By Rabbi Michael Beals
The rise in intermarried couples can be viewed as a challenge or an opportunity for the Jewish continuity. At Newark’s Temple Beth El, with a large percentage of intermarried couples, we look at it as an opportunity.
With that attitude in mind, Rabbi Michael Beals hosted his first Mensch Club on Tap for non-Jewish spouses of intermarried families on Monday night, November 25, at Newark’s historic Deer Park Tavern. Pitchers of beer, nachos, grilled brussels sprouts, and soft pretzels were all sponsored by the Rabbi’s CEPD Fund, and the conversation flowed.
Questions for Rabbi Beals included “Where in Delaware can I and my Jewish wife be buried side-by-side?” and “Is it disingenuous of me to wear a kippa in shul if I’m not Jewish?” Plus, “How do I navigate my Jewish in-laws when they say hateful things about Palestinians as a part of their overall support for the State of Israel?” Aside from the questions, conversation covered every subject imaginable, from Jewish views of the afterlife to the latest movies to JK Rowling’s hateful stance on trans people vs. Judaism’s biblically-based concern for the marginalized in society.
The next two Mensch Club on Tap meet-ups are scheduled for Monday, January 26 and Monday, February 23, 8:30 PM, at the quiet-room-on-the-right in the Deer Park Tavern, 108 W. Main Street, just to the right of the UD Trabant Student Center Parking Lot. The meeting is open to all non-Jewish spouses looking to bond with Rabbi Beals and with one another.
Photo caption: Left to right: Michael Herring, Ben Toole, Joe Butcher, Nick Harris, Rabbi Michael Beals, Corey Backus
Photo Credit: Sophia at Deer Park Tavern
