| In April 2003 we were pleased to announce a significant development
in the Liberal Judaism approach to mixed faith marriage
blessings. As part of an evolutionary process, the Rabbinic
Conference of Liberal Judaism has been reviewing the rules
that have been in force for some years regarding rabbinic
participation in blessings for mixed faith marriages.
The major changes that have been agreed include allowing
a blessing for such marriages to be given in a synagogue
and for accepting the participation of a non-Jewish minister
at those blessings. Until now, blessings have been carried
out at the discretion of a rabbi, but not on synagogue
premises.These are natural developments given that most
Liberal Synagogues already welcome non-Jewish spouses
and partners as Friends or Associates. While these blessings
remain an extension of our inclusive nature, they are
not to be seen as Jewish weddings and have no status in
either Jewish or civil law.
Liberal Judaism maintains its commitment to prioritise
and encourage Jewish marriage through education and example.
Where one of the partners is not Jewish we would, whenever
appropriate stress the family, religious, and cultural
advantages of the non-Jewish partner converting to Judaism.
Whether or not a Liberal Rabbi performs such an act of
prayer or attends nuptial celebrations is to be determined
by her or his individual conscience, with due regard to
the lay leadership of the synagogue concerned and is subject
to a range of restrictions.For example, where one of the
partners is not Jewish, the Jewish partner must be a member
of a Liberal Judaism synagogue and the blessing ceremony
can take place either in a synagogue building or on neutral
ground.
It is important that the liturgy and rituals should
not in any way create the impression that the blessing
ceremony constitutes a Jewish wedding and the Rabbi must
be satisfied that, should there be children, the couple
will be likely to bring them up as Jewish.Liberal Judaism
is committed to developing and sustaining Judaism for
modernity and the future. We have learned from experience
that when we embrace non-Jewish partners of Liberal Jews,
we counter the effects of exclusion that lead to increasing
levels of assimilation. We provide a platform for the
whole family to commit to Jewish values and a Jewish way
of life. Is that not worthy of a blessing?
For information contact call Anwen Grant on 020 7631 9823
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