I haven’t written in a while. I feel like I’ve been totally missing from this blog. Which is funny because if there’s ever a time someone who writes an interfaith blog has a lot to say it’s December.
And I did so many things that are a part of our interfaith story.
I went to events, took part in conversations, finally spoke to J’s family about me, hosted a Hanukkah party and a Christmas party! I could sit down and write 30 posts just about this December.
Earlier this month, I took part in an event on interfaith families in our local Jewish community. There were lots of people who were parts of interfaith families. Many were the parents of children who had married non-Jews. I was the only non-Jewish person who spoke up the entire night. It was sad to me that here we were having a conversation on how to improve the community for interfaith families missing half of the conversation.
It made me think a lot about this blog. I’ll write about the actual event in a later post, but nothing affirms your decision to tell your story than realizing there are people who need to hear it.
I don’t think the woman who mournfully looked around and said “we’ve lost the war of assimilation” needs this. People like that don’t change their minds. But there were people who needed the reassurance that people like me aren’t out to destroy them. There were people there who find value in my input as a non-Jew functioning in a Jewish world. And somewhere out there people are just starting the same journey I’ve been on for almost seven years now. If seven years ago I heard some of the things that were said; I’m not sure I would have wanted to be a part of any community.
As we start 2018 one of my goals for this year is to do more things for me. I often times find myself too tired and lazy after work and after doing everything else to write. But writing on here, even with what feels like just my mom reading (hi mom!) is one of the best parts of my day. It’s a reminder of my faith and my struggles. It keeps me accountable to have conversations with J. It has shown me the world of interfaith writers and voices who are so fantastic. I’m not going to miss out again. So I’ll be writing more and doing more on here.
Personally, my 2017 was great (getting married was a pretty amazing thing) and I’m sure 2018 will bring a roller coaster, but one that I’m ready for.
