Hearing Men's Voices

Let's Talk About It - A Book of Support and Guidance

Let's Talk About It is the second part of the FJMC's discussion of the issue of intermarriage that confronts us as a community and within our own families. The book provides a pragmatic approach to keruv (outreach) to intermarrieds with several thoughtful and creative programming suggestions that really work.
It is a volume not just for lay people, but also for rabbis, cantors, and Jewish educators.

1. Discussion about family reactions to their children entering a dual-faith marriage. Either take a few minutes from a Men's Club Board meeting or have a small group of no more than six couples. Ask them the extent to which they have accepted or rejected the relationship and whether their views have changed over time.
2. Have a program aimed at synagogue leaders to talk about ways in which the congregation could better involve members of dual-faith marriages in synagogue activities. Invite some intermarried couples to participate.

Hearing Men's Voices

Building the Faith: A Book of Inclusion for Dual-Faith Families

The issue of intermarriage confronts us as a community and within our own families. How do we reach out to encourage these families to increase their involvement in Jewish life?
Where do we begin as a congregation and as individuals to transform ourselves to make this effort a success? Building the Faith and its companion book, Let's Talk About It, provide essays and program ideas that will help address these questions.

1. Discussion about individuals' personal experiences with intermarriage. Either take a few minutes from a Men's Club Board meeting or gather together a group of no more than six couples. Ask them about any dual-religion relationships in their families, how they feel about it, and how it is working out.
2. Have a post-Shabbat kiddush discussion about involving members of dual-faith marriages in synagogue activities. Set up chairs in one part of the room used for the Shabbat morning kiddush, and invite people to an open discussion about ways in which non-Jewish spouses of congregational members can become more accepted and involved at the synagogue. Be sure to ask a few knowledgeable congregational leaders and some dual-faith couples to attend.

Promoting Jewish Faith & Practice

Dual Faith Parenting- Second Thoughts on a Popular Trend

Observing both Hanukkah and Christmas? Having a Bar Mitzvah and a baptism? This booklet presents a discussion of the issues that confront dual-faith couples when considering the raising of a family. It explores the psychological, developmental and practical difficulties that can result when a couple attempts to raise children with two religions.

1. Present a copy of the booklet to the Jewish member of new dual-faith marriages in your congregational community. It should be a guide for them for the religious rearing of their children in the years to come.

Keruv

The Role of the Supportive Non-Jewish Spouse in the Conservative/Masorti Movement

A sensitive, thorough examination of how the Conservative/Masorti Movement has responded to this growing population. The 35-page booklet covers historical developments and discusses future potential in light of recent demographic research and program initiatives.