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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Convert married to a Jewish man here. [b]Judaism in the US is a totally different animal than the Israeli experience.[/b] I understand and even identify with a lot of what you've said, while echoing what others have said about the Reform movement (and even parts of the Conservative movement) being a lot more opening and welcoming of 'inter-faith' (maybe inter-cultural in your case?) families. So please, try to hold off on painting with such a broad brush before exploring the continuum of American Judaism.

Re: circumcision 
People have a lot of strong feelings on the issue, and we're all biased. It's a tough choice and it's great you're being thoughtful about it. Fathers often have a lot more psychological stuff wrapped up in the decision, and you should hear that out - as well as acknowledge that it's a pretty big deal as a cultural rite of passage for even many nonreligious Jews. Good luck - I hope you can reach a decision together.[/quote]

Thanks, I understand that. To clarify, my husband doesn't really identify with American Judaism or seek a Jewish religious community here so it's likely not something my family would explore because of him. I myself don't have big stakes in "being Jewish." My personal view is that people seek out meaning for lots of different reasons, and in this case, that meaning would be tied to my relationships with my husband and his family and community. So their view of Judaism is what impacts my life directly, if that makes sense. I think it's wonderful that there are Reform/reconstructionist movements and am all for it, but it's just not something that will have bearing on what Judaism is in our lives for a number of reasons.  I am intellectually curious about it as a human being & that's the extent of it.

I should have maybe put some of this into the original post but it seemed like it was complicated enough as it is. Thanks for the comment re: fathers' psychological stuff, will take that into account.
[/quote]

PP here. It's clear you're being really thoughtful about this, and considerate of your husband's perspective. A friend married a man somewhat like your husband - culturally Jewish but no interest in having a Jewish religious observance. They did not circumcise their son. MIL and Grand-MIL were pretty ridiculous about it. The decision belongs to the parents, not the extended family, but be prepared for that response (totally uncool, obviously), should you elect to not circumcise. [/quote]

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