Hear O Israel: Listening to our Interfaith Students

Publication Date: January 2003

Publisher: Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education

Author(s): Evie Levy Rotstein

Research Area: Culture and religion; Education

Keywords: Family; Jewish Continuity; Part-time (supplementary) schools; Intermarriage

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

School administrators and rabbis are often unaware of what is happening at home, especially for those congregants who are marginally involved in synagogue life. When parents decide to provide a Jewish education for their children, we must not assume that all has been accomplished. Questions and conflicting concerns continue to emerge, as the child from an interfaith home tries to understand the varying influences that shape his or her experience. The children of interfaith families deserve to be heard and it behooves Jewish educators to listen.