Source: The Arizona Republic
On December 21, 2000, The Arizona Republic reported that interfaith couples celebrate an array of holidays during this season. Phyllis and Herb Tragethon are but one example. She is Jewish, and he is Christian. Even when Hannukah and Christmas overlap, they celebrate both. " 'This is his biggest holiday, and it means a lot to him,' she said. 'We are very strong in our religions, and they are different, and we have to respect those differences. That's how it works.' " She goes to Church with him on Christmas and Easter, and he goes to Temple Beth Israel with her often. " 'We all believe in God, and that's the main point,' said Herb, a Realtor, who will be by his wife's side as she lights the menorah. 'The faith in God is most important.' " The couple celebrated Jewish and Christian holidays with Phyllis's three children from a previous marriage, and they now have four Jewish and two Lutheran grandchildren. The Tragethons also are a part of a non-religious couples group at Temple Beth Israel.