Though the Jewish community has typically discouraged intermarriage, during the last half of the 20th century the number of marriages between Jews and non-Jews has significantly risen, ôThe social integration of Jews into American society was indicated by the rate of intermarriage, which rose from 6% in 1950 to over 30% in 1990ö (Jews, 2003, 3). In todayÆs increasingly secular and pluralist society, people of different faiths interact at school, work, and in social settings. It is inevitable that people will continue falling in love that are of different faiths, a fact that drives intermarriage. Marriages between Jews and Christians are typically discouraged by the Christian faith and Jewish faith. Issues from what holidayÆs to celebrate, what church and services to attend, alienation of orthodox family members, and in what faith to raise children are common challenges for marriages between Jews and Christians. The Central Conference of Rabbis adopted a resolution in 1973 that proclaimed ôits opposition to participation by its members in any ceremony which solemnizes a mixed marriageö, while Hirschberg (1990) argues that ôin the Christian community, reactions to intermarriage are possibly more diversifiedö (21). This research will explore the views of the Jewish and Christian clergy in regard to intermarriage and the challenges, struggles, and successes experienced by Jewish and Christian couples.
The rise in intermarriage between Jews and Christians is met with different reactions by Jewish and Christian clergy and communities. Historically Jews are opposed to marriages to non-Jews. Rabbi Allen S. Maller believes intermarriage should be discouraged in Jewish children at a young age, before the risk of falling in love becomes an issue. Maller argues that love does not overcome all obstacles and that religion is as important, if not more so, than love in maintaining a successful marriage. To support his beliefs, Ma...