What is the Jewish people?
This is a question we ask and will probably continue to ask all our lives, for some of us it is as clear as day, and for some of us we wrestle with this question constantly.
And what happens if as a Jew you marry a non-Jew? Will they accept you in the Jewish family? What will you pass on to your children, if at all, from Jewish customs and culture?
Last weekend, 2 members of the Rehovot steering committee and their spouses joined a unique trip called Honeymoon Israel. 16 mixed couples (Jews married to non-Jews) came on this trip, from Minneapolis, the partnership city of Rehovot. The journey includes tours throughout the country, familiarization with Israeli history, Judaism, customs, foods and in-depth conversations.
The unmediated and fascinating encounter, the choice of these young couples to bring Judaism into their home and choose their own path is inspiring.
Being Jewish in the United States is a very brave day-to-day choice, all the more so when you marry a non-Jew. We met fascinating people who shared with us their life stories and their desire to introduce the values and customs of Judaism.
We cried together at Yad Vashem and shared the stories of our ancestors, wiped hummus together, welcomed Shabbat with Shabbat music and toured the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. We made new friends in the Jewish family and are waiting for the next meeting!
Written by P2G Steering Committee member and 248 alumni, Batya. Batya and her husband joined the Honeymoon Israel Minneapolis Cohort trip for an extended Shabbat weekend.