AJC Convenes Communal Leaders, Rabbis, Judaic Scholars To Explore Strategies to Address Intermarriage

American Jewish Committee
Tuesday, 27 February 2001

A group of approximately 25 communal leaders, rabbis and Judaic scholars met at the American Jewish Committee last week to discuss the recent AJC survey documenting declining resistance to mixed marriage among American Jews.

"AJC convened the consultation in hopes of mounting a communal coalition and multi-pronged strategy to address intermarriage in light of its recent research findings," said Dr. Steven Bayme, director of AJC's Contemporary Jewish Life Department.

At the February 20 meeting the group expressed considerable concern at this trend and resolved to work together to restore the ideals of in-marriage and to promote its importance to the future of the Jewish community and the preservation of Judaism and the Jewish people.

The group believes that there exists a leadership responsibility to shape the communal climate and set norms, and that the Jewish community is by no means powerless to affect that climate. Specific plans for programmatic activity are in development and will be made public at a later date.

For more information, or to contact American Jewish Committee, see their website at: www.ajc.org