American capitalism has taken hold of December and made it a Hallmark month. High expectations of blissful family gatherings, delicious food and perfect gifts have created an idealized vision of this month of celebration. Add to that the golden glow of our own childhood memories, airbrushed by time, and we – Jewish, Christian or Buddhist – are set up for disappointment.

So I say, “Stop the bus!” [Continued]

The December Delight
By Jim Keen

Interfaith families have the opportunity to create unique, wonderul holiday traditions.

My wife Bonnie and I have been intermarried long enough now that our traditions together seem normal to us. This speaks volumes because hardly anything in an interfaith marriage is normal. Thirteen years after we said "I do," it's difficult for me to remember celebrating Christmas without Hanukkah. It's hard for me to even think back to a time without kids. Now Gabby is eight and Molly is five. From the very beginning, Bonnie and I decided to raise our children in her faith, Judaism.

While we were determined to make sure that our daughters knew that they were only Jewish (not both), we also decided that they would learn about my Christian holidays. As a result, we have created some wonderful memories and traditions of our own... [Continued]

Chanukah is around the corner and so is Christmas. What choices will you make about what your family observes, where and with whom?  If you would like to just think out loud about your feelings and desires, please give me a call... [Continued]		The holiday season has arrived!  Thanksgiving, a celebration without direct religious ties, offers all of us an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, to share in a festive meal and to reflect upon all of the people and things for which we are grateful... [Continued]
Congregation Shomrei Torah, a reform temple in Santa Rosa, is launching a new program designed to interest unaffiliated interfaith families in getting involved with Jewish life. Sue Smith, executive director, explains that the program – Pathways to Jewish Life and Community – will reach out to individuals with a natural curiosity about the congregation and Judaism in general to “stick a toe in"... [Continued]		Some 25 years ago, a group of interfaith families on the Peninsula joined together to found a synagogue that would welcome them at a time when many did not. “From the beginning, the congregation has been open and inclusive,” says Rabbi Melanie Aron, spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Hadash, the Los Gatos Reform congregation.... [Continued]

•  Building Jewish Bridges •  Interfaith Connection •  InterfaithFamily.com •  j. The Jewish News Weekly •  Jewish Information & Referral •  Lerhrhaus Judaica •  Project Welcome		Chopshticks in Palo Alto Sunday, December 24, 7:00 pm, Ming’s Restaurant. Food and humor with The Last Comic Standing’s Corey Kahaney and Dan Naturman.   Multicultural Chanukah in San Francisco Sunday, December 10, noon, Mission Cultural Center.Drumming, dancing, children’s activities, Chanukah treats, crafts fair and more.  Chanukah Bazaar in Berkeley Sunday, December 3, 11:00 a.m., Congregation Beth El. Latkes and Chanukah treats, silent auction and shopping for books, toys, jewelry, Jewish music and Chanukah supplies.   Fiddler on the Roof Sing-Along in San Rafael Monday, December 25, Osher Marin JCC. Brunch and festive sing along with Tevye and friends as the classic movie plays. Tickets and times, 415.444.8000. Visit www.planitjewish.com for information and more events.