We knew when we decided to raise Ethan as both Catholic and Jewish that it would not be easy. What we didnt think about was how other people would react, and how funny it might be. E went to vacation bible school at a wonderful local church.
This is a small community Presbyterian church that my friend has attended since childhood. The program was wonderful, the volunteers who helped every day were warm and welcoming, and made the experience special for each child. The overall message of the week was to trust God, and everything is possible with God (I am oversimplifying, he is 4!) It is a meaningful message, and really fits with both Jewish and Christianity. I love that Ethan not only got the message, but he sings the songs, and he tells me that nothing is impossible with god! He is also looking for God, and wearing his bracelet every day.
He had a wonderful time, and he loved learning more about God and Jesus. He is singing the songs, literally all the time, including right now! ("you, you, you, you can trust God") He is also quick to tell others he is sometimes Jewish, and sometimes Christian. :)
Of course, there are some messages in Christianity that you just cant find in Judiasm. Inevitably, there are questions. Why doesnt Jesus go to the synagogue? Why isnt there a cross there? Why don't we speak hebrew at church? Just a few questions I have answered recently.
Some funnies?
Mommy, Jesus was Jewish, but I think HE went to VBS!
Another funny, but not about VBS
Daddy, ask the JewPS how to get there!
T: what, E? what did you say?
E: the JewPS will give us directions. She tells us how to get there!
T: Do you mean GPS?
E: yes, JewPS! like the rabbi!
I think what we didnt realize about raising an interfaith child is how very much he would teach us. He opens my eyes so much about Christianity, and about Catholicism, and also about how much is so very similar in the Jewish faith, and that reminds us all too often that we are so much more alike than different. Ultimately we hope that E will find his own path to God, have a strong faith and a moral life. I think we are on the right path.
Our thanks to Mimi (Missi dell'Orefice) and Forest Grove Presbyterian Church for sharing this experience with Ethan
No comments:
Post a Comment