United Synagogue Convention Advocates Pre-marital Counselling

Resolutions calling for an expanded program of premarital counselling and education “as a means of strengthening the bonds of family life and preserving the sanctity of the home as a place where the integrity of character and the spiritual quality of Jewish manhood and womanhood can flourish” were adopted here at the closing session of the national convention of the United Synagogue of America.

Stressing that modern civilization, “with its innumerable strains and tensions demands the retention of traditional family loyalties and devotion to the home,” Samuel Rothstein, honorary president of the United Synagogue, who was chairman of the closing session, declared:

“The Jewish family, historically, has nurtured love and companionship, devotion and fidelty, among its members. Through the utilization of modern techniques of pre-marital counselling by the Conservative rabbinate, we will be able to insure that the Jewish home remains as a sanctuary of purity and mutual trust.”

The convention delegates also resolved to call upon all political parties engaged in the forthcoming national elections to condemn such practices as villification of character by irresponsible accusations which do not give the accused the opportunity to reply. Decrying this practice as infringing upon the traditional rights of American citizens, the convention called for “the establishment of procedures which will protect the fundamental rights of freedom and justice upon which American liberty is based.”