CARR 284-285

CCAR RESPONSA

Contemporary American Reform Responsa

190. Dual Wedding Ceremonies

QUESTION:

A couple in which one party is Jewish and the other is non-Jewish wish to be married. They would like to have two separate ceremonies, a Christian ceremony and a Jewish ceremony. What is our attitude toward this kind of a situation? (Rabbi H. Sherer, Mission Viejo, CA)

ANSWER: The position of the Central Conference on mixed marriage is very

clear, and the Conference has been strongly opposed to such marriages as stated through resolutions passed in 1909 and 1973 (C.C.A.R. Yearbook, 1909, Vol. 19, pp. 170; 1973, Vol. 57, p. 161). I have written detailed responsa on mixed marriages for the Conference (C.C.A.R. Yearbook, 1980, Vol. 90, pp. 86 ff; 1982, Vol. 92; W. Jacob, American Reform Responsa, pp. 445 ff). For the reasons cited in these responsa, both traditional Judaism and Reform Judaism have been, and continue to be, opposed to mixed marriage. This means that no Jewish ceremony could be conducted under the circumstances described in the question.

The Central Conference has stated its utter opposition to rabbis co-

officiating with Christian clergy at mixed marriages in a special resolution passed in 1982. This would certainly apply to two separate ceremonies, one Christian and one Jewish. We vigorously reject this attempt at religious syncretism suggested by the question and can in no way condone Jewish participation in such dual ceremonies in which one party is Jewish and the other Christian.

January 1982

If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.