Discover Traditions
For both partners in a Jewish-Gentile relationship, traditions are formative. And unpacking that can be tricky. Here’s how the two of you can discover more together as you plan what traditions will be part of your family story.
Cultural Identity
Traditions help us pass down identity and values. So, what traditions were formative when you were growing up? Did you envision them playing a role in your own household–and how will the two of you blend your different expectations? We’ve walked with many mixed-heritage couples as they navigate these questions; you are not alone!
Holidays
Holidays and holy days might invoke ideas of family unified around a table, but when two or more cultures are present, they can also be tricky to navigate! Find out what you both love about your respective holidays and start there. Think about what was important to you growing up and how you might like to involve extended family moving forward. We’ve got resources and coaching available to help you discover whether your traditions could have more in common than you think!
Life-Cycle Events
Some of the biggest life-cycle events you’ll need to talk about as a Jewish-Gentile couple are weddings, circumcision, and bar/bat mitzvahs. While these are important expressions of Jewish identity, you’re also working out your identity as a couple and as a family. We’re here as parents, ministers, and Messianic Jews who’ve been there. Let us know if you’d like someone to navigate these tough topics with!
Spiritual Traditions
The partners in an interfaith couple often have different experiences of spirituality and religious commitment. Practices like prayer or lighting candles might feel comforting to one partner but foreign to the other. You can discover rhythms that are spiritually refreshing for you both.
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