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Interfaith marriage and the holidays
By JEAN JOHNSON SPRING HILL- Steve Snow is Christian. His wife of 19 years is Jewish. A generation ago, such a crossing of religious cultures was virtually unheard of -- about 3 percent of Jews married outside the faith in 1965. But it has since climbed to about 50 percent. On Sunday, as Christmas and Hanukkah approach, Rabbi Cyrus Arfa will discuss the phenomenon at Temple Beth David Jewish Center. "My role as a rabbi is to give the people a holiday gift, which is the ability to talk about the issues that may come up and are hidden in an environment which is friendly (the temple) and how they can cope with some of these issues to make the holiday season more comfortable," Arfa said. The most obvious conflict that can arise during the holidays is Christmas. It can be especially difficult when an interfaith couple have children. "We had the conversation prior to having children that our children would be raised Jewish," said Janice Snow. The Snows' 6-year-old daughter, Stevie, "goes to religious class. . . . We wanted to give her a sense of identity and her heritage." But the Snows also celebrate Christmas, because Steve enjoys the holidays. They exchange gifts, set up a tree and decorate. Janice doesn't think it confuses Stevie to expose her to both traditions. "How many people celebrate Christmas for the real reason?" Janice Snow wondered. "It's a season of goodwill, charity and thanksgiving." During Sunday's session, Arfa will distribute sheets of paper on which participants will suggest questions for discussions or make statements and remain anonymous. "People are going to agree and disagree," said Arfa. "For example: Do they go to Christmas dinner (with the Christian in-laws)? These are the issues that come up, and how do you respect and love one another and cope with these issues? This is what I hope to bring up and offer some sound advice." Arfa hopes the session will be something the temple can build on and that the couples will come and have coffee and bagels. "I would like them to feel it's a place where they can come and hang up their hats," said the part-time rabbi, who serves the congregation twice a month. Everyone in the community with an interest in interfaith marriages, including teens, are welcome to Sunday's event, Arfa said. If you goWHAT: Interfaith marriage session WHEN: 10 to 11:15 a.m. Sunday WHERE: Temple Beth David Jewish Center, 13833 E Linden Drive, Spring Hill. 686-7034 COST: Free; everyone welcome.
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