Rabbis Warn Against the ‘ever Increasing’ Problem of Mixed Marriages

A warning that mixed marriage “threatens the continuity of the Jewish people as a creative force in the American civilization,” coupled with an appeal for mobilization of “the total resources of the American Jewish community” to deal with the problem, has been issued by the Board of Rabbis of Essex County.

The Board, representing Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbis, warned that the problem was an “ever increasing” one, relating to American freedom which “intensifies the problem of maintaining our selves as a people and a unique faith.” The Board blamed the increase in such marriages on “indifference, ignorance and lack of Jewish commitment.” It called “survival the central concern of American Jewry.”

Asserting that “the vast majority of American rabbis refuse to officiate at mixed marriages,” the rabbinical group said the problem could not be solved “by proclamations nor by sermons alone” and that “no solution was possible without the awareness of every Jew that he has a personal responsibility in this matter.”

The Board urged efforts to increase understanding and deepen appreciation of Jewish values. “In homes where children experience sincere religious living, consistent ritual practice, and family participation in the activities of the Jewish community, the likelihood of mixed marriage is reduced,” the rabbis stressed. Jewish loyalty, they said,” matures in an environment of faith and healthy inter-personal relationship within the family.”

The rabbis called on parents, lay synagogue and communal leaders, educators, Jewish center and social workers “to imbue our young people with the desire to maintain and continue our Jewish heritage.” They pledged themselves “to do our part to develop Jewish loyalty from the pulpit, through religious education, family counseling and in every other contact we have with our people,” By such cooperative effort, the rabbis declared, “we shall be able to survive this threat to our survival.”