Join Ari and Anna for a dynamic episode of Interfaithing as they tackle the challenges and opportunities of interfaith families embracing two faiths under one roof. This conversation dives deep into building authentic connections, navigating the roadblocks and gifts that religious traditions bring, and finding belonging—especially during the holiday season.

Topics addressed include:

• Passing Down Heritage: Examine matrilineal vs. patrilineal descent in Judaism and Christian approaches to faith.

• Christian Nationalism & Identity: Learn to separate faith, culture, and sociopolitical beliefs for true connection.

• Community & Belonging: Discover how questioning tradition can create a welcoming home.

PLUS an update on the Delucaberg family's unique Bar Mitzvah celebration and an announcement of EXCLUSIVE events for Patreon members!!!

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Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content including the full video of our LiveStreamathon for Passover & Easter 2025!!

(Editor's note: This episode is revised from the original released last week to clean up & shorten the introduction. The overall content for the episode is the same.)

Rabbi Ari and Rev. Anna tackle one of the most sensitive theological challenges facing interfaith families: the Christian concept of salvation and what it means when one tradition suggests the other needs "saving." This episode explores real stories of families navigating baptism, christening, and the fear-based theology that can create painful divisions between Jewish and Christian loved ones.

Topics addressed include:

- The christening dilemma: When grandparents are told their grandchild needs to be christened "so the child would not go to hell"—and what this language means for Jewish family members who don't participate in Christian rituals.

- Baptism vs. christening explained: Rev. Anna clarifies the crucial distinction between these practices, revealing that infant baptism historically developed as protection for innocent babies, not as salvation—because babies cannot make that decision themselves.

- A daughter's fear: A powerful story from Jane Kaplan's book about a Christian-raised teenager who worries her Jewish father will go to hell, buying him Bibles and asking her church to pray for his conversion.

- Jesus was a Jew: Rev. Anna's reminder that Jesus never converted away from Judaism, and why expecting Jews to become Christian contradicts the very foundation of Christian history.

- Moving from fear to love: How interfaith families can shift away from theology rooted in fear and toward practices grounded in love, respect, and authentic connection to both traditions.

- Religious literacy matters: Why truly understanding how religions work—not just surface-level knowledge—is essential for navigating these complex theological waters.

And MUCH MORE!!

Join us as we explore how interfaith families can honor both traditions without one needing to "save" the other!

Plus: An update on the DeLucaBerg family's interfaith bar mitzvah planning and their creative solution for honoring both Jewish and Italian Catholic heritage!

Rabbi Ari and Reverend Anna tackle one of the most challenging questions facing interfaith families: How do you honor both traditions in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony?

This episode centers on a real family—nicknamed "the DeLucabergs"—where a Jewish mother and Italian/Irish father are wrestling with their son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah. As they began planning, the mother questioned whether proceeding with such a distinctly religious ceremony truly reflected their interfaith identity. This sparks a rich conversation about authenticity, engagement, and what it means to create meaningful ceremonies that honor multiple heritages.

Topics addressed include:

- The fundamentals of Bar/Bat Mitzvah traditions—what the ceremony entails, why Torah reading is central, and how it marks a young person's transition into full membership in the Jewish community.

- The difference between support and deep engagement for non-Jewish partners in Jewish lifecycle events, and why identity questions make Bar Mitzvahs more complex than interfaith weddings.

- A powerful personal story from Anna about participating in an interfaith Bar Mitzvah ceremony a decade ago, including the family's decision on what to call the event and how to acknowledge both traditions authentically.

- The sacred role of Torah in Jewish ceremonies and why this creates unique challenges for fully integrating other faith traditions—unlike wedding chuppahs, the Torah carries specific religious obligations.

- The naming dilemma: Should it be called a "Bar Mitzvah and..." something else? What comes after the "and" when the non-Jewish parent doesn't actively practice their birth religion but their cultural heritage still matters?

- Fairness versus equality—a crucial framework showing that interfaith ceremonies don't need equal weight for both traditions to be respectful and meaningful. Fair doesn't mean equal!

And MUCH MORE!!

Join us as we explore how interfaith families can create authentic coming-of-age ceremonies that honor who they truly are!

Have thoughts on what should follow "Bar Mitzvah and..."? Send your ideas to interfaithingpod@gmail.com or by joining patreon.com/interfaithing —Rabbi Ari is actively seeking input from the interfaithing community!

Ari and Anna return with an exciting announcement about the evolution of their Interfaithing podcast and project! This episode marks a new chapter as they expand beyond their previous two seasons into broader community-building work, introducing significant developments that will shape the future of interfaith family support.

Topics addressed include:

- The launch of "The Interfaithing Rabbi" — Ari's new sub-brand exploring how Judaism relates to other faith traditions, both within interfaith families and through broader clergy collaboration and community engagement.

- Anna's ordination as a reverend through the Universal Life Church, bringing her educational background from Union Theological Seminary to serve families seeking clergy support outside traditional denominational boundaries for weddings, baptisms, baby namings, funerals, and more!

- Their unique philosophy on interfaith families — not creating a blended "third way" or hybrid tradition, but strengthening both Judaism and Christianity by holding them together in respectful, loving relationship.

- Building community through Patreon — plans for Shabbat gatherings, holiday events, and resources for interfaith couples seeking non-judgmental support, practical rituals, and connection with others navigating similar journeys.

- Addressing Jewish grandparents' concerns about co-identification and "blendedness," exploring how multiple religious identities can support rather than compete with each other within families.

- The powerful mission of interfaith families as peacemakers — demonstrating how faith traditions can live in peace and harmony, raising each other up rather than creating competition and antagonism.

- Excitement about "Nobody Wants This" Season 2 on Netflix and how this interfaith relationship story intersects beautifully with their own work!

And MUCH MORE!!

Join Ari and Anna as they chart this new course, inviting you to be part of a growing community where faith traditions stand alongside each other, strengthened by relationship!

Support the community at patreon.com/interfaithing or reach out at interfaithingpod@gmail.com to share your story!

In this gripping episode, Ari and Anna unpack the complex story of Ella Goldberg, an interfaith child who ultimately chose Judaism. Born to a Catholic mother and Jewish father, Ella's early life was a tapestry of mixed traditions and dual celebrations.

Listeners will be captivated by Ella's vivid recollections of Hanukkah menorah lightings alongside Christmas tree decorations, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of faith and identity. The episode explores the unique perspective Ella gained from straddling two religious worlds and the rich cultural heritage she inherited.

But Ella's journey takes a dramatic turn in college when she faces blatant antisemitism, forcing her to confront her Jewish identity head-on. This pivotal moment becomes a catalyst for deep self-reflection and ultimately, a conscious choice to fully embrace her Jewish roots.

Through Ella's story, the podcast tackles broader themes of religious identity, discrimination, and the power of personal choice in spiritual matters. It raises thought-provoking questions about how external pressures and life experiences influence our religious affiliations.

Featuring raw, honest dialogue and powerful quotes from Ella herself, this episode promises to be an eye-opening exploration of the interfaith experience and the journey to finding one's true spiritual home.

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For more insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!!

Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!!

Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content!!

Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!

Click here to access previous episodes from Season 1 referenced by Ari & Anna:

• Myth #3: You'll Confuse the Kids!!!
• Myth #6: You Just Don't Care About Your Faith Tradition!!!

Get ready for an emergency episode of "Interfaithing" that's shaking up the religious world! Rabbi Ari Saks drops a bombshell about his resignation from the Conservative Jewish movement, all because of his stance on interfaith marriages. But that's just the beginning!

Dive into a fascinating exploration of Jewish law, interfaith relationships, and the evolving nature of religious traditions. Here's what you'll discover:

• The shocking reason behind Rabbi Saks' resignation and the controversy it's stirred up;

• A mind-bending "career-long research project" that challenges traditional views on interfaith marriages;

• The surprising historical connection between intermarriage and idolatry in Judaism;

• How embracing multiple faith traditions can strengthen families and prevent division

• A game-changing announcement from co-host Anna DeWeese that could revolutionize interfaith ceremonies

This episode is packed with scholarly insights, personal stories, and actionable advice for anyone navigating the complex world of interfaith relationships. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking discussion that's sure to spark conversation and challenge long-held beliefs!

And MUCH MORE!!

Join Ari and Anna as they push the boundaries of religious tradition and pave the way for a more inclusive future!

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Read JTA's article on Ari's resignation from the Conservative Movement by clicking on this link

For more Interfaithing insights, become a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/interfaithing!!

Email us with any questions, insights, or comments at interfaithingpod@gmail.com

Like us and Follow us on Facebook and Instagram with the handle @interfaithingpod!!

Check out our website at www.interfaithingpod.com for more Interfaithing content!!

Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!