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Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Reform Judaism (10/12)
Previous Document: Question 18.3.10: Reform's Position On...Abortion
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Question 18.3.11: Reform's Position On...Mixed (Interfaith) Marriages
Answer:
[Adapted from [5]American Reform Responsa, #146]
Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis has
opposed mixed marriages. Reform Judaism recognizes the problem as
significant in every period of Jewish history. It has become more
severe in 20th-century American, and therefore, Reform Judaism has
made provisions for families of mixed marriages and their children.
Such families are welcomed in Reform congregations, and Reform Judaism
continues to urge them to convert to Judaism. The conference
resolution of 1973 succinctly summarizes the position of Reform
Judaism:
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, recalling its stand
adopted in 1909 that "mixed marriage is contrary to the Jewish
tradition and should be discouraged," now declares its opposition
to participation by its members in any ceremony which solemnizes a
mixed marriage.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis recognizes that
historically its members have held and continue to hold divergent
interpretations of Jewish tradition. In order to keep open every
channel to Judaism and K'lal Yisrael for those who ahve already
entered into mixed marriage, the CCAR calls upon its members:
1. To assist fully in educating children of such mixed marriages as
Jews
2. To provide the opportunity for conversion of the non-Jewish
spouse; and
3. To encourage a creative and consistent cultivation of involvement
in the Jewish community and the synagogue.
Most Reform Rabbis will not preform mixed marriages. There are some
that do, based on the notion that to reject the non-Jewish partner can
only serve to take the Jewish partner away from Judaism. However, if
they perform the marriage, the both partners receive a positive
impression of Judaism, and the option remains of educating the
non-Jewish partner as to the meaning of Judaism (so that they choose
to convert on their own). Further, couples with positive feelings
towards Judaism often raise the children as Jews.
Top Document: soc.culture.jewish FAQ: Reform Judaism (10/12)
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