Mazal tov to Jacob Werthheimer, grandson of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, whose [url=/life_cycle/bar_mitzvah_and_bat_mitzvah/Bar_Bat_Mitzvahs_for_the_interfaith_family.shtml]bar mitzvah[/url] was celebrated recently. Jacob's parents are Khaliah Ali-Wertheimer, Muhammad's daughter, who was raised as a Muslim, and her huband Spencer Wertheimer, who is Jewish.

On religion and her interfaith family, Ali-Wertheimer [url=http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/articles/14679-muhammad-alis-grandson-is-bar-mitzvahed]is quoted saying[/url],
[quote]"I was born and raised as a Muslim," Khaliah says. "But I'm not into organized religion. I'm more spiritual than religious. My husband is Jewish. No one put any pressure on Jacob to believe one way or another. He chose this on his own because he felt a kinship with Judaism and Jewish culture."

"The ceremony was wonderful and very touching," Khaliah continues. "The theme of Jacob's presentation was inclusiveness and a celebration of diversity. My father was supportive in every way. He followed everything and looked at the Torah very closely. It meant a lot to Jacob that he was there."

Khaliah says proudly that Jacob is an "A" student and a good athlete with Ivy League aspirations. She also notes that the bar mitzvah of Muhammad Ali's grandson is "a wonderful tale of what's coming in the world."[/quote]

The article continues, noting that Muhammad Ali would likely agree with his daughter's view of the world:
[quote]Shortly before lighting the Olympic flame at 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, he proclaimed, "My mother was a Baptist. She believed Jesus was the son of God, and I don't believe that. But even though my mother had a religion different from me, I believe that, on Judgment Day, my mother will be in heaven. There are Jewish people who lead good lives. When they die, I believe they're going to heaven. It doesn't matter what religion you are, if you're a good person you'll receive God's blessing. Muslims, Christians and Jews all serve the same God. We just serve him in different ways. Anyone who believes in One God should also believe that all people are part of one family. God created us all. And all people have to work to get along."[/quote]

If your family is starting to think about an upcoming bat mitzvah or bar mitzvah, or if you're wondering what it all entails, check out our new booklet, [url=/life_cycle/bar_mitzvah_and_bat_mitzvah/Bar_Bat_Mitzvahs_for_the_interfaith_family.shtml]Bar & Bat Mitzvah for the interfaith family[/url]:

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