Marrying Out

Keren R. McGinity is affiliated with Brandeis University. She is the author of Still Jewish: A History of Women and Intermarriage in America.

"In Marrying Out . . . historian Keren R. McGinity uses qualitative research to dismantle assumptions about the lives and attitudes of intermarried Jewish men."—Journal of Jewish Identities"McGinity, a groundbreaking scholar, captures the telling details and the idiosyncratic trajectory of interfaith relationships and marriages in America. But as academic as McGinity's work is, it is also highly personal."—The Forward"[A] fresh and lucid look at intermarriage . . .McGinity integrates her findings with an impressive command of the social and historical research on intermarriage, making this book an important analysis of this thorny issue. . . .filled with vivid vignettes about intermarried couples."—Jewish Book World"In Marrying Out . . . historian Keren R. McGinity uses qualitative research to dismantle assumptions about the lives and attitudes of intermarried Jewish men."—Journal of Jewish Identities"[P]rovides a penetrative analysis of how Jewish men are not 'lost' to Jewish communities but rather shape their own identities as Jewish husbands and fathers."—Marginalia"A great many communally-involved families include Jewish men and non-Jewish women who have agreed to raise their children as Jews. Most of these women are passionately committed to raising Jewish children, fully cooperating in the Jewish education of their children, and are learning as much as they can about the Jewish faith and culture. As Jewish federations, synagogues, and JCCs expand outreach efforts, Keren McGinity provides a great deal of insight into the world of these very special and important interfaith households."—Barry Shrage, President, Combined Jewish Philanthropies"This is the first book I have read that truly understands and supports Jewish men. Marrying Out opens a window into the psyches of intermarried Jewish men. It also serves as a guide to Jewish professionals striving to build a successful volunteer culture and reinvigorate Jewish family life."—Rabbi Charles Simon, Executive Director, Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs"The burning personal issue for most American Jews today concerns intermarriage. Keren McGinity gives us a fascinating, perceptive, and vivid portrayal of the wide range of Jewish identities shaped by exogamous marriages. Read this lively book if you want to understand the state of American Jewish life today."—Susannah Heschel, Dartmouth College"Finally, a book that separates fact from fiction about Jewish men and intermarriage. This important contribution to the growing literature on intermarriage illuminates contemporary Jewish life and culture. This volume clearly demonstrates that Jewish men can definitely intermarry, maintain a strong Jewish identity, and raise self-identifying Jewish children."—Kerry M. Olitzky, Executive Director, Jewish Outreach Institute

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Of Mice and Menschen1. Professional Men2. Sex and Money3. Shiksappeal4. Heartbreak KidConclusionNotesSuggested ReadingIndex About the Author