During Rosh Hashanah, Local Woman Uses Personal Experience To Help Mixed-Religion Couples
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Jews throughout the Delaware Valley are gathering to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. It's a joyous occasion and there is one local woman committed to helping mixed-religion couples get the most out of their holidays in a way that works for their family.
"The Interfaith Roller Coaster: Navigating the Challenges, Enjoying the Rise" was organized by Julie Cohen, who has personal experience in this area.
"It started when we were dating, trying to figure out what our wedding would look like and thinking about what would happen when we had children. I was very certain that I wanted my child to be Jewish. So, there was a lot of talking and negotiating."
But, Cohen recognizes that for some families it's a struggle.
"Parents-in-law feel lost when their child and grandchild may not be in the faith in which they were raised."
The Sunday, October 21st gathering at Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park includes workshops, such as "Unique Joys and Challenges for the Non Jewish Mom", "Managing the In-Laws", "Managing the December Dilemma" and beyond. It's geared toward anyone in an interfaith relationship at any stage of life.
Reservations are required. To sign up, go to InterfaithRollerCoaster.com.