Interfaithing: More Than Monotheism—Buddhists, Christians & Beyond
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna for an illuminating new episode of Interfaithing as they dive into what happens when Jewish, Christian, and even Buddhist traditions meet under one roof! Inspired by an American Buddhist listener's question, this episode tackles the twists, surprises, and spiritual sparks that come when families blend divergent faiths. From shave-worthy Jewish holidays to college classroom revelations, get ready for candid stories, unexpected insights, and plenty of humor as Ari finally reveals his face (literally!) and Anna shares classroom surprises that upend common assumptions about...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Embracing Curiosity in Interfaith Homes
Interfaithing
Join Anna and Ari for a magical new episode of Interfaithing as they launch an innovative learning series for interfaith families! Discover the power of bringing two faiths under one roof as they dive into foundational Jewish and Christian texts—the Shema and the Beatitudes—unpacking their history, meaning, and surprising points of connection. Topics addressed include: How the Shema’s call to unity lays the groundwork for interfaith harmony The Beatitudes and their embrace of humility, service, and inclusive community The art of co-teaching: modeling respect and partnership...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Family, Faith, and Festive Meals—A Passover/Easter Preview
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna as they embark on a Passover and Easter preview, exploring why these two spring holidays are so central—and so intertwined—for interfaith families. Dive into the overlap between the Jewish festival of liberation and the Christian celebration of resurrection, discovering how families navigate co-occurring traditions, meals, and even the secular excitement of March Madness! Topics addressed include: How interfaith families manage celebrating both Passover and Easter, often within days (or hours!) of each other The theological differences and shared messages of hope,...
info_outline
Ho, Ho, Ho...Merry Purim!!! Interfaithing's Review of Nobody Wants This Season 2
Interfaithing
Join hosts Ari and Anna for a magical, costume-filled episode as they celebrate Purim and explore the wonders of embracing two faiths under one roof! With Ari dressed as Santa and Anna as a unicorn, they review the second season of Netflix's hit-show "Nobody Wants This" and the heartfelt journey of spiritual identity, imposter syndrome, and conversion. Topics addressed include: The meaning and joy of Purim through costumes, revelation, and topsy-turvy fun How interfaith families blend traditions, creating “patchwork quilts” of celebration Insights on converting for marriage...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Can We Talk About Israel?
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna on a powerful episode of Interfaithing as they tackle one of the most challenging topics for interfaith families: conversations about Israel. Sparked by questions from their Patreon community, the hosts explore how Jewish and non-Jewish partners can discuss the complexities of Israel, especially in the aftermath of October 7, 2023. Topics addressed include: The emotional weight of Israel for Jews and how partners can respectfully broach sensitive topics Historical and theological perspectives on Israel in both Jewish and Christian contexts—from Zionism to Christian...
info_outline
Interfaithing: All the Holidays Under One Roof
Interfaithing
Join Rabbi Ari and Reverend Anna for a dazzling new episode of Interfaithing as they dive into an unprecedented convergence of celebrations—Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Rosh Chodesh Adar, and Ash Wednesday—all happening within the same 24 hours! Explore how interfaith families could thoughtfully navigate overlapping practices of fasting, feasting, prayer, and joy across Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Asian traditions. Topics addressed include: The practical challenges and creative possibilities of honoring multiple faith holidays in one household How timekeeping (lunar, solar, and...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Sassy Spirituality - Why Joy (and Chutzpah) Matter in Interfaith Families
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna for a delightfully sassy episode of Interfaithing, where they explore the lighter, joy-filled side of life in interfaith families! This episode dives into how humor, wit, and a bit of chutzpah can help families navigate religious differences and messy holiday moments—from Mac & Cheese mishaps to reinventing holiday traditions. Discover why a touch of irreverence can spark deeper connections, uplift family memories, and even challenge self-righteous attitudes in religious communities. Key Topics: Sass as a truth-telling tool: How humor and confidence break down...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Grief, Growth, and Spiritual Mentors
Interfaithing
Join Anna and Ari as they dive into the complexities of grief, legacy, and growth in interfaith families on this heartfelt episode of Interfaithing! Recorded just after MLK Day, this conversation honors the powerful bonds between spiritual mentors and their lasting roles in shaping faith journeys. Topics addressed include: The profound impact of losing spiritual mentors and how grief can inspire reconnection within families and interfaith communities Navigating changes, micro-losses, and evolving traditions when embracing two faiths under one roof Ways to honor loved ones’ legacies...
info_outline
Interfaithing: Sacred Unions or Problems to Manage? Shabbat, Agape, and the Syncretic Spark of Interfaith Households
Interfaithing
Join Ari and Anna for the latest episode of "" in which the hosts challenge the idea that interfaith families are problems to solve—instead, they explore how these relationships can become sacred unions and sites of spiritual creativity. Topics addressed include: Moving beyond “problems to manage” toward celebrating blessings and sacredness Interplay of differences and similarities through powerful metaphors of coins, trees, and blossoming rosebushes Ritual innovation through a unique Shabbat-Agape blessing combining Jewish and Christian traditions Understanding syncretism as a...
info_outline
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,...
info_outlineRabbi 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!