Contact: The Journal of the Jewish Life Network / Steinhardt Foundation -- The Changing Nature of the Jewish Family

Publication Date: January 2005

Publisher: Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life

Author(s): Laura Gold; Kathy Brodsky; Dina Rosenfeld

Research Area: Culture and religion

Keywords: LGBT issues; Diversity; Adoption; Intermarriage

Type: Other

Abstract:

This issue of Contact explores the changing nature of the Jewish family. Rabbi Dr. Laura Gold shares her experience as a single Jewish mother. Kathy Brodsky and Dr. Dina Rosenfeld discuss meeting the needs of Jewish adoptive families. Evan Eisenberg shares his experience raising his daughter, Sara Xing Eisenberg, whom he and his wife adopted from China. Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky advocates an emphasis on what it takes to raise Jewish children, rather than focusing on condemning intermarriage. Dr. Sylvia Barack Fishman argues that American Judaism should strongly advocate endogamy. Rabbi Dr. Elliot N. Dorff discusses coping with the pressures of infertility. Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum advocates the complete inclusion and integration of lesbian and gay couples and families into Jewish life. Cantor Mark S. Horowitz, Diana Ganger, and Erica Kaufman discuss interpersonal relationships as the cornerstone of meaningful Jewish life.