''For the Jewish clergy, the issues were different. They loved the gay thing; the interfaith thing was an issue. That was a surprise. Reason #37 on the list of "Why I love Jews" is that when it comes to fighting for civil rights, the Jews are always right there at the forefront. The synagogues in our area have always been heavily represented in the gay pride parades--even as the Christian denominations were still trickling in. The Jews (except for the most Orthodox) couldn't have been happier we were gay, wished us much mazel with our union, but were so sorry, would be unable to participate in an interfaith service, or marry us unless I was willing to convert. To be fair, we have since met a number of rabbis who would have happily presided at our ceremony but we didn't know them at the time.''

Johanna Hammer describing her marriage process to her Jewish partner, Rebecca, and the issues involved in having their baby son accepted into the Jewish faith. (InterfaithFamily)