The Orthodox Rabbinate of America issued a statement this week-end condemning the recent action by the Conservative movement in altering the traditional Jewish marriage contract as representing “the gravest implications to the sanctity of Jewish life in America and a most disastrous disavowal of the principles of Jewish Law.”
Joining in the statement were the Rabbinical Council of America, representing 600 Orthodox rabbis in the United States and Canada, and the Rabbinical Alliance of America, speaking in behalf of 300 more Orthodox rabbis. Endorsement of the condemnation came from the heads of all Jewish Orthodox theological seminaries and many prominent authorities on Jewish Law.
The joint statement of the rabbis called upon the Conservative movement to withdraw its proposal immediately in the name of Jewish unity. “Should they persist, however, the Orthodox Rabbinate hereby notifies their co-religionists of their religious decision that the use of this amended Kethubah is forbidden. No rabbi will officiate in any capacity in any ceremony where it is used. No acts or decisions of the projected Beth Din of the Conservative Rabbinate will be recognized as valid. A religious divorce granted by this Beth Din will not be honored. Should anyone remarry on the basis of such a divorce he may endanger his religious family status and that of his offspring,” the statement warned.
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