Rabbi Cosgrove makes some good points in his Opinion piece, “To Officiate Or Not At Intermarriages” (March 17). But I think his essay misses the point.
Worse, he contradicts himself with his own logic. He writes that “it is a statistical dead heat in Jewish engagement between in-married and intermarried couples for whom a rabbi was the sole officiant.” But then he concludes, “I do not think it is wise, given the undisputed place in-marriage has as the single most important determinant in ensuring Jewish continuity.”
Actually, according to the study the rabbi cites, in-marriage has no effect. And then the best that can be said is we will respect “the spiritual integrity of the non-Jewish member of your Jewish family.”
That’s weak, and in my experience this low bar is rarely accomplished. I think we can do better.
Austin, Texas
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
