What makes a family Jewish?

This is a question that seems to be getting increasingly complicated. Many used to stick by the old rule “if a Jewish woman has a baby then that baby is Jewish.” Neat and tidy. By the way, if you’ve ever wondered where that answer comes from, we have included it in this issue (you’ll need all your brain cells). We also have essays from a young black woman on her way to converting; a gay woman who adopted black children; and several other essays that may challenge your assumptions. What do you think makes a family Jewish?

Michelle Cove, Editor, mcove@brandeis.edu

In This Issue

• The Family Flamboyant

  Why two gay women looking to adopt had to come out twice—once about being gay and once about being Jewish.

• The Debate around Conversion

  Should Jews who have converted—but have no intention of living an Orthodox lifestyle—be considered a Jewish family?

• Double or Nothing

  A look at how the rising rate of interfaith marriages might impact the future of the Jewish family.

• The Matrilineal Riddle

  What is the source of the law that says a child is Jewish only if its mother is Jewish?

• From the Black Church to Synagogue

  One woman’s journey from yelling “Thank you, Jesus!” in church, to making plans to raise a Jewish family.

• “How Can You Raise Your Daughters Jewish?”

  How and why a practicing Roman Catholic plans to help give her girls a Jewish education.