SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - March 8, 2010) - The Reform rabbinate, the world's largest
group of Jewish clergy, addresses intermarriage during the 121st annual
convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR), which is
taking place here. The CCAR represents nearly 2,000 Reform rabbis in North
America and around the world.
While in the past the Reform rabbis focused discussion on how to prevent
intermarriage, the CCAR today affirmed that intermarriage is a given and
should be approached with the goal of engaging intermarried families in
Jewish life and living. Rabbis can and should work to improve the
effectiveness of their efforts to encourage intermarried people to embrace
Judaism for themselves and their children.
Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, President of the CCAR, said, "When a Jew
marries a Jew, there is a greater likelihood of Jewish continuity. But in
the case of intermarriage, the opportunity for Jewish continuity is
significant, especially if there is effective rabbinic leadership. Today we
focus on the very positive fact that rabbinic outreach to intermarried
families makes a difference in bringing intermarried families into our
synagogues and Jewish life."
The CCAR also recognizes that debating the question of rabbis officiating
at ceremonies of couples who are intermarrying is simply not a productive
conversation. "We recognize there is a diversity of carefully considered
views and practices among Reform rabbis when it comes to officiation. It is
a deeply personal matter of conscience for rabbis. The CCAR is here to help
rabbis develop and articulate their approach to embracing and bringing
people into Jewish life," explained Rabbi Charles Kroloff, chair of the
CCAR's Task Force on the Challenges of Intermarriage for the Reform Rabbi,
which presented its findings at the Convention after three years of study
and deliberation.
Added Rabbi Dreyfus, "It has become evident that when it comes to
officiation, rabbis, each acting out of his or her own understanding of how
to best serve God and the Jewish people, were offering their own answers.
But there is broad agreement that the challenge of intermarriage in this
century for the Reform rabbi is how to help such families become committed
Jewish households and how to invite them to make that choice. We know that
rabbis need a variety of skills and resources to help make that possible."
The CCAR's discussion and clarification on intermarriage also affirmed:
- The importance of encouraging in-marriage (marriage between Jews) and
conversion of non-Jewish spouses;
- The importance of learning from rabbinic colleagues who may think or
act differently, as well as from those whose views and practices are
similar.
To arrange a discussion with CCAR President, Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus,
or with the chair of the Task Force on the Challenges of Interfaith
Marriage to Reform Rabbis, Rabbi Charles Kroloff, please contact Itay
Engelman at Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at 212-255-8386 or
itay@sommerfield.com
About CCAR
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, founded in 1889, is the oldest
and largest rabbinic organization in North America. As the professional
organization for Reform Rabbis of North America, the CCAR projects a
powerful voice in the religious life of the American and international
Jewish communities. Since its establishment, the CCAR has a rich history of
giving professional and personal support to Reform rabbis, providing them
opportunities for study, professional development and spiritual growth
beginning while they are still in seminary, through mid-careers, and into
retirement. The CCAR is uniquely positioned to meet the ongoing needs of
its nearly 2,000 member rabbis (virtually the entire Reform rabbinate) and
the entire Reform Jewish community.
Contact Information: Contact:
Itay Engelman
Sommerfield Communications, Inc.
212-255-8386
itay@sommerfield.com