't, that won't change your status in his eyes - you will always be his father.

Continue to do what works for your family and thanks for sharing your experiences

[Heather Subba]

Birger,

I really appreciated your article. It made me feel very emotional but it also made me feel very appreciative of individuals who can be so open to learning about other faiths and of incorporating traditions, beliefs, and practices into their own lives. Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[Rachel]

My husband comes to evening services with me, but not daytime.  He says they feel redundant, and why use a vacation day.  When our daughter is old enough for services, I assume we'll all go together - but I should check that assumption by asking my husband.

Your bit about reading the Torah was actually what inspired me to comment.  I had never read it and decided, in my late 20s, that it would be a good thing to do.  I invited a lot of friends to join me, and in the end was joined by just a couple of them, plus my husband.  We gathered every 2 weeks or so to talk about what we'd read.  Because we each happened to own a different translation, it was interesting to compare footnotes.  You're right that the "begat" sections were boring.  Other sections, though, led to "aha" moments where I made connections to things I'd grown up hearing.  After that year, Simchas Torah was very special indeed.