(S02/E03) Christmas & Chanukkah Episode - Part 1: The Playfulness of Chrisanukkah with SPECIAL GUEST Reverend Samantha Gonzalez-Block
Release Date: 12/18/2024
Interfaithing: When Fundamentalism Challenges Diversity
Interfaithing
Join Anna and Ari for a powerful episode of Interfaithing: "When Fundamentalism Challenges Diversity." In recognition of the terrible act of antisemitism at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia this week, your hosts explore the difficult questions and real-life struggles facing interfaith families in a world where religious fundamentalism threatens unity and inclusion. Topics addressed include: The impact of global tragedies, such as attacks targeted at faith communities, and how they affect interfaith families’ sense of safety and belonging Honest conversations about antisemitism,...
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Interfaithing: Jingle Bells, Dreidel Spins & A Patreon Holiday Party!!!
Interfaithing
Episode Summary: In this vibrant and heartfelt episode, hosts Ari and Anna dive deep into how families with interfaith dynamics can navigate and celebrate the holiday season—especially when traditions and values sometimes seem to clash or compete. Starting with lighthearted Thanksgiving recaps (including a family reunion for Anna's dog, Armadillo, aka “Dillo”), they find the humor and warmth in shared stories, even when they involve playful misnaming ("Guacamole"!). The conversation soon shifts to the holiday season's unique challenges for interfaith families, focusing on the...
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Interfaithing: What Does Christian Nationalism have to do with Patrilineal Descent?
Interfaithing
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...
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Interfaithing: When Your Child Thinks You're Going to Hell
Interfaithing
(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:...
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Interfaithing: Can You Have an Interfaith Bar Mitzvah?
Interfaithing
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...
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Interfaithing: The Next Chapter Starts Now
Interfaithing
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...
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(S02/E17) Ella's Interfaithing Journey PART 2 - Becoming Whole in the Holy Land
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna as they wrap up Season 2 of Interfaithing with the second part of Ella Goldberg's captivating journey of self-discovery and faith exploration in "Becoming Whole in the Holy Land"! Topics addressed include: Ella's transformative Birthright trip to Israel, where she felt her identity come together in harmony; The emotional rollercoaster of converting to Judaism in Israel; Navigating the complexities of interfaith identity and family dynamics; The power of interfaith families in promoting dialogue between faiths; And MUCH MORE!! ~ Hear Ella's powerful words: "When I was...
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(S02/E16) Ella's Interfaithing Journey Part 1: Navigating the Interfaith Maze
Interfaithing
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...
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EMERGENCY POD! Interfaithing Responds to Ari Resigning from the Conservative Movement
Interfaithing
Get ready for an emergency episode of "Interfaithing" that's shaking up the religious world! Rabbi Ari Saks drops a bombshell about , 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...
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BONUS Episode: Seeing the Forest and the Trees with Matt Lowe
Interfaithing
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...
info_outlineJoin Ari and Anna in this heartwarming episode of "Interfaithing" as they welcome Reverend Samantha Gonzalez-Block of the Interfaith Families Project to explore the vibrant world of Jewish-Christian interfaith families! Discover the joys and challenges of celebrating both Christmas and Chanukkah, and how these traditions can beautifully coexist.
Key Topics:
- Interfaith Dialogue at the Dinner Table: Samantha shares her unique perspective on how family meals became a natural space for interfaith discussions, fostering a rich cultural exchange.
- Personal Experiences of Interfaith Childhood: Dive into Samantha's journey of attending both church and synagogue, navigating the complexities of her interfaith identity.
- Playfulness in Holiday Celebrations: Learn about the "Chrisanukkah extravaganza," a joyful blend of Christmas and Chanukkah festivities, complete with skits and songs!
- Balancing Traditions in Interfaith Communities: Explore how communities like the Interfaith Families Project celebrate each tradition fully while finding respectful ways to unite them.
- Synthesis vs. Syncretism in Interfaith Practices: Reflect on how interfaith families can create new traditions that honor both faiths without losing their unique significance.
And MUCH MORE!!
Join us for an episode filled with laughter, insights, and the spirit of inclusivity! For more on the Interfaith Families Project, visit www.iffp.org
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Check out the Trailer of Season 2 for a description of the season's theme: Interfaith Dialogue is What We Call Dinner!!
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