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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outline(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:
- The christening dilemma: When grandparents are told their grandchild needs to be christened "so the child would not go to hell"—and what this language means for Jewish family members who don't participate in Christian rituals.
- Baptism vs. christening explained: Rev. Anna clarifies the crucial distinction between these practices, revealing that infant baptism historically developed as protection for innocent babies, not as salvation—because babies cannot make that decision themselves.
- A daughter's fear: A powerful story from Jane Kaplan's book about a Christian-raised teenager who worries her Jewish father will go to hell, buying him Bibles and asking her church to pray for his conversion.
- Jesus was a Jew: Rev. Anna's reminder that Jesus never converted away from Judaism, and why expecting Jews to become Christian contradicts the very foundation of Christian history.
- Moving from fear to love: How interfaith families can shift away from theology rooted in fear and toward practices grounded in love, respect, and authentic connection to both traditions.
- Religious literacy matters: Why truly understanding how religions work—not just surface-level knowledge—is essential for navigating these complex theological waters.
And MUCH MORE!!
Join us as we explore how interfaith families can honor both traditions without one needing to "save" the other!
Plus: An update on the DeLucaBerg family's interfaith bar mitzvah planning and their creative solution for honoring both Jewish and Italian Catholic heritage!