Mixed Faith & Conversion

Liberal Judaism welcomes those who grew up Jewish and those who have become accepted into Judaism. The Liberal Jewish movement is inclusive and egalitarian and gives equal status to those traditionally excluded. Liberal Judaism welcomes sincere converts to Judaism. Liberal Judaism also recognises the Jewish status of children brought up as Jewish, whether they are of matrilineal or patrilineal descent. Sometimes a person may even discover that they are Jewish and would like to affirm their Jewish identity. A number of Liberal Jews discuss their search for acceptance of their Jewish status and their conversion to Judaism. They also share narratives of mixed faith marriages and the importance of welcoming non-Jewish partners into the community. Often the welcome offered by Liberal Jewish congregations is particularly valued if there have been rejections from other branches of Judaism.

Modern views on conversion and mixed faith marriage differ from Lily Montagu’s personal view but are testament to the dynamic and forward looking nature of Liberal Judaism.

Quote

“It was important that my faith was included as part of our wedding so it was a reflection of a mixed faith and marriage so we had a blessing by our rabbi. I’m grateful Liberal Judaism enables me to practice as I wish and embraced my husband as an atheist into the community“

Rebecca Naydorf-Hannis

PODCAST

This episode explores the theme of mixed faith and conversion

Liberal Judaism welcomes sincere converts to Judaism. Liberal Judaism also recognises the Jewish status of children brought up as Jewish, whether they are of matrilineal or patrilineal descent. Sometimes a person may even discover that they are Jewish and would like to affirm their Jewish identity. In this episode, a number of liberal Jews discuss their search for acceptance of their Jewish status and their conversion to Judaism.

They also share narratives of mixed faith marriages and the importance of welcoming non-Jewish partners into the community. Often the acceptance of Liberal Jewish congregations is particularly valued if there have been rejections from other branches of Judaism.

You can read a transcript of the podcast HERE

To download or share all the podcasts in this series go to lilyslegacy.transistor.fm/subscribe

Watch

Gary Friedman talks about inclusivity in Liberal Judaism.

Mel shares an anecdote about attitudes to conversion.

Rebecca Singerman explains why she chose a Liberal community, the importance of Liberal Judaism’s acceptance of Jews of patrilineal descent, and confirmation of her Jewish status.

Simon discusses the importance of Liberal Judaism’s attitude to inclusivity.

Sue Germani talks about the beginning of her journey to Liberal Judaism.

Val Harrison shares her experience of the conversion process and the feeling of coming home at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue.

Gallery

Quote

“ What impressed me so much was the fact that Liberal Judaism accepts the patrilineal line as well as the matrilineal line. And I think it gains by that so much and that’s part again of the inclusivity and being part of a community welcoming everybody. And I think that is the most positive thing, and very important for the future because of how many people we’ve brought in for that reason “