This Shabbat, we conclude the book of Bereishit in our yearly Torah reading cycle. Bereishit is essentially our origin story as a people. Beginning with the creation of the world and the early days of humankind, we quickly zoom in to focus on the story of one family, the family that would become the kernel of the Jewish people. Reaching the book’s conclusion gives us the opportunity to look back on what has been and look ahead to how our journey will continue in the next book of our Torah. 

This Shabbat is also the first of the new secular year. This point of transition provides us with a similar opportunity. We look back on the successes and challenges of this past year and envision how our world – and we – will grow and change over the next 12 months.   

That sort of introspection, but on a community level, is behind our plans to welcome Rabbi Ari Saks to our community next Shabbat, January 9-10. Rabbi Saks has devoted his rabbinate to working with interfaith families, deepening relationships and finding pathways for inclusion.

In advance of his visit to Chevrei Tzedek, he has sent this letter of introduction. Later this week, we will send out the resources he mentions in a separate email, containing more information about the weekend. I hope you will join us for this special Shabbat of learning and community. If you have not yet registered, please do so by clicking here. 

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Dear members of Chevrei Tzedek,

I am thrilled to be joining you as Scholar in Residence for our upcoming weekend together, January 9th-10th! Throughout our time, I’ll be exploring “The Torah of Interfaithing”—what Jewish wisdom teaches about embracing the diverse traditions, practices, and cultures interfaith families bring into our communities.

Here's a preview of what I’ve planned, in partnership with Rabbi Marci Jacobs:

Friday Night: The Torah of Interfaithing
We’ll kick off by diving into my approach to this work and why it holds so much meaning for me. Together, we’ll look at a beautiful text from the Torah about Jacob (Israel) blessing his grandchildren—who, themselves, came from an interfaith family. This is the only moment in Torah where a grandparent and grandchildren interact, and it powerfully captures how we can hold onto our tradition while expanding the embrace of our community. I also want to hear from you—what feels important and timely about welcoming interfaith families right now at Chevrei Tzedek?

Shabbat Morning: Interfaith Stories in the Torah
I’ll be participating throughout services, and during my D'var Torah I’ll explore Parashat Shemot, focusing on Moses’ own interfaith journey—how he was raised, his marriage to Tzipporah the Midianite, and how these experiences shaped his and our understanding of God. This will set the stage for our afternoon session.

Shabbat Afternoon: Intermarried Jewish Leaders in Our Tradition
After Kiddush, we’ll discuss three compelling intermarried Jewish leaders: Samson the Nazirite, King Solomon, and Queen Esther. We’ll explore both their biblical stories and how rabbinic tradition has understood their lives. I want us to see together that interfaith families have always been woven into the fabric of Jewish life and leadership!

Saturday Night: In-Depth Conversation with Interfaith Families
For those who register, I'll facilitate a smaller group conversation tailored to the unique questions and needs of interfaith families and the wider Chevrei Tzedek community. I’ll bring insights from my podcast Interfaithing: Why Families Can Embrace Two Faiths Under One Roof—including stories, resources, and practical advice for crafting meaningful rituals and balancing traditions as interfaith families.

Extras and Resources
I’ll also be sharing podcast episodes, articles, and new writings—including the introduction to my teshuvah (halakhic responsum) which explores how we can welcome interfaith families under the chuppah. Even if this isn’t our main topic, I feel it’s essential context for our conversations.

My goal is to open a path for learning, honest discussion, and community-building—grounded in deep Jewish tradition and a spirit of radical welcome. I can’t wait to learn from you and with you, and to imagine together what the future holds for interfaith families at Chevrei Tzedek.

Looking forward to a meaningful and inspiring weekend!

Warmly,
Rabbi Ari Y. Saks