Description
Book SynopsisTHE INTERFAITH FAMILY JOURNAL is an invaluable resource for families whose members practise different religions. Interactive exercises and activities help interfaith families reach a mutual agreement about how they want to honour their combined histories, cultures and beliefs in ways that nurture joy, creativity and empowerment. With space for writing directly in the book and suggestions for engaging in deep conversations arising from each partner's journaling, the book becomes a keepsake of the journey toward a family's unique interfaith practice and identity.
Trade Review“The Interfaith Family Journal is a wonderfully inventive and engaging resource for families blessed with more than a single faith tradition. More than this, its value reaches far beyond the ‘interfaith’ issue. It is a tool for clarifying a family’s aims for religious, spiritual and cultural meaning in their lives—and helping a family to tailor its life accordingly. It is pitch perfect for all 21st century families.” —Sheila C. Gordon, PhD, President and Founder, Interfaith Community, Inc.
“Susan Katz Miller has created a way for interfaith families to embark on a joyful journey of discovery. As part of an interfaith family for over 25 years, (Muslim, Jewish, UU) I know that stories of family histories are crucial to understanding who we are today. This journal will become a part of your family's story for many years to come.” —Aisha Hauser, MSW, President of the Liberal Religious Educators Association
“A brilliantly original, practical approach to interfaith family building that combines structure with flexibility, common sense with spiritual depth. This book will become a lifelong companion.” —M.H.P. Rosenbaum, co-author, Celebrating Our Differences: Living Two Faiths in One Marriageand Director of the Dovetail Institute for Interfaith Family Resources
“Having spent my rabbinate working to support interfaith couples, I can think of no better gift than a tangible way to communicate about how to navigate two different backgrounds in one home. This will be an invaluable resource for clergy and wedding officiants and a beautiful resource to offer so many couples before their wedding and as they begin their marriage.” —Rabbi Ari Moffic, founder of Cohere
“As the child of an interfaith family, partner in an interfaith marriage, and co-director of an interfaith arts community, I’ve found that most questions of difference are to be lived rather than solved. In this guide, Susan Katz Miller equips us with creative tools and courageous tactics to do just that.” —Rev. Erik W. Martínez Resly, Founder and Co-Director, The Sanctuaries
“Susan Katz Miller is a pioneer on multi-religious belonging and our wise guide in the realm of non-binary faith. Miller's comprehensive, yet accessible blueprint empowers interfaith families and individuals in preserving, sustaining, and growing complex, beautiful religious and spiritual identities in the modern world. The Interfaith Family Journal is the gold standard map on this path.” —J. Dana Trent, professor of World Religions and author of Saffron Cross: The Unlikely Story of a How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk
“Susan Katz Miller has created a glorious and indispensable workbook for interfaith families navigating their collective spiritual life. She guides family partners through a series of smart journaling exercises that will help them see what would nourish them most thoroughly in the spiritual dimension and how to change and grow gracefully in that path. As someone who writes and teaches about how to create powerful personal and family rituals, I’m deeply impressed with the way she emphasizes tradition and helps families assess how to amplify and expand their own. She gets to this by explicit questions like: ‘On which religious or secular holidays would you expect to exchange gifts in your household?’ This journal is a flexible tool and true treasure for multi-faith families of all varieties.” —Meg Cox, author of The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Every Day
“No need to worry about having a difficult or painful conversation that goes in circles. Rather, the activities in Susan Katz Miller’s The Interfaith Family Journal will assist you to plan and dream together, with resources to help you deepen your connection as you go. As a couple and family therapist, I will be recommending this vital resource to all my interfaith clients and their families.” —Jennifer Kogan, MSW, LICSW
“The Interfaith Family Journalbuilds a bridge between more than just two individuals who share their lives together—it also helps communities to build bridges in ways they never thought possible. It’s amazing to see a step-by-step process of discussing the questions and challenges that individuals and couples may have in sharing their convictions with one another, all while making a new commitment and intersection in life. Crafted with Susan Katz Miller’s own life experiences and extensive knowledge and research, this journal will help families value their differences and enrich their sense of belonging in each other’s lives and worldviews.” —Tahil Sharma, Faith Outreach Manager, Brave New Films and Interfaith Minister in Residence, Episcopal Diocese of LA
Table of ContentsIntroduction
How This Journal Will Help
Week One: Honoring Origins
Week Two: Creating Home
Week Three: Finding Community
Week Four: Marking Transitions
Week Five: Reaching Out to Family
Going Forward
