The combination of weighty topics (repentance & renewal) with long services (do they ever end?) can make Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur daunting even for experienced Jews. For people new to these holidays -- whether because they have recently married into a Jewish family, converted to Judaism themselves, or simply connected with a religion that previously didn't interest them -- it can be hard to know where to start.

Last week, I sent an e-mail to a variety of people known for thinking about interfaith issues -- professionals, bloggers, and a couple of my friends -- and asked for their advice to interfaith families at this time of year.  Here's what they had to say.

Edmund Case, CEO of InterfaithFamily.com
"Try to involve each member of your family in the holiday. On Rosh Hashanah, you can begin new family traditions by discussing as a family how to make the year a better one, how you as a family want to grow. Come up with three or four ways you can attain your goals. On Yom Kippur , you can talk about how you as a family have 'missed the mark' and what you can do to repair any wounds."

Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky, Executive Director of Jewish Outreach Institute
"Here’s a secret that might help newcomers feel less intimidated at Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur services—most Jews who attend High Holiday services could not translate the Hebrew without looking at the English side of the prayer book.  So instead of considering Hebrew as a stumbling block, let it be something that occupies the right side of your brain so that the other side can transcend the language and pray."

Rabbi Bridget Wynne, Executive Director of Jewish Gateways
"Find people you believe have your best interests at heart with whom you can share your cultural and religious paths, and perhaps to offer you input and advice. Whatever your situation, you are not the only one! And, if you have sought resources or support, and not yet found people you can trust, keep looking! This is another place where it's important not to make assumptions. Every rabbi and teacher and organization and other family are different from one another. It's much more rewarding to share your joys and your struggles with others, and also to learn from others' mistakes and successes."

Susan Katz-Miller, Blogger at OnBeingBoth.com
"For non-Jewish spouses, I recommend accompanying your Jewish spouse to at least one of the High Holy Day services. Growing up in an interfaith family, it meant a lot to me to have both of my parents there, even though my mother did not convert. These services can be dense with Hebrew, somber, long and not the most accessible or welcoming. But they often carry huge emotional weight for the Jewish spouse. Having a spouse by your side is comforting: sitting alone can be lonely or depressing. So even if it means taking time off from work to celebrate someone else's holiday, making this sacrifice for your spouse can be very meaningful and can strengthen your marriage."

Do you have any advice to share about making the holidays more accessible for everyone in your family?  Please share in the comments section below!