Hello!
I'm a very spiritual but nonreligious FTM to be due in dec. My husband is jewish and we've decided to raise our children Jewish.
I have no idea how this is done and he rarely practices so he doesn't know either. Any direction/advice would be greatly appreciated!
We would have to attend a pretty liberal congregation as I do not intend to convert as of now.
Thanks so much!
Re: Raising our child Jewish
Where are you located? I would suggest starting out by joining a reform synagogue where you can expose yourselves and your children to the holidays and begin to learn about the religion. Many have wonderful children's programs like Tot Shabbats and other events. When the time comes to start preschool there are some wonderful Jewish preschools that do just as wonderful a job educating the parents as the children. They often pride themselves on being multi-cultural with students from all different backgrounds.
lovelylittleworld
BFP#2 1/12/12 ~ Missed M/C 8w2d
lovelylittleworld
BFP#2 1/12/12 ~ Missed M/C 8w2d
Absolutely!! At the end of the day I guess the answer isn't so different from any religion (aside from needing to arrange for a bris early on) - but I can understand how it might seem very foreign if it's not something you were raised around. For a mohel, even if you're in Federal Hill I would start with Rappaport. He's wonderful and one of two of three no brainers in the area. He's a lovely person and has a younger take on things. His website is also very helpful: https://mazeltovitsaboy.com/index.html
Unfortunately I'm not much good for a synagogue outside of the Pikeville and HoCo areas; but hopefully someone else will chime in. At the end of the day, though, I'd recommend just finding a handful in the area and going to visit. You'll get a feel for what works for you. Good luck!
lovelylittleworld
BFP#2 1/12/12 ~ Missed M/C 8w2d
We live in the Annapolis area and are members of a conservative synagogue in Annapolis. We do practice and we try to incorporate Jewish learning into our son's life when we can (granted, he is only 16 months old). We plan to send him to the nursery school there next school year (it's only 2 days a week). We used a mohel that we absolutely loved (he also did both my nephews). PM me if you are interested in his informaiton once you find out what you are having! We will definitely be using him again if this #2 baby turns out to be another boy.
I'd be happy to answer any questions or be of any help. I grew up in a congregational church and converted before we had our son, so I know how it is to be on both sides