Remarriage and Stepparenting in the Jewish Community

Publication Date: January 1993

Publisher: American Jewish Committee

Author(s): Nathalie Friedman

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Divorce; Religion; Marriage; Family

Type: Report

Abstract:

The objective of this qualitative study was to examine Jewish remarried families from two perspectives: general problems that these families encountered as remarried parents and/or stepparents, and specifically Jewish issues or problems that arose when one or both of the principals were Jewish, particularly when there were children involved. The author reports on how spouses got to remarriage, how they dealt with relationships with ex-spouses, with step parenting and adjusting to remarriage, and with life cycle events like bar or bat mitzvahs. Key recommendations for the Jewish community include: being sensitive to the possible stigma experienced by remarried families, facilitating support groups, addressing special financial needs when appropriate, and creating an environment that recognizes and normalizes the existence of multiple types of families.