FOR JEWS ONLY - PLEASE - how is it seen in the jewish community for a jewish guy to date a catholic girl?

Question

i'm dating a jewish boy, but they've told me so many things (like they don't take catholic girls seriously or stuff) that i'm kinda freaking out! i've heard of jewish/catholic couples who even get married but i wanted to see a general opinion. For the matter, his parents come from Israel but another jewish friend (who was friends with his ex) told me they (the parents) aren't that way.... so anyways, just wanted an honest opinion, specially from jewish people

Answer 1

--Is Catholic--

Judaism is not monolithic and as such, reaction to your situation will vary from Jewish group to Jewish group. However, there is a strong traditional view, which can find some scriptural support, for marriage only within Judaism. Hence, mixed faith marriages are looked down upon as a dishonor to the family and to the faith. This is especially true because being "Jewish" is traced through the female, and your children would not be Jewish by birth unless you converted to Judaism (I believe this is right). Regardless, you being Catholic are bound by your Faith in Christ to raise Catholic children.

Might I suggest watching the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" which is about a Jewish father and the marriages of his daughters. It is a very approachable work that does deal with such situations and helps to promote sensitivity towards such issues. It is a bit old, but it works well for the topic.

Now let me speak as a Catholic. Mixed faith marriages are at the practical level difficult according to how religious each individual is. It is harder to be divoutly Catholic when married to a non-Catholic. So spiritual maturity on your part is always important in order to keep your center and focus.

There is a lot that Jews and Catholics have in common. After all Catholicism is the fulfillment of the Jewish religion.

Let me send you to some good websites to find things that you can share in common.

http://hebrewcatholic.org/index.html
http://www.salvationisfromthejews.com/

Answer 2

Israelis are not uniform on this issue. I'd actually need a lot more information to say with certainty on how they'll handle it. As far as secular but Jewish parents go, the one thing they'll be wondering is if you'd be willing to raise the kids Jewish. Yes, that is their primary concern, particularly the Jewish mother. I know, you aren't married, yet if ever, but otherwise that is what they want to know. That's as far as I can be certain of. I don't know, nor possibly know, if they'll complain that he didn't find a "nice Jewish girl", as some do, but other wise all you can prepare for is to ask him, or go in with all your armor on. Doubtfully, since he's dating you, is a religious family that tries to keep it within the faith. They have no problems with Catholics, mostly, it's just that they want to keep their sons marrying Jewish girls so that their children will be Jewish. So, you'll probably not be 100% accepted by this family unless you convert; though, they won't flat out reject you. Really, ask him about his family, but otherwise expect more of scenario #1. You being Catholic is not so much a hindrance, especially if you notice that when Jews tend to marry outside their faith, they usually go for Catholics. I'd expect that the family will be nice, warm, and welcoming, and actually I wouldn't expect him having issues bringing you home for a visit. With Israeli Jews, you'll NEVER know what is beneficial regarding religion, so just be yourself :D. Edit: -__- Don't take Jonah's response as the norm. It isn't, and it seems like he has an interpersonal issue that you should disregard. Most Israelis don't consider themselves superior as Jews (which is inconsistent with Jewish theology) nor do they generally have anything against Hispanics ( a lot of Israelis either have Hispanic connections, know Spanish, or vacation in Latin America). It is likely NOT a taste of how his Israeli family will react. Israelis may not be tact, but they aren't that racist. If anything, I can tell you MY Israeli relations would welcome you.

Answer 3

A jew is not allowed to marry a non-jew. so, how would you see somone who's involved in a forbidden relationship? And just to date with no expectations of marriage is essentially seen as even worse -- just going out for "thrills".

Besides that it is forbidden, it is known that intermarriages often have seriously ill effects on the children. (And the children will not be jewish in your case -- something which may really bother your boyfriend in a few years.)

Why not date a fellow christian? Leave jews to jews. we have enough problems as is, without having to worry about intermarriage.

Answer 4

its wrong. you shouldnt be hanging out with a catholic. if you decided to marry him, that would be intermarriage, and thats really bad. just my opinion, as a jew.