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What if the husband or wife were to convert to the other religion? I don't mean to be rude, but I disagree. I think that religious intermarriages aren't preferable, if you really love somebody, it shouldn't stop you from marrying them. As for different levels of religion, that really shouldn't be a major issue. Sure, a few things might have to change, but I don't think it's a big deal for an orthodox to marry a reform Jew or something. I definitely see your point, and I do disagree with bringing a child up as both Jewish and something else (that's not really a religion at all!), overall, I think it could work.

Just my two cents, though- I know there are many who will disagree sweatdrop

it's also, to a certain extant, a matter of custom, and culture. one's views and opinions are influenced by and reflected in the society in which one lives, or has lived.

somewhat unrelated: has anyone else realised that with rare exceotion, all irreligous jews are leftist, whereas all religious are rightists?

I guess I didn't phrase what I said correctly... If religion is important enough for someone, he will see through the blinding power love has and be true to his religion instead of succumbing to his desires sweatdrop . That doesn't mean it wont work, it just means it will work less well sweatdrop . Love is important, I agree, but so is religion...

... my last boyfriend was jewish...
He was amazing,
spent two years together ((off and on))
unfortunetly ....

he had to move to russia.. and he said he might not come back
so we split up.
emo it kinda sucked.
But i love being with someone who shares my beliefs,
that way i don't have to explain stuff to them all the time...
which gets super annoying!

A question: Please answer this as freely as possible -

Is it right to have a relationship, even if it may be a few years before you plan on actually marrying them?

What do you guys think?

I agree with you, I think that jewish tradition expects people to move to fast(in my opinion, i'm not saying it's bad or anything. Just for me it's to fast). For me i think of romance as a flower.. tacky and corney i know but that's how i see it. You can't plant a seed and expect it to grow in 2 weeks into a full grown award winning plant. You have to give it time and yes you will have some hard moments, but it will make it all worth it and it prooves that it won't easily die out.

I think that again serious realtionship doesn't have to invaule you sleeping together.

I could say alot about this but basicly I think love is made up when someone changes you for the absolute better when you become more complete because of having known them and being changed for the better.

... does that make sense at all?

I personally think that their is no use in dating someone if you can't see yourself marrying them. I personally can't see myself marrying a black man...I'm not racist or anything, it's just not something I can see myself doing, therefore, I think it would be a waste of time to date them.

I also can't see myself marrying anyone but a Jew. So...I could have probably found a better example outside of an African American.

I just want to clarify also, that I have nothing against inter-racial or inter-faith relationships/marriages. It just isn't for me. Much like my views on Abortion...but we'll save that for another time!

BTW, that's a very nice simile Yvette. I agree with you! whee