February 23, 2006
WE'RE ALL EVANGELICALS NOW:
Conservative rabbis embrace non-Jews: `Intermarrieds' are courted to stem declining membership. (Tal Abbady, February 21, 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Faced with a declining membership, Conservative Jews are trying a historically non-Jewish tactic: spreading the good news to interfaith couples.Posted by Orrin Judd at February 23, 2006 1:52 PMThe Conservative movement, the second-largest Jewish denomination in the United States, announced in December an initiative to reach out to intermarried couples with a view to converting the non-Jewish spouse. Leaders say the objective is for children to be raised in households that are unambiguously Jewish, making them more likely to grow up to marry other Jews.
The idea of seeking converts may have evangelical undertones alien to Judaism, but leaders say this push is not outright proselytizing.
Hey, OJ, I've been meaning to talk to you...
Posted by: David Cohen at February 23, 2006 2:01 PMThe free and open marketplace of faith. How could anyone disagree with that?
Posted by: Tom C., Stamford,Ct. at February 23, 2006 2:12 PMDavid:
The Dartmouth Temple is too liberal--The Wife won't even go. We're looking for a conservative Baptist/Congregationalist church.
Posted by: oj at February 23, 2006 2:21 PMWell, that'll be an odd bar mitzvah, then.
Posted by: David Cohen at February 23, 2006 2:38 PMDavid:
Bap Mitzvah
That way they get checks from both sides.
Posted by: oj at February 23, 2006 2:52 PMOJ: But what about the dancing?
Posted by: John Resnick at February 23, 2006 2:57 PMNo more dancing Jews for me. Their staggering around with me during the Horah was the most terrifying moment of my life.
Posted by: oj at February 23, 2006 3:02 PMOnly a man who can marry despite knowing that the chair dance awaits him is truly up to marriage.
Posted by: David Cohen at February 23, 2006 3:30 PMRemind me to tell you about the 6 foot-tall hoopah some time.
Posted by: oj at February 23, 2006 3:33 PM