What to do and know when visiting my boyfriend's Jewish family?

You’ve been together for some time. Now, your relationship has reached a point where you both want to take things a little more seriously. Part of that, perhaps, is introducing your selves to each other’s family. Anxious? Don’t be. Here are some things to keep in mind when you make that visit.

If you are going on a holiday like Yom Kippur, Chanukkah, or Rosh Hashanah, read up on everything you can about traditions surrounding that day so you’ll have a general idea of what’s going on. His family might be offended if you don’t know at least the basics of their culture. Ask your boyfriend about what his family usually does during this holiday and if you need to bring something along or make special preparations.

Brush up on Jewish cooking. You don’t have to learn how to cook their traditional dishes, although that would help, too. Jews have their unique way of food preparation, and there are certain restrictions on their diet. It might help during dinner conversation if you have knowledge of this under your sleeve.

Bring a gift to his parents and grandparents. Ask him what sort of things they like. You don’t have to buy the most expensive stuff at the malls. You can even make them yourself if you’re good at arts and crafts. Small tokens will do if they are personalized and given in good will.

Lastly, let your boyfriend give you a background about his family - the more thorough, the better. Ask him to tell you stories about his childhood, and about each and every member of the family who will be present. This way you’ll know how to act around them when you get there, and it will be easier to strike up a conversation.

Do all of these things and for sure they’ll warm up to you in no time. The Jews are known to be kind even to gentiles, or non-Jews. Don’t be afraid to approach them. As long as they see how happy your boyfriend is with you, and that you’re relationship is strong, there’s no reason why they won’t give you their blessing.