15.1 Intermarriage and Its Impact on Jewish Continuity
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Intermarriage rates among American Jews have skyrocketed since the 1970s, now reaching nearly 60% for non-Orthodox Jews. This trend reflects greater social integration and changing attitudes, but raises concerns about and identity transmission to future generations.
Jewish responses to intermarriage vary widely. While Orthodox Judaism prohibits it, Reform and other progressive movements are more accepting. Many communities are developing inclusive programs and rituals to engage , recognizing the need to adapt to changing demographics.
Jewish Intermarriage Trends
Rising Rates and Contributing Factors
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Jewish intermarriage rates in the United States have risen dramatically since the 1970s, from around 13% to nearly 60% today for non-Orthodox Jews
Factors contributing to increased intermarriage include:
Greater social integration of Jews into American society
Reduced anti-Semitism
Later marriage ages
More multicultural attitudes
Children of intermarriage are much more likely to intermarry themselves compared to those with two Jewish parents - 83% vs. 34% respectively
Variations by Denomination and Geography
Current intermarriage rates vary significantly by Jewish denomination and religiosity
The Orthodox intermarriage rate is only around 2%
For non-Orthodox Jews it exceeds 70% for the most recent marriages
Global intermarriage trends are generally lower than the U.S. but increasing in most Diaspora communities (Europe, Australia)
Israel has the lowest Jewish intermarriage rate at around 5%
Perspectives on Intermarriage
Traditional and Conservative Views
Orthodox Judaism prohibits intermarriage as a violation of religious law (halacha)
Many see it as an existential threat to Jewish continuity
Conservative Judaism officially discourages intermarriage but encourages welcoming interfaith families to participate in Jewish life
Hope for future conversion of the non-Jewish spouse
Progressive and Secular Attitudes
Reform Judaism accepts intermarriage and believes outreach to interfaith families is vital for Jewish continuity in an open society
Focus is on encouraging Jewish choices (education, home practice)
Reconstructionist Judaism and other progressive streams are fully accepting of intermarriage
Many perform interfaith weddings and have adapted rituals to be inclusive of diverse families
Secular and cultural Jews tend to view intermarriage positively as an expression of integration and reduced discrimination
Some argue intermarriage strengthens the Jewish people through diversity
Intermarriage and Jewish Identity
Family Choices and Generational Decline
Research shows that intermarried families are significantly less likely to raise their children as Jews compared to in-married families
The Jewish identity of children of intermarriage is generally much weaker in terms of:
Religious practice (synagogue attendance, keeping kosher)
Cultural engagement (Jewish friends, organizations)
Israel attachment
Intermarriage is a major factor in in the Diaspora due to low birth rates and disaffiliation of subsequent generations
Polarization and Fluidity of Identity
Intermarriage has led to a polarization in Jewish identity
Those who intermarry become less engaged
Those who in-marry are more intensely Jewish
Challenges the notion of a unified Jewish people
The impact of intermarriage on Jewish continuity depends heavily on communal responses
Inclusive attitudes and educational investment can help retain many interfaith families
Some scholars argue that intermarriage is both an opportunity and a challenge
The Jewish community must adapt to the reality of a more porous, fluid Jewish identity in the modern world
Engaging Interfaith Families
Inclusive Programming and Rituals
Offering inclusive, nonjudgmental spaces for interfaith families to explore Judaism
"Introduction to Judaism" courses
Holiday events open to all
Developing new rituals and language that honor diverse family backgrounds
Interfaith naming ceremonies
Blessings acknowledging non-Jewish family members
Providing targeted programs for specific groups
Interfaith couples' discussion groups
Grandparenting workshops
Non-Jewish parent meet-ups
Reducing Barriers and Empowering Leadership
Encouraging rabbinic officiation at interfaith weddings as a way to welcome couples and maintain relationships
Investing in early childhood education programs that are inclusive of diverse families and help form Jewish peer bonds
Lowering barriers to participation
Reconsidering membership requirements
Making Hebrew proficiency and gender roles more flexible
Empowering intermarried families to take on leadership roles in the community as role models
Reimagining Identity and Engagement
Shifting away from a "tribalistic" mindset based on ethnic obligations
Focusing on an "covenant" approach that emphasizes active choice
Focusing on the quality of Jewish experiences
Making Judaism intrinsically meaningful and relevant to modern families
Connecting Jewish wisdom to contemporary issues (social justice, mindfulness)