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Conservative Judaism Apologizes for Discouraging Intermarriage, Seeks Halachic Clarifications

The movement’s report asks its law committee to define clergy roles more precisely, leaving the 1973 officiation ban unchanged.

Overview

  • The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the Rabbinical Assembly and the Cantors Assembly released a report that formally accepts responsibility for past harm and issues an apology to interfaith families.
  • The document recommends expanded educational, pastoral and ritual pathways for interfaith households without authorizing clergy to officiate at interfaith weddings.
  • The report asks the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards to clarify terms such as “officiation” and “wedding” and to consider limited rabbinic participation like offering blessings before or after ceremonies.
  • Leaders say halacha offers “expansive, creative” resources for welcoming interfaith families, even as the binding policy against officiation remains in force.
  • The nearly two-year, consensus-driven process drew 1,200 questionnaire responses and extensive listening sessions, and it notes internal disagreement, with some rabbis warning of potential fractures and others calling such fears overstated.