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Friday, 21 December 2018

How To Locate A Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Dennis West


When it comes to individuals whom believe in the tenets of more than one faith, non-traditional officiants are often chosen to perform these services. In the case of a mixed-faith couple such as where one is Jewish and the other of a different faith, a jewish and interfaith rabbi often performs the ceremony. For, there are different aspects to each faith which are often requirements of Biblical law when it comes to marriage.

When it comes to locating an interfaith rabbi, it can often take much longer than when acquiring a traditional religious leader. While this is the case, as these ceremonies are most common in Northern California where most of the more liberal rabbis reside, it is not impossible. For, while still a rarity, there a number of rabbis whom will not officiate at mixed-faith weddings.

Regardless of the survey, no denomination recognizes co-officiating though reconstructionist movements provide rabbis with autonomy if and when performing these non-traditional services. Whereas, the conservative movement remains against any and all rabbis participating in or officiating at weddings or other mixed-faith events. While this is the case, there are still a limited number of rabbis in the conservative movement whom will do so in secrecy.

While there have been surveys in the past which showed approximately 50/40 percent of rabbis would officiate these mixed-faith marriages, the statistics have since changed. In fact, the practice is becoming more common not only in the more liberal areas of the United States but also in some more conservative areas. In addition, there are now some Orthodox Jewish leaders which will officiate these mixed-faith weddings though will only do so in secrecy.

One Northern California Rabbi whom is director of the InterfaithFamily non-profit group based in the Bay Area suggested the findings were anything but surprising. For, these services while now more common were still extremely non-traditional. At the same time, finding an interfaith rabbi to officiate or co-officiate a mixed-faith wedding can still be difficult, especially in the more conservative areas of the United States.

In some cases, rabbis have noted that by officiating these non-traditional weddings, it is easier to establish relationships with couples in order to provide counseling when it comes to living an mixed-faith lifestyle. Whereas, if and when a mixed-faith couple decides to have or adopt children, it would be easier to provide advice on how to raise a family on what is clearly a non-charted religious path.

In a day and age when individuals can become ordained ministers online, one Jewish officiant suggest that it is a good sign when a couple requests the services of a rabbi. For, it shows that faith is an important aspect of the relationship. While a member of the more conservative movement that does not allow rabbis to co-officiate, the officiant also said it would be something to consider if there changes to this rule in the future.

It should be noted that rabbis whom officiate or co-officiate at these events reside mostly in liberal areas. While this is the case, these individuals still hold on tight to Jewish rituals and beliefs. As such, while a bride or groom may be of the Christian faith, most rabbis will not allow the use of terms such as Lord, Savior or Jesus Christ during the ceremony.




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