Raising Your Jewish-Christian Child: How Interfaith Parents Can Give Children the Best of Both Their Heritages

by Lee F. Gruzen, Eric Weber, Canon J. Gibson (Foreword by)

Overview

In this completely revised, second edition of the “thoughtful and pioneering guide” (Library Journal), Lee Gruzen tackles the problems and challenges of blending both Jewish and Christian faiths into the lives of children of interfaith marriages.

Based on hundreds of interviews, as well as the author’s extensive research and personal experience, this acclaimed book discusses many issues important to interfaith families: talking with children about God, planning ceremonies, celebrating holidays, establishing healthy relationships with grandparents, developing a sense of self and belonging, and more. Written with honesty and warmth, it offers a wealth of insight into the complicated feelings and loyalties that parents, children, grandparents, and clergy bring to the subject of raising Jewish/Christian children.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781557044143
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	05/01/2001
Series:	Childcare/Parenting Guides Series
Edition description:	2ND
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	5.32(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.76(d)

Editorial Reviews

The tricky problem of how to raise children in an interfaith marriage--defined here as one in which parents are of different religions as well as one where both now have the same religion due to a conversion--is often the most heated question such families encounter. The author unequivocally weighs in as a promoter of observing as much as possible from both families' traditions, including close relationships with both sets of extended family. She feels that choosing one faith or the other eventually backfires against both parents and children; that choosing no religion leaves a serious void; that picking and choosing from both creates no respect for either. Gruzen gives numerous examples from her own experience as a Christian married to a Jew and raising a boy and girl as "both" and has done considerable research to buttress her viewpoint. However, bear in mind that she is a majority-culture woman and her support comes from the more liberal sectors of Judaism. She never quotes Orthodox or "traditional" sources, who would surely not agree with her, persuasive as she is. With that caveat, read the book if you're faced with such decisions, and also consult others that offer different opinion. 2001 (orig. 1987), Newmarket, $16.95. Ages Adult. Reviewer: Judy Chernak

Children's Literature