#interfaithfamily

[isloveworthdyingfor]

Secret Santa

(Major Gabriel Steele) The scent of sizzling latkes filled our cozy condo, mingling with the warmth of frying oil and the tangy aroma of grated onions, a bitter reminder of the festivities that would not come to be. In the corner of the living room, Lilith carefully arranged the menorah on the mantelpiece, its polished brass glinting in the firelight. Its eight arms stood solemn and resolute, casting long shadows that seemed to reach out toward the empty space where a Christmas tree should have been.

I hovered by the doorway, a silent specter in my home, watching as she lit the first candle with a grace that could almost make me forget the abyss between us. The soft glow illuminated her face, etched with determination, refusing to acknowledge my presence or the weight of tradition I yearned to share with our son.

Sammy's fingers danced across the carpet, a flurry of motion as he orchestrated an epic showdown between his favorite Autobot and its Decepticon rival. The low thrum of his voice filled the air with sound effects and exclamations, a one-boy show that held my gaze captive.

"Take that, Megatron!" he cried out, hurling the plastic hero with a flick of his wrist. He was the spitting image of me at his age, absorbed in a world where the only limits were imagination and the length of the living room.

"Optimus Prime saves the day again!" His triumphant cheer was underscored by a pure laugh that cut through the tension clinging to my shoulders. For a moment, the reality of our fractured holiday season faded into the background, replaced by the sight of my son finding joy amidst the chaos.

His brown eyes sparkled with life, reflecting the same stubborn spark I saw in the mirror each morning. The innocence there, untainted by the complexities of adult grievances, brought an involuntary smile to my face. In his laughter, I found a momentary reprieve, a sanctuary from the turmoil that had taken root in our home.

But as the echoes of his victory cry settled, the pang of a Christmas held hostage by circumstance returned. No stockings hung by the fireplace, no scent of gingerbread teasing the air—just the metallic sheen of a menorah and the heavy silence between Lilith and me.

Sammy's joy was bittersweet, reminding me of all he was missing. This year, deception was my reluctant ally. As the night drew closer, I anticipated the covert operation ahead. The presents, carefully wrapped and hidden away, awaited their silent descent down the stairs.

The thought of Sammy's elation upon discovering them beneath the non-existent tree spurred me. Each gift was more than just a toy or a book; it symbolized defiance against the void Lilith's edict had created. Perhaps in those vibrant packages lay the power to rekindle a flame she seemed so intent on snuffing out.

As silence enveloped the house, broken only by Lilith's distant murmurs that drifted from Sammy's room, I sensed the moment had arrived. With each passing second, my anticipation grew, listening intently for the telltale sign of his door clicking shut. It was my cue to act swiftly and quietly. Moving with stealth, I navigated towards the concealed nook, my pulse quickening not solely due to the peril of being caught but fueled by a flicker of hope that perhaps this clandestine endeavor could inject a glimmer of festive joy into our somber abode.

In the quiet of the living room, I ease the closet door open, inch by careful inch, to avoid a telltale creak. My hands find the stash of brightly wrapped gifts hidden behind winter coats and old scarves. The worry gnaws at my insides, a relentless mouse trying to escape a trap. What if she finds out? The thought is a pulse of fear that quickens my heartbeat. And what if this ruins the fragile peace between us? The possibility hangs over me, oppressive as the suffocating silence in our home.

I pause, a box half-emerged from its hiding place, and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. With each present, I transfer to the shadows at the foot of the stairs, and the tension coils tighter within me. I glance toward the hallway, half-expecting Lilith to appear, her gaze sharp with accusation. But there's only darkness and the gentle sound of Sammy's breathing drifting down from his bedroom.

The house settles around me, the night deepening outside, and I'm left with my thoughts. While Lilith immerses herself in Hebrew texts during this winter break, my mind drifts to Nic. Her laughter haunts the empty gym like an echo that refuses to die, bouncing off walls stripped of festive joy. I can almost hear it now, a ghostly sound that brings a guilty thrill, equal parts excitement and terror.

Her touch lingers on my skin, a memory so vivid it might have been yesterday. Our eyes had met across the mats, a silent conversation in a look. The way these memories rush back is intoxicating, unbidden, yet undeniable.

I straighten up, the last gift nestled among its kin, a small army of colorful defiance ready for their march into the open. In the stillness, I allow myself a moment to imagine Sammy's joy come morning, clinging to the hope that this could mend more than just a child's heart. With one final, lingering look, I retreat to the shadows, a figure torn between past desires and present duties, every step a measure of the man I want to be for my son.

[alicianyblade]

Mom brought a reindeer game to tonight's Christmas Eve party: Reindeer Ring Toss! Someone would wear the antlers while everyone else tried to land hoops on them. Here I am at my turn, just lettin' 'em all bounce off. And yes, I am aware I look like Cernunnos here (the Celtic stag god of the woods, who's depicted in ancient art as sitting in meditation), that's why I chose the pose. For tonight is all about honoring the rebirth of light and all the male deities who represent that. And Cernunnos is one of them, and a god I work with very closely. He's lord of the animals, the woods, and the wildness in humanity's own hearts. He will either be a gentle guide or chase you with tough love, depending on what you need. So I sat in this pose to honor him, and to have fun at my family's amused reactions. For, as a god of your wild side, Cernunnos is a creature of fun and joy, too. :) A blessed Yule and Merry Christmas #WinterSolstice #ReindeerRingToss #ChristmasEveFun #Cernunnos #InterFaithFamily #TheChristiansAndThePagan #WitchyWinterFun #YuletideJoy https://www.instagram.com/p/B6fAgS1nyDd/?igshid=18vt87j3bllru

[jewish-education]

For many people, the shofar blasts are the highlight of the Rosh Hashanah synagogue services. Similar to fireworks set off on New Year's Eve, or banging on pots and blowing noisemakers at the stroke of midnight as we enter January 1st, the shofar blasts grab our attention, shouting, "wake up! The New Year is here!" Watch this video for a demonstration and explanation of the different shofar blasts -- tek'iah, sh'varim, and teruah -- and you too will be ready for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

[progressivejudaism]

A free resource!

[guildworks]

SEASONS OF LIGHT Advent 🎄Christmas 2019 GUILDWORKS_companies; REIMAGINinG Our Humanity 🕊🌏 #jesus #jesuswasmyhomeboy #jesuswasjewish #rejoicemyspirit #celebratelife #channukah #hannukah #christmaskatz #christmas #christmas2019 #interfaithfamily #menorah #contemporarychristmas #advent #winter #adventwreath #moderno #yeshua #god #faith #love #darknesscouldnotcomprehend #blessings #baruchhashem (at Santa Fe, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6iw_eWFz5a/?igshid=1uf86136jk9lk

[beadsofparadisenyc]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beads of Paradise NYC (@beadsofparadisenyc)

As you’ve just seen by way of our previous post, we know that everyone celebrates (or doesn’t celebrate) the December holiday season differently, and that’s a-ok with us. Whatever your tradition, like Seth Cohen’s interfaith holiday, Chrismukkah, we’re sure you’ll find something just perfect for it at Beads of Paradise. #chrismukkah #theoc #sethcohen #interfaith #interfaithholidays #adambrody #theocedit #interfaithfamily #holidaytraditions #christmas #hanukkah #happyholidays #december #youdoyou #endoftheyear #happyplace #somethingforeveryone #shop #shopsmall #nyc #unionsquare #ornaments #beadsofparadise (at Beads of Paradise NYC) https://www.instagram.com/p/B50x1M6hGfK/?igshid=g9jkzakla6mn

[hollywoodumc-harmonytolucalake]

A beautiful 30+ year interfaith tradition of serving Christmas dinner to our neighbors in need. Thank you @templeisraelofhollywood for making this dinner happen each year, and thank you to @inkerijthepeople for being a part of this day. So many amazing people coming together from all walks of life with one purpose of love. ❤️🎄 . #feed1000 #christmasdinner #christmastradition #MerryChristmas #tioh #templeisraelofhollywood #inkerij #interfaith #Christmas2018 #HollywoodCampus #HollywoodUMC #Hollywood #Community #HUMC #interfaithfamily #AllAreWelcome #fellowship #community (at Hollywood United Methodist Church - Hollywood Campus) https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2tVP8htu2/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=ejwczneitu3p

[mayyim-hayyim-blog]

FREE ONLINE LEARNING

BY INTERFIATHFAMILY.COM

Beginning November 9th, this five-session, once a week series has been created to help as you and your family head into the December holiday season. Once a week, beginning on November 10th and continuing through December 8th, we will send you an email full of resources, stories, humor and questions to ask yourself, your partner and/or your family about your December holiday needs, practices and choices.  

[secretweddingb]

Getting all personal on the blog where I'm telling you all about going on holiday with your family and future in-laws. Something that isn't done in the South Asian community when you're not engaged yet. Read all about it on the blog - link in bio. { Oh and also we went to @visitkeukenhof - something to tick off the bucket list } 🌷 . . . #realtalk #family #interfaith #multicultural #multiculturalfamily #multiculturalism #holland #keukenhof #tulips #secretweddingblog #weddingblogger #bloggers #easterweekend #linkinbio #interfaithfamily #happiness #familylove (at Keukenhof - the Tulips garden, Holland)

[lastunicorngirl27-blog]

Happy Easter and Happy Passover from the little guy who has my heart. ❤️ #proudauntie #interfaithfamily #adamlou

[girls-can-get-married]

First, find at least two or three officiants to interview. A great way to find an LGBTQ - friendly wedding officiant is from the folks you know. Ask your friends or members of your community who they trust.

You can also check out different referral sites. There are some great sites with LGBTQ - friendly clergy. Check out the options on InterfaithFamily and Equally Wed.

Check the link for 6 questions to ask your officiant before booking them for your wedding ceremony!

[transconverts]

Hey! My boyfriend wants to convert to reform judaism so we can have a jewish family and he can be part of my tribe. However, unlike me he is not religious and humanistic judaism as it's own branch doesn't exist in my country (Germany). Is something like this even possible?

I don’t know how all rabbis feel about it or how it may go over in Germany but generally converts need to be at least open to the idea of G-d. You can still have a Jewish family with a non-Jewish parent though! It’s pretty common here (maybe not a majority or anything, but enough that there is often an interfaith family in any liberal-leaning setting, at least) in the US for people who are Jewish to have only one Jewish parent. Here is InterfaithFamily, an org dedicated to interfaith families.

I know that isn’t exactly what you’re looking for but you can set up meetings with rabbis and chat with them about this, see what his options are and if any are open to helping him convert, and it may be helpful or comforting to know that Jewish interfaith families can and do exist. 

[alicianyblade]

Me presenting my grandma with a slice of the pineapple upside down cake I baked for her for her 87th birthday! Happy birthday, Grandma, from your little witchy-poo! #FeedingCreatively #PineappleUpsideDownCake #InterFaithFamily #GrandmaAnd Granddaughter #Grandmas87thBirthday #WitchyGranddaughter #ChristiansAndPagans https://www.instagram.com/p/CiEsnwrPuvt/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[progressivejudaism]

Hi there! My partner and I want to be married in a Jewish wedding, but she’s not Jewish. We have agreed on raising a Jewish family etc. Would a reform rabbi be willing to marry us?

Hiya!

Many, many mazels to you and your soon-to-be kala!

Some reform rabbis and cantors will officiate Jewish and non-Jewish weddings (with couples who will plan on raising children Jewish), and some won’t.

One option you can check out is interfaithfamily. They list a bunch of clergy who will work with you! But might I suggest a more daring option? In a few years you will be creating a beautiful family. It might be worth it to find a rabbi or cantor in your neck of the woods (you could always ask around and “shop”) and not only find someone for marriage but also for life!

I’d love to connect you with someone in your area if you’d like! (And if you’re in NYC, I’d love to work with you!)

Mazel Tov!

Josh

[guildworks]

SEASONS OF LIGHT Advent 🎄Christmas 2019 GUILDWORKS_companies; REIMAGINinG Our Humanity 🕊🌏 #jesus #jesuswasmyhomeboy #jesuswasjewish #rejoicemyspirit #celebratelife #channukah #hannukah #christmaskatz #christmas #christmas2019 #interfaithfamily #menorah #contemporarychristmas #advent #winter #adventwreath #moderno #yeshua #god #faith #love #darknesscouldnotcomprehend #blessings #baruchhashem — view on Instagram https://ift.tt/360V8Bo

[beadsofparadisenyc]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Beads of Paradise NYC (@beadsofparadisenyc)

We know that everyone celebrates (or doesn’t celebrate) the December holiday season differently, and that’s a-ok with us. Whatever your tradition, like Seth Cohen’s interfaith holiday, Chrismukkah, we’re sure you’ll find something just perfect for it at Beads of Paradise. #chrismukkah #theoc #sethcohen #interfaith #interfaithholidays #interfaithfamily #holidaytraditions #christmas #hanukkah #happyholidays #december #youdoyou #endoftheyear #happyplace #somethingforeveryone #shop #nyc #unionsquare #ornaments #beadsofparadise (at Beads of Paradise NYC) https://www.instagram.com/p/BrL1Q9CASqM/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p7h3tf6vlbm5