How To Introduce Your Jewish Partner To Your Muslim Parents

If your parents have strongly pushed for a Muslim mate, your partner may view this as intolerance or even a personal affront. Spend some time explaining your parents’ views.

If this is a serious relationship, stress that to your parents. Tell them you have thought a lot about it, and that this is not some passing fancy.

If possible, describe your partner to your parents using terms like “doctor,” “sizable income,” “graduate degree,” “family-oriented,” and “Ivy League education.”

Remind your parents that, like Islam, Judaism is an Abrahamic religion and shares many beliefs and traditions with Islam.

If you’ve discussed children and your partner is amenable to raising them in the Muslim faith, make that clear. If not, table it for the future. You can’t tackle everything at once.

In advance, ask your partner not to mention possible sore spots such as conversion, Gaza, or U.S. foreign policy.

Also ask your partner to avoid romantic touches, like holding hands or kissing. Do not recount your romantic weekend in Napa or the cute B&B you stayed in.

Ask your partner to wear modest clothing. Think business casual, so no shorts or thigh-baring skirts.

Now that you’ve done the groundwork, arrange the introduction over an activity, like dinner. Do not involve alcohol, as it is forbidden in Islam. You’ve got the pork thing covered.

Start the conversation with a topic like your partner’s occupation or hometown, or something your parents and your partner have in common, like a taste for Woody Allen.

If your parents ask about your partner’s beliefs, let your partner explain. Be firmly but politely supportive.

If your parents express disappointment even after being charmed by your lovely partner, they may say something negative. Keep this to yourself—it will only make your partner feel bad.

Have patience, and remember your parents and your partner love you. Inshallah, things will work out in the end.