All Comments (50)

Dear Rabbi:

Setting up a "religious" corner in a room sets up a visual worship of icons and other religious materialistic doodads. Such are to be avoided if we want to tolerate all faiths (10 Commandments: no idols/icons). I don't wear any religious jewelry and I wouldn't invest in religious antiquities.

JC said if we do only one thing, we must love our neighbors. I take that to mean turn away from the private corners, the jeweled altars, and turn toward our neighbors and extend love and friendship. Our children will learn by our example.

Salaams all, as a muslim i pray 5 times a day every day, and i usually seem to gravitate towards the same spot. Now this "new" problem of interfaith marriages has been a practice of muslims for over 1400 years, there are also guidelines i the Qur'an about how a muslim is to treat a non-muslim.
We are to enable our spouse to have access to their place of worship, and never inhibit or belittle them in their religion- also if they desire to be religiously educated, it is the husband's responsibility to pay for it-(in islam, a man pays for the upkeep of women, but women keep any andall monies for themselves to use how they will.)
This atmosphere of tolerance is the basis i think of what is being expressed here.

ps although i pray in the same place- when i say my supererogatory(extra) prayers i do that in different places, its recommended because these places will testify for me on judgement day as good witnesses. just as my hands will testify to the actions they performed- it seems that the physical has some submission to the unseen.

the only thing is, i think maybe if you have a designated corner- perhaps it may take away from the idea of God being everywhere, like it may limit a childs perception to equate the space with God, but what happens when they leave that spot?
too much of a relegation maybe- but then i am forgetful and need alot of reminders
peace

What a fascinating blog. Just the other day, I told someone that I (a single woman) could easily marry out of my faith, because it would provide lively and wonderful discussion, but I could never marry out of my political party! Hah! I think to impose one's religion on someone, i.,e., expecting your children to buy into what you teach them without going out and questioning and experiencing for themselves is unnatural. In my Unitarian Universalist church, there are MANY families of mixed religious backgrounds. They come to us because they seek a place where these backgrounds can be respected and not insulted (like the Church of Christ I grew up in), where children are free to explore the glorious ways of expression we see in the myriad religious expression on earth. (After all, religion is a HUMAN invention where we ask why we're here and what happens when we died, answers to both of which we'll likely never know. Nonetheless, for thousands of years, people have toyed with meaningful ways to answer them, thus creating religions.) We let our children decide for themselves what their faith will be. And we accept that religious growth is an evolving thing, so we support each other and our families in this venture. Within our movement are the wonder and variety and glory that are on our planet.

Mr. Zalman

I am married to a Japanese buddhist at best, although she doesnt practice it at all.

You know what? if its the last thing I do in this planet is to convert her to a believer of Jesus, then so be it.

So you know, I would never dare think i can "place" God anywhere. I am catholic risen individual who thinks like a christian. To me thre is only one thing to prey. "Our holy father" and most importantly one entity to pray to: Jesus.

I do it while I drive, while I am tryign to sleep at night, while i sit next to the computer or even while i talk to someone.

Jesus wants to be everywhere in your life. Let him do that and not in a altar. Let him be the oxygen you breathe. I hope you and I can change for the better and get even closer to Jesus. Everywhere.

all hail the flying spaghetti monster. may you be touched by his noodly appendage.

Humanity to Jim,

Please shut up.

Is this the Zalman Schachter who was once an ecstatic rebbe and friend of apocalyptic theologian, Thomas Altizer? If so, we should be in touch again!

Rabbi Zalman is the type of person the Jewish community needs. there is a 50% intermarriage rate for Jews, and many of them are often pushed away from the community simply because they married for love instead of tradition. Jews cannot afford to chase each other away because of differing observance levels or choice in partners. you would not believe how many interfaith couples WANT to raise Jewish children and be active in the community. alas, they are viewed as inferior because one parent is non-Jewish and will never be considered part of the group unless they convert. you cannot force someone to convert for demographic issues or to appease disapproving relatives. i think that more people would convert or raise Jewish children if the Jewish community extended more welcome to them. you can't expect someone to join a group when they haven't been welcomed in the first place. thank G-d there are open-minded Jews out there who do not see intermarriage as a rejection of Jewish values but rather as a result of living in a free country and are willing to work with the intermarried in some form or another.
if i ever marry my non-Jewish boyfriend, we plan on having a Jewish wedding even if he doesn't convert. if we ever have kids, they'll be raised Jewish but with the freedom to observe how ever they wish. whether my kids grow up to be Rabbis or Atheists, i'll still love them. i will also teach my children that there is no such thing as a Good or Bad Jew.

To Gay Black Jew:

Whilst I understand your sentiment about the transgressions of religion, I would like to address your comment by making two points. They are:

1) It's quite optimistic of you and historically inaccurate to think that non-religions/atheist societies are somehow better. Please see examples of the former Soviet Union and North Korea, which are or were ostensibly atheistic nations. Whether there be religion or no religion, people are afraid of the "other" and will learn to hate it. You fail to mention any of the good things that religion has brought as well, like the introduction of modern democracies and the decentralization of academic, philosophical, political, and moral authority. You would these are good, wouldn't you? In addition, many people find hope in belief (which in sign language is interestingly an aggregate of the signs "think" and "hope"). I would posit that without religion, many would fall into an extistential nihilism, which is a bad place to be (been there, done that, got the marks on my wrists).

2) What on earth does your opinion have to do with good rabbi's thoughts about interfaith marriages? Are you saying that the answer to the quandary of interfaith marriages is to get rid of faith? For people who have belief in God, that is probably not an option. Are you trying to turn believers to the "light" of atheism? This may not be the forum for you. Just look at the comments and imagine how those people receive your words. This goes doubly to the Bible quoters, unless you would like to expound on some interesting insight that Moses had about interfaith marriages.

To Anonymous,
I think so many people speak against Christianity on here because of all the Christian proselytizers who try to force their ideas down other people’s throats. They’re ordered to, as a mission of their new faith. It creates a lot of enemies.

My Jewish wife and I have just celebrated our 25th year together. While raising our two boys we dabbled in both religions in a very disorganized fashion because we were constantly moving with my job. Both boys are bar mitzvah'd but are comfortable in churches. My point is, we succeeded, I think, because we DE-emphasized religion in our family life. One cannot be totally observant and orthodox and ever hope to get along in a mixed marriage. You need to back off and let the big picture rule.

I notice many people posted comments deriding interfaith families as though it is not a common reality. Love doesn't work that way. Open minded folks can be very happy even if they are not in lock step in their beliefs in God. Most important is that their faith leads them to positive acts, not cursing others.

I love the idea of having sacred space within the home.

A note to Joe above. Jews were not chosen by God, they chose to be Jews. Anyone can be a Jew. Opinion does not make anyone a Jew. It is a process you can embrace or not. (Reform wise you are already there!) I became a Jew. No one's opinion or feelings can make me anything else. In the end as adults we all chose to have faith or not. The only tragedy would be to fail to wrestle with the question in the first place,

Extreme ideologies are the source of conflicts. Envy and greed cause sinful acts. Violence will generate more violence. Jews, Christians, and Muslims all have the same God. Equality is the key to peace. God have equal blessing to all people. Different people are all God’s children. Do not kill each other for your greed-sin. Act the way to heaven but not the way to Hell. Food and help will make friends. Threatening and control will make enemies. Love generates peace but hatred causes unrest. A new war cannot end an old war. Only peace talk can end a war. The war on terrorism needs to be ended by peace talk but not a war.

This is why there is no peace in this world!!!

I URGED ALL OF YOU TO FOLLOW THE 10 COMMANDMENTS AND TO RESPECT THEM!!!

HAVE FAITH IN GOD AND HIS SON JESUS, WHO WAS SENT TO SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE TO ALL OF US!!!

To all those who quote the bible:

Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.

I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.

a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?

b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?

c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.

d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?

e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?

f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?

g) Lev 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?

h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev 19:27. How should they die?

i) I know from Lev 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?

j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)

I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.

Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.

Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.

I propose revoking all tax exempt status on all religious organizations.

Not to sound like I am making a pitch for Christianity here(I do support the post that said we should stick to the topic of Interfaith Marriages), but I am just curious. I find that many people would rather embrace anything but christianity.The very things it espouses really are to bring the one practicing it joy and peace. When it puts boundaries of when to have sex, it protects from emotional,physical and psychological heartache associated with the callousness with which it is engaged in our day and age.When it encourages us to love our neighbors as ourselves, it first and foremost helps us love and accept ourselves so that we overflow to those around us. When it tells us to forgive others and God forgives us, it opens the door to healing and reconciliation not only with those around us, but with God Himself.
When in times of doubt and worry, I am assured that God knew me before I was even born, I can walk out the plan of my life with encouragement knowing that as long as I walk in His plan, no matter the storms that brew around me and the shakings I endure, I always emerge a winner and its always worth it.
I have learnt that even when I don't understand why things happen they way they do, that my mind is so finite compared to God's and hence I really cannot understand His ways and am content to let it be.Just like a child who at 3 years questions where babies come from and at that age is content to know that babies are wishes mummy and daddy made on their birthday, I too am content that for now, I may not understand it all, but one day I will.And I have had those moments, where I have looked back and thanked God for the seemingly bad things that have propelled me to great heights.
I have learnt through this walk with God, that I cannot allow the standards of others walk pull mine down or determine if I believe or not.While I constantly ask for forgiveness on the stead of my brothers and sisters who have caused hurt to others in the name of Jesus, I cannot allow that to deter my faith and walk in God.For when I stand before God as He judges, my actions, what I did in response to all I encountered is what I will answer for, and the perpetrators will answer for themselves.
And finally in death, I have hope. I have hope that my life and the lives of those that I love have not ended forever, but rather they lay asleep awaiting a time of joyous reunion.I like David say, "I know they will not come back to me, but I will surely go to them". For every man is appointed a time to be born and a time to die, so I know that my time is inevitable. My hope is not in the fact that I have lived a perfect life, but rather that in my human weakness and fallibility, I entrusted my life to one who knew it all and contiually showered me with His love and grace.This then makes me not afraid of death or angry that it happens, but rather it spurs me to live my life more, share it with others and know God more that when I finally get home He will say, Well done, good and faithful servant.

It is not hatred or intolerance for a Christian to state publicly that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. It is not hatred or intolerance for Christians to publicly influence the Democratic Republic in which they live to choose moral standards outlined in the Bible.

Hatred and Intolerance is what happens when someone kills someone else in the name of their God or lack thereof. The most grevious examples of this on our planet today are violent communist dictatorships. The most grevious examples of modern intolerance do not come from Christianity but from atheism.

The clash of ideas is the sound of Freedom. Your ideas offend me and my ideas offend you. That is not intolerance. It is free speech.

Finally, it is not hatred or intolerance on God's part when he chooses to judge those who reject His Son. It is justice. He has patiently and persistently shown His love and Kindness. Our choice to reject that kindness is a slap in His face. When the day of His wrath arrives it will be appropriate, measured, and just. Remember, His anger only lasts for a moment, but His favor lasts forever.

I was the child of an interfaith union. It was nice while I was young enough to be sheltered and protected, but got painful when I got old enough to feel the "loving corrections" of real Christians.

And of course I got the cold shoulder from the real Jews, because I am not and cannot be one of them, and they, too, believe they are "chosen". But at least they could be courteous about it, which is more than I've experienced from Christians, who believe it is their religious duty to hate non-Christians (and can quote scriptures to prove that they are in fact correct on this score; as soon as it is obvious that the non-Christian does not intend to convert....)

My mother was a truly loving Christian who was absolutely certain that God was good and that therefore He would work things out in the end.

But that isn't a Christian belief. It is, in fact, incompatible with Christianity.

Real Christians do not marry outside their faith, because they might experience the pain of loving someone they know is going to rot in Hell. It would at the very least interfere with their enjoyment of things like the "Left Behind" series, where the goal is to contemplate (or relish) how beautiful it will be when they get to watch God disembowel everyone but them - which is what it's really all about, isn't it?

If nobody believed in an invisible god:

1) Terrorism would NEVER happen
2) Iraq would quickly stabilize and troops would go home, leaving a democracy
3) The Middle East would be at peace!
4) Poor and elderly people would not give money to churches or televangelists that they cannot afford
5) Churches could be used 7 days/week as homeless shelters instead of a couple days a week for mass
6) Billions would not suffer psychological damage from unecessary guilt about human behavior that is natural: masturbation, premarital sex, etc.
7) Abortion would not be the divisive issue that warps American politics
8) People could live in the moment instead of worrying about prospects for an after-life...think John Lennon's classic, "Imagine," which contains the lyric, "And no religion too..."
9) Homophobia would become rare and anti-Semitism as well
10) Considering that most black people go to black churches and white people to white churches, race relations would likely improve
12) Stem cell research wouldn't even be an issue and scientists would be closer to medical breakthroughs
13) I could go on and on...but imagine...world peace

Christian haters of the "non-believers":

my God, your God, their God. Its the same God!

Ishmael and Isaac are both the son's of Abraham, and Jesus was a Jew. WE ARE ALL THE SAME. Now would you please get over yourselves!!!!

Otherwise seemingly reasonable people discussing what to tell their children about religion is like flat-earthers having a meeting to decide where the edge should be.

The Rabbi's post has evoked some strong comments. It seems there are Christians and Jews who are very worried that they not mix with "the others", and there is some real animus readily detectable from people of Faith A regarding people of Faith B. Obviously not from everyone, but there are enough really angry posts on this thread to be palpably scary to this atheist. Seriously, some of you people really frighten me, maybe it is because my Jewish ancestors bore some of the brunt of this kind of thing.

In an interfaith marriage both cannot be correct since it is a fact that certain aspects of the beliefs will be incommensurable. Perhaps it is best to say nothing at all to your children -- to stop with the indoctrination at an age before they are able to understand the issues -- and let children decide for themselves later on, if they are interested at all in religion. If they find it then, they will be committed and sincere. As children, they are just repeating things they have heard.

I'm in the 14th year of an interfaith marriage. My wife and three daughters are Jewish, by both blood and belief. For my part I'm happy to support my loved one's in their spiritual journey and development. In turn I enjoy the support of my family as I try to be the best person I can be. Mutual respect - what a concept.

Rabbi Schachter-Shalomi:

By combining two religions in a single home you do not create a beautiful blending as you describe, but a shallow, watering down of both. The children, the recipients, will be left with contradictions and no direction.

Tolerance between religions - of course. But to sacrifice both on the alter of tolerance - to what benefit - if not the end of both religions?

Your soft, seemingly beautiful words, do a favor to neither.

I don't understand why many people have decided to post to this article. This is a place to have a dialogue, and yet you decide to lecture. Stop pretending to know the answers and listen for a change. Stay on topic, digest what the good rabbi has said, and relate it to your life. If you can't do that, please don't post. If you don't believe it and don't want to understand why, then don't read the post and don't comment on phenomena that you disavow out-of-hand.

Christians, let's get serious. The Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness?" Jesus says, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

A gift of the Holy Spirit to believers is discernment. Christians, we need to remind ourselves that Jesus is our Lord. We must ignore these ex post facto justifications for "inter-faith" relationships that are being spewed out.

What is it that you think could possibly be compelling to a "non-believer" about scripture they do not adhere to?

We Pagans often wonder this, as xians frequently quote from their relligious book in an effort to "refute" or "convert" us. I.Don't.Believe.In.Your.Book.

I have a room set aside in my home for my altar, religious books, etc, It helps me to have a daily spiritual practice when I can go somewhere and focus solely on my practice.

The xians who've been in my home find it very weird to have such a room.

Anonymous,
As a christian myself i am amazed that you do not understand this verse.A Christian and a Jew do not have the same beliefs about Jesus Christ.You being a christian should know that.
Are you saying that scripture does not show respect and belittles folks?

Rabbi-
It's a shame that the home altar is becoming a lost art, or alteast not being recognized for what it is. Sacred space within the home isn't a new idea, and one that people tend to unconciously do. We all have very special things that tend to congrigate places for some reason, regardless of whatever our religious beliefs. I think you're on to a fantastic idea. :}
-b

Please, for Christ sake, make an honest effort to get extreme religion outside of the political arena as Mr. Bush and his 180 degree turn from His principles are contrary to a growing, living, worthy honest life.

Just one example: The so-named "death Tax" that's geared to only help those with multi million dollars in assets, but not the common man/woman.

Regarding the source of the virus, and the antidote:

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Jim: this essay is not about believers and "non-believers."

Last I heard, Jews a) believe in the same God as you and b) have religious beliefs that should be respected and not belittled.

As a Christian myself, acts like the post you've left are an embarrasment to our faith and are needlessly insulting to others. What is it that you think could possibly be compelling to a "non-believer" about scripture they do not adhere to?

Jesus ate with prostitutes and tax collectors. The most effective way to express his love and teaching is through kindness and understanding.

Why did a loving God create virus and bacteria?

Jilliane,

I am a reform Jew by choice, and my spouse in a neoPagan. The God I have found in the synagogue is very loving, forgiving, and merciful. But he/she does ask us to ask forgiveness from those we've harmed before we ask forgiveness from him/ner. (A reasonable deal, I think.) And yes, loving God above all, and loving one's neighbor are part of the Jewish liturgy. They are not unique to Christianity. My only wish is that I had been exposed to Judaism at a younger age--it is the religion of my ancestors--and it is who I truly am.

Dan:
Paths and Questions

From the Arch Bishop to Starhawk and Mrs Jacoby and all the posted comments all ring true with similiar tones. Choices; to love, accept or believe is what it boils down too. I think ,as with most everything in life, that there is a little truth to all.
If God is "Love" then God is Wiccan or Islam or Jewish, Christianity or even the non-believer because they all love. Consiquently if the answer is that simple its the question that must be all together confusing.
Find your place in the world. Love God, whatever you call him; he knows who your talking too (and love you back)
What's the worst that will happen? Either your dead and the joke is on you, or....

Peace to all, unconditionally

My partner is jewish and one thing strikes me: the strict compliance to the "letter" of the law rather than the "spirit" of which the law was based on. It seems the Christian god is loving, forgiving, merciful and a very just God. So oppsite it seems of the Jewish God., a vengeful God, punishing God, a very strict god. You call him ABBA - father - and a father figure is all loving, forgiving, merciful and just to his children. Can you reconcile? Jesus taught about loving God above all and loving neighbor as one's self - how could he be wrong?

There is no such thing as mixed-faith marriages or families, as God's Word tells us that there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Therefore, all other "faiths" are false and should be rejected. Why believe in something that maintains people in their fallen, rebellious, and sinful condition and rejects God's saving grace?

We cannot know God the Father without knowing Jesus Christ - God the Son. Creation declares the glory of the Lord, and we are called to praise and exult in Him, not glorify created things.

I think Reb Zalman has phrased this in an illuminating way that many of the other On Faith commentors have not. The reality is that people who marry outside their faith have a different perspective. If they didn't, they probably wouldn't be able to do so.

My husband is Catholic, and I am Jewish. Out of respect I go to Christmas mass with him. The first time we did this I asked if he was going to take communion, and he said no. When I asked why he explained that you can't take communion with a mortal sin you have made contrition for. Needless to say, I asked what he'd been up to, as I wasn't aware of his murdering anyone or anything else I'd consider a mortal sin. He said he married me, a Jew, and wasn't sorry.

God fills my home, but we each experience God in a different way, and see religion as a way not "the" way. My way is not right for him and his way is not right for me. I hope if we have children we're able to explain this and share our values regardless of the systems by which we live them.

My altar is on a small table in front of the north window of my home. On it are candles for the Lord and Lady, the athame and chalice, and symbols of each element. Right now it is decorated with pine boughs and cones, holly and bittersweet. I practice my morning devotions here, and my family respects this as sacred space.

Joe T. - interesting that you would include this information. I agree with you on ONE count...that people have been given false and misleading information their entire life. I do NOT agree that Mithra was the "original" Jesus, as Jesus (Yeshua) was present in the beginning. John ch. 1. The worship of the pagan god Mithra is where christmas came from...the celebration was adopted and used to celebrate the birth of Jesus. If you truly study the Bible, you will find that no where in the Bible does it teach us to celebrate christmas. In fact, as Juliet stated above, Jesus was a devout Jew. He was/is the Jewish Messiah, and if we accept Him (whether we are Jew or Gentile) we are grafted into Israel...He did not come to start a new religion.

As for how to raise children in a house where there are two religions represented...that is a difficult subject that is hard to answer in a small forum like this. I agree that much love is needed. Religion should not be a series of rituals or traditions, it should be a relationship with your Creator. Anyone can mimic tratitions and riuals, but a true relationship will change your life. I know that by accepting the sacrifice that Jesus(Yeshua) made for me, and walking in obedience to Him, has changed my life. I pray that everyone will find the peace and truth that only He can bring.

Merry Saturnalia--the "original" christmas--to all!

Praise be to Mirtha--the "original" jesus (by 1,000 years)! He was born on December 25, of a virgin. His birth was witnessed by shepherds and magicians. He raised the dead and healed the sick and cast out demons. He returned to heaven at the spring equinox and before doing so had a last supper with his 12 disciples (representing the 12 signs of the zodiac), eating mizd, a piece of bread marked with a cross (an almost universal symbol of the sun). Any of that sound familiar?

Don't be afraid. Critical thinking and the willingness to admit you may have been given false/misleading information your entire life are hard to deal with. Remember, truths and what's real in our world don't need to be forced on you--they are self evident to all.

Peace

"I have dated outside my faith (United Church of Christ)both Catholics and Jews, eventually marrying a Catholic. "

My kids don't have to worry about stupid problems like this because your god's an idiot. Yeah I said it. When my wife died she asked for god's forgivness and to let her stay on the planet a little longer, after all she rarely lied, had gone to church every weekend and prayed 2 twice a day. Never did anything extremely bad, loved all, and stayed basicly celibet. But instead she was hospitalized for 1 year and the pain she had was more then the morophine could stop. Thinks god ,,!,, ur such a great guy. ...go suck a big one...

PS merry cristmas!!!

Dear Rabbi,

I also must say well said.

I have dated outside my faith (United Church of Christ)both Catholics and Jews, eventually marrying a Catholic. I have attended their churches and temples and even attended a seder (I was the youngest male at age 35). Although I never pushed my faith on my partners at the time, I pointed out rhetorically that I thought it was all the same God and that there were just details that separated us. Worked fairly well. I also expanded my circle of friends over the years to include East Indians and Muslims. I was always interested in their faith as I also thought that there was alot we could learn from each other. These experiences have served me well these days as I hear people attack the Muslim faith and followers without really knowing anything about Islam or knowing anyone that practices the faith. I believe that we should talk more with each other about our beliefs without attacking and learn more so we can learn to accomodate each other.

Dear Rabbi,

I am a Christian who married a religious Jew, and we have a happy home. We also have a beautiful little boy who is currently being raised Jewish and Christian, but has more contact with the Jewish part of his heritage. I like your idea of a "corner", or in my Christian-centric thinking an altar, but I think it must also be more than that. It is the ketubah in a place of honor, the Seder plate with the Passover dishes in a beautiful display, the carved granite stone in the garden with Corinthians 1 in it, and learning, in a non-didactic way, about the devout Jewish man called Jesus of Nazareth and his mission to save us all. It is also about respect and a willingness to listen more than talk. We hope this shared heritage, and the respect and space both share in our home, will help him form a joyous and trusting relationship with God. Yes, we have a blue-and-white tree, a menorah, dredels and candy canes. So far, so good.

Zalman,
"We know that toleration is not sufficient toward another religion; we must accept it. Thus it is not a question of subtraction, it is a question of addition. The truth is the result of all these different sides added together. Each religion represents one side, the fullness being the addition of all these." Written by Swami Vivekananda. This applies to all peoples/religions/races seeking a world of peace.

I would advise the parents to tell their children that religion may be useful at some time in their lives. In the meantime, however, it probably has no use at all. So they should focus on the traditional aspects of the Winter celebration. Some of us will make it through the long cold winter, others among us will not. We have enough food to sustain us, we have confidence as a family, and now is the time for us to express our love for one another, for the wider community, and for all humanity. We all hope for a peaceful world.

There is no need for religion in this context.

Enjoy a warm and peaceful holiday.

Zalman,

Very well said...my husband and I are from different religions and yet open in our minds to accept the fact that there can be more than one way to "reach" God, which defines our common spirituality. We do have a designated space in our home where we have displayed symbols of both our religions and offer our prayers. We are going to have our first child soon and hopefully will pass our spirituality and understaning of God to our child.

Jim: A place (or corner) designated for offering your thoughts and prayers make sure you are away from distractions and able to focus on your spirituality. That's why people go to Churches and Temples!

Zalman,
2 corinthians 6:14 ¶ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
God should not be put in a corner of the house.God must reside in the entire house.Please give GOD all the Praise and Glory he Deserves.
Jesus is lord.