Ep 32: Intermarriage Success with Rabbi Judy Greenfeld

by | Nov 8, 2020 | Marriage, Podcast Episodes, Posts for Everyone, Relationships, Spirituality

“I think that one of the most beautiful things about believing in God is that it’s a pathway to loving yourself.

Because god loves you so much; it’s a benevolent life force. It is incredible to get in touch with that, and to realize that you are a child of God, that you are human, that you are forgiven, that you get a second chance, and that you will make mistakes.

And unconditionally every year, on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur you get to grapple with that, and also heal from it by vowing not to every repeat it again.

– Judy Greenfeld

What does Judaism have to say about love? From a Jewish perspective, what does the love from God look like, and what does loving God look like? How can two people of different belief systems ensure the success of their marriage? 

Find out in this week’s episode of The Learn to Love Podcast, where your host Zach Beach interviews Rabbi Judy Greenfeld on Intermarriage Success.

Ep 32: Intermarriage Success with Rabbi Judy Greenfeld

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about Rabbi Judy Greenfeld

Rabbi/Cantor Judy Greenfeld is founder and spiritual leader of the Nachshon Minyan and Religious School in Encino, CA. Judy’s goal is to “reach out to people who have been disillusioned — the unaffiliated and the un-ful-filliated, and give them the dignity of discovering where they fit in the Jewish tapestry.” She serves on the Sandra Caplan Beit din which is a major center for conversion to Judaism. Her work has resulted in profiles in both local and national publications including the Los Angeles Jewish Journal, which reported, “Everything the Nachshon Minyan comprises …is imbued with a spiritual inclusiveness that has drawn a devoted and burgeoning membership.” R/C Greenfeld and her community offer support to interfaith couples who have decided to raise their children Jewish.

Her passion is teaching, and updating adults to the modern, inclusive practices that come from the old Scriptures that all monotheist share. Her passion for each individual to find their spiritual connection to Judasim is palpable in every Worship service, lifecycle ceremony and class that she teaches. She is the co-author (with Dr. Tamar Frankiel) of two books, Minding the Temple of the Soul and Entering the Temple of Dreams. Hazzan Greenfeld has lectured and taught movement and prayer at retreats and synagogues around the United States. She has released two CDs, “Leap of Faith: The Nachshon Minyan Sings the Sabbath” and “When You Lie Down and When You Rise Up: Jewish prayers to begin and end your day.” Judy received her Cantorial Ordination in 2004 and her Rabbinic Ordination in 2016.

Stay connected with Rabbi Judy Greenfeld:

Links from the show

show notes

  • In this episode, we discuss the difficulties that can occur in an interfaith marriage.
  • Love and Religion (2:00) – Faith is a decision to feel and believe in what we can not see. We cannot see love either, but we believe in it. The power of loving God can transform us and help us grow into the person we are meant to be. How is God in our life?
  • Self Love (8:57) – God connects the individual to the higher self. The path to God starts with loving ourselves.
  • Body Mind and Soul (11:00) – It is important to bring spirituality into our physical space. Starting the day with a moment of gratitude, with prayer or meditation, can be a good source of energy.
  • Marriage (14:40) – Marriage can be a legal institution for some but also a real spiritual moment for others. God is important in a relationship in order to keep couples together while going through the difficulties. God helps two souls grow together. The belief is that we all have a soul mate to find. Sometimes the soul mate is not from the same religion.
  • Marriage in Different Faith (20:35) – Similar values are very important, but the most important is good communication in order to create a forum where belief can be discussed and respected. The feeling of Love is not enough to keep the relationship in the long term.
  • Children (24:00) – Children can decide for themselves what to believe in. Giving an adult education about the religion can be useful. Some questions about holidays, children, and education need to be discussed before the marriage.
  • Success of the relationship (27:00) – Respect for what each one believes is the key. Knowledge of the other religion is important too. Be open to the discussion without judgement. Parents should show the beauty of what they believe to the children.
  • Fear (32:00) – Fear comes from the fear of rejection by our faith. Religions should accept all kind of people and not reject anyone. When you are heart broken, faith can helps to build ourselves up again. We can discover new aspect of love.

Sponsors

  • This episode is sponsored by Listenable, your home for powerful, bite-sized audio courses authored by well‑loved experts. Use the discount code “zachbeach” for the first seven days on the platform for free. And while you’re at it, sign up for our How To Be a Better Partner Course.

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