Rabbi Ari and Reverend Anna tackle one of the most challenging questions facing interfaith families: How do you honor both traditions in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony?

This episode centers on a real family—nicknamed "the DeLucabergs"—where a Jewish mother and Italian/Irish father are wrestling with their son's upcoming Bar Mitzvah. As they began planning, the mother questioned whether proceeding with such a distinctly religious ceremony truly reflected their interfaith identity. This sparks a rich conversation about authenticity, engagement, and what it means to create meaningful ceremonies that honor multiple heritages.

Topics addressed include:

- The fundamentals of Bar/Bat Mitzvah traditions—what the ceremony entails, why Torah reading is central, and how it marks a young person's transition into full membership in the Jewish community.

- The difference between support and deep engagement for non-Jewish partners in Jewish lifecycle events, and why identity questions make Bar Mitzvahs more complex than interfaith weddings.

- A powerful personal story from Anna about participating in an interfaith Bar Mitzvah ceremony a decade ago, including the family's decision on what to call the event and how to acknowledge both traditions authentically.

- The sacred role of Torah in Jewish ceremonies and why this creates unique challenges for fully integrating other faith traditions—unlike wedding chuppahs, the Torah carries specific religious obligations.

- The naming dilemma: Should it be called a "Bar Mitzvah and..." something else? What comes after the "and" when the non-Jewish parent doesn't actively practice their birth religion but their cultural heritage still matters?

- Fairness versus equality—a crucial framework showing that interfaith ceremonies don't need equal weight for both traditions to be respectful and meaningful. Fair doesn't mean equal!

And MUCH MORE!!

Join us as we explore how interfaith families can create authentic coming-of-age ceremonies that honor who they truly are!

Have thoughts on what should follow "Bar Mitzvah and..."? Send your ideas to interfaithingpod@gmail.com or by joining patreon.com/interfaithing —Rabbi Ari is actively seeking input from the interfaithing community!

Ari and Anna return with an exciting announcement about the evolution of their Interfaithing podcast and project! This episode marks a new chapter as they expand beyond their previous two seasons into broader community-building work, introducing significant developments that will shape the future of interfaith family support.

Topics addressed include:

- The launch of "The Interfaithing Rabbi" — Ari's new sub-brand exploring how Judaism relates to other faith traditions, both within interfaith families and through broader clergy collaboration and community engagement.

- Anna's ordination as a reverend through the Universal Life Church, bringing her educational background from Union Theological Seminary to serve families seeking clergy support outside traditional denominational boundaries for weddings, baptisms, baby namings, funerals, and more!

- Their unique philosophy on interfaith families — not creating a blended "third way" or hybrid tradition, but strengthening both Judaism and Christianity by holding them together in respectful, loving relationship.

- Building community through Patreon — plans for Shabbat gatherings, holiday events, and resources for interfaith couples seeking non-judgmental support, practical rituals, and connection with others navigating similar journeys.

- Addressing Jewish grandparents' concerns about co-identification and "blendedness," exploring how multiple religious identities can support rather than compete with each other within families.

- The powerful mission of interfaith families as peacemakers — demonstrating how faith traditions can live in peace and harmony, raising each other up rather than creating competition and antagonism.

- Excitement about "Nobody Wants This" Season 2 on Netflix and how this interfaith relationship story intersects beautifully with their own work!

And MUCH MORE!!

Join Ari and Anna as they chart this new course, inviting you to be part of a growing community where faith traditions stand alongside each other, strengthened by relationship!

Support the community at patreon.com/interfaithing or reach out at interfaithingpod@gmail.com to share your story!