Momma Mia, Mea Culpa

Even though, I am not what you would call a ‘practicing’ Jew. In fact, I wouldn’t identify myself as Jewish. At. All. I don’t speak or read Hebrew. I didn’t attend Hebrew school, nor did I have a Bat-mitzvah. I don’t attend temple, and I am not raising my son Jewish.

So why am I participating in this event?

Anyone up for a ‘Quick Family History’?

Yes?

Good.

My grandmother, my mothers mother, “MANGA” was an Italian Catholic lady. My uncles, my cousins and relatives on her side of the family are also Italian Catholic. My grandfather, my mothers father, “POPPA-SYE” is Jewish. When Manga & Poppa Sye got married way back in the day, their interfaith wedding was a huge taboo. You can read all about their love story here.

My mother, Pam, was raised with both religions and ideals. She was allowed to choose which religion she wanted to be when she grew up. Somewhere along the way, my mother eventually decided to embrace the Jewish religion. I’m not exactly sure when or why.

While my brother Adam went on to attend Hebrew school complete with having a Bar-mitzvah, I went off to tour with the Grateful Dead.

Later on, my mother married her high school sweetheart (my now stepfather). He is what I like to call a ‘Pseudo-Jew’. My stepfather, Ron, was born and raised Italian Catholic. His whole side of family is also Italian Catholic.  My stepfather converted to Judaism in his previous marriage and raised his son my stepbrother Lee with the Jewish faith.

So. Let’s break this down.

My family (on BOTH SIDES) are Italian Catholics. EXCEPT for my immediate family.

My mother, my stepfather, both of my brothers and both of their wives and all of their children, are Jewish.

Got all that?

The coolest thing about my family’s religious situation? Up in here we celebrate all of the Jewish holidays AND all of the Catholic holidays. It’s like getting to party together practically year round.

Happy Hanukkah!