AboutRabbi Ari Shishler Expertise As a campus rabbi, who teaches both religious and non-religious Jewish teens every day, I'm ready and waiting for your questions.
Experience I spent six years as the head of the Chabad House Young Adults' Division in Johannesburg, South Africa, before moving to learning director.
I am the campus rabbi at the Witwatersrand University and University of Johannesburg and was the campus rabbi at Boston City Campus in Johannesburg for six years.
I have worked closely with the South African Union of Jewish students since 1997.
For the past eight years, I have been a guest lecturer at the Johannesburg "Encounter" program for King David High Schools. I have also spent two years as guest rabbi at the "Encounter" program in Cape Town.
King David High Schools, Yeshivah College and Crawford High Schools invite me regularly to speak to various classes.
Since 1996, I have been teaching Talmud at a local religious high school.
Organizations Chabad-Lubavitch
South African Rabbinical Association
Publications Jewish Tradition, South Africa. Jewish Report, weekly newspaper, South Africa SAUJS annual Holiday guide.
Education/Credentials After completing high scool, I spent six years studying in Rabbinical seminaries in South Africa, Israel and New York.
Question Hi, I'm a student and I come from a diverse background of Jews and Catholics from both my father and mother's side. Because of this fact, I have always been confused about religion. My question is would it be wrong in God's eyes to attend both a Jewish temple and Catholic church on a weekly basis, honoring both traditions?
Answer Hi Mark
Wow! Sounds like you're in a difficult situation. Which side is which? Is your mom the Jewish background? If she is, then Judaism considers you Jewish (although the Catholic side would not agree).
Either way, I don't think it would be disrespectful to attend both services on a weekly basis. I do think it would be more confusing for you.
One of the most valuable things for a person is to have a clear sense of identity. I think it's probably a good idea to spend some time exploring your options. You should aim to eventually take on one identity. You don't have to make that decision immediately. But, at some point, you will need to say "this is who I am", even if you still attend both the temple and the church.
Please feel free to ask and consult, I'll do my best to assist.
