Draw the Line: Is intermarriage a significant threat to religious communities?
This question seems to have elicited some very personal responses, perhaps because it addresses an issue many Americans have dealt with quite intimately. NMAJH visitors have been pretty split on the issue, and I can't wait to see what comments you guys have, so please share!
Over 280 visitors who have responded to this issue. Here is what the results look like so far:
Here are some thoughts from our visitors:
YES
"Intermarriage is a serious threat to Jews, especially in the United States. As people intermarry, they raise their children with less and less Jewish values and soon their descendants don't place any value on their Jewish roots. As numbers decrease, the communities are threatened." -Lisa, Atlanta, GA
"Jews who intermarry are generally unable to pass on strong Judaism to future generations. If the children's mother is not Jewish, the children's Jewish status is questionable without speaking to Orthodox Rabbinic authorities -- even if they are educated Jewish." - Nicole, Queens
NO
"Intermarriage is not a significant threat, instead it enriches religious communities. While some people may be married away from religion, just as many are married into it. As people come into Judaism from other religions it enriches the thought and expands the horizons of a community." -A., New York, NY
"How the Jewish community RESPONDS (sic.) to intermarried couples (and their children) is the greatest threat. Those who make the choice that Moses and David chose need to be embraced by the community." -Beth, Chicago, Il.
UM
"Intermarriage is occuring but in the families I know predominantely the spouse [marries] into Judaism is embracing Judaism ande the chidlren are being raised as Jewish. Thus, in a sense, individuals are being brought 'into the fold' of Judaism. For me, the question is whether Jewish identity is being passed on." - Kate, Hillsdale, NJ
"It depends on their reception by the Jewish community. If they are rejected by their fellow Jews their children will not be raised as Jes." -Anon.
Looking for more information? Try these articles, which have been selected for their diversity of opinions:
A Holiday Medley, Off Key
To officiate or not? Mixed marriage source of debate at Reform rabbis’ parley
OP-ED:Stop looking at intermarriage through rose-colored glasses
Made in China, Growing up in America
Over 280 visitors who have responded to this issue. Here is what the results look like so far:
Here are some thoughts from our visitors:
YES
"Intermarriage is a serious threat to Jews, especially in the United States. As people intermarry, they raise their children with less and less Jewish values and soon their descendants don't place any value on their Jewish roots. As numbers decrease, the communities are threatened." -Lisa, Atlanta, GA
"Jews who intermarry are generally unable to pass on strong Judaism to future generations. If the children's mother is not Jewish, the children's Jewish status is questionable without speaking to Orthodox Rabbinic authorities -- even if they are educated Jewish." - Nicole, Queens
NO
"Intermarriage is not a significant threat, instead it enriches religious communities. While some people may be married away from religion, just as many are married into it. As people come into Judaism from other religions it enriches the thought and expands the horizons of a community." -A., New York, NY
"How the Jewish community RESPONDS (sic.) to intermarried couples (and their children) is the greatest threat. Those who make the choice that Moses and David chose need to be embraced by the community." -Beth, Chicago, Il.
UM
"Intermarriage is occuring but in the families I know predominantely the spouse [marries] into Judaism is embracing Judaism ande the chidlren are being raised as Jewish. Thus, in a sense, individuals are being brought 'into the fold' of Judaism. For me, the question is whether Jewish identity is being passed on." - Kate, Hillsdale, NJ
"It depends on their reception by the Jewish community. If they are rejected by their fellow Jews their children will not be raised as Jes." -Anon.
Looking for more information? Try these articles, which have been selected for their diversity of opinions:
A Holiday Medley, Off Key
To officiate or not? Mixed marriage source of debate at Reform rabbis’ parley
OP-ED:Stop looking at intermarriage through rose-colored glasses
Made in China, Growing up in America
posted by Hannah Lau at
10:12 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home