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!!

Join Ari Saks as he dives into the fascinating world of interfaith relationships in a one-on-one conversation with special guest Matthew Ari Lowe, author of "Seeing the Forest and the Trees"! This thought-provoking episode explores the delicate balance of faith, tradition, and personal growth in diverse partnerships.

Topics addressed include:

• The power of language in understanding our inner world

• Navigating holiday celebrations in interfaith relationships

• Personal journeys from orthodox beliefs to humanist perspectives

• The concept of "intersubjectivity" and its role in bridging differences

• Balancing individual faith with shared traditions

• The importance of humility and curiosity in understanding different belief systems

And MUCH MORE!!

Don't miss this enlightening conversation that will challenge your perspectives and inspire new ways of connecting across faith boundaries!

Get your copy of "Seeing the Forest and the Trees" on Amazon and start your own journey of interfaith understanding today!

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CLICK HERE to get your copy of Matt's book, "Seeing the Forest and the Trees: Mapping Your Inner World for Greater Clarity and Satisfaction in Life," today!

For more Interfaithing 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!!

Get ready for an exciting update from the Interfaithing podcast! Ari and Anna are back with a quick interlude episode that's packed with news, sneak peeks, and community-building goodness.

What's in store? Buckle up for:

• A recap of their springtime episodes on Passover and Easter

• Exciting growth in their Patreon community

• Sneak peeks at upcoming stories, including a fascinating tale of growing up in an interfaith household

• BIG NEWS: They're offering FREE membership options to make the podcast accessible to everyone!

• Plans for written content to complement the audio episodes

• Personal updates from Ari and Anna

But wait, there's more! The hosts are cooking up ways to bring the interfaith community together, including virtual events and opportunities to share your own interfaithing experiences.

Curious about how families can embrace two faiths under one roof? This episode is your perfect starting point! Join Ari and Anna as they continue to build a vibrant, inclusive community for interfaith families.

Don't miss out on the fun – head over to patreon.com/interfaithing to join the conversation. And get ready for an amazing third season coming your way!

Join Ari Saks and Anna DeWeese for the 4th and FINAL part of their 4-hour long holiday LiveStreamathon which originally aired on Wednesday, April 9th. You can view the ENTIRE LiveStreamathon on their website www.interfaithingpod.com. They will be dropping each part of the LiveStreamathon as independent podcast episodes from Wednesday, April 16th through Easter Sunday, April 20th.

This episode dives into the symbolism of the Passover Seder plate, where each item tells a story of the Exodus and Jewish history. Discover the dual nature of matzah, a paradoxical symbol of both affliction and freedom, challenging common narratives.

Key topics include:

- Slavery, Freedom, and Human Nature: How these themes resonate in both Passover and Easter, offering insights into the human condition.

- Pharaoh's Hardened Heart: A metaphor for desensitization to social injustice, exploring the spiritual consequences of our choices.

- The Order of the Passover Seder: A practical guide through the Seder's steps, from Kadesh to Nirtzah, creating order from historical chaos.

And MUCH MORE!! Uncover the deeper meanings behind these celebrations and how they reflect on our lives today. Don't miss this enlightening journey through tradition and faith!

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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 including the full video of our LiveStreamathon for Passover & Easter 2025!!

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