CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
58. Intermarried Russian Jewish
Family
QUESTION: A Russian Jewish man has been married twice. His
first wife was not Jewish and a daughter resulted from that union. The second wife is also not
Jewish. They have a son and a daughter. All five have immigrated to the United States. The
oldest daughter is twelve; the second is six and the third child is three years old. The husband
has joined a synagogue and has now inquired about the status of his
children.ANSWER: We would answer this inquiry in keeping with the Resolution of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis of March 1983: “The Central Conference of
American Rabbis declares that the child of one Jewish parent is under the presumption of Jewish
descent. This presumption of the Jewish status of the offspring of any mixed marriage is to be
established through appropriate and timely public and formal acts of identification with the
Jewish faith and people. The performance of these mitzvot serves to commit those who
participate in them, both parent and child, to Jewish life. “Depending on
circumstances, mitzvot leading toward a positive and exclusive Jewish identity will
include entry into the covenant, acquisition of a Hebrew name, Torah study, Bar/Bat
Mitzvah, and Kabbalat Torah (Confirmation). For those beyond childhood claiming
Jewish identity, other public acts or declarations may be added or substituted after consultation
with their rabbi.” These children would need to perform acts of Jewish identification to
be considered as Jews. In this instance, it would mean their enrollment in religious school and
subsequent Bar/Bat Mitzvah, as well as Confirmation. As the twelve-year-old girl can not
fulfill the normal requirements for Bat Mitzvah before her thirteenth birthday, we would
suggest that she undertake an intensive program, or better yet, delay her Bat Mitzvah
until such a time as she has fulfilled those requirements. If these children are raised
as Jews and receive a Jewish education, we will consider them as Jews.March 1984
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.