Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
Extended Family
Adopted by the CCAR at the 88th Annual Convention of
the Central Conference of American Rabbis
or subsequent to that Convention in 1977
Mixed marriage and intermarriage are now a standard fact in contemporary American
Jewish life. Such a reality as a matter of course results in the necessary inclusion
of non-Jews in the extended Jewish family. The CCAR has mandated itself at its 1973
convention to the encouragement of a creative and consistent cultivation of involvement
in the Jewish community and the synagogue for those already mixed married. As rabbis
we are especially interested in the children of these marriages as regards their
Jewish education and the development of their Jewish identities. Since life-cycle Mitzvot
and normal Shabbat
and festival cycle observances will as a matter of course often involve the extended
family which now includes non-Jewish parents, grandparents and others, we call on
the CCAR to form an Ad Hoc Committee to seriously consider the parameters and influence
of this newly developed Jewish extended family. This Ad Hoc Committee should be charged
with returning to the CCAR with:
1. Necessary clarification or statements from Jewish Law regarding the participation
of non-Jews in life cycle Mitzvot
;
2. Appropriate material to be used in the education and counseling of mixed and intermarried
couples and families in dealing with the problems of the extended family;
3. Appropriate material to be used in the education of non-Jews who seek a meaningful
role in an extended Jewish family.
Referred to the Executive Board meeting of June 23, 1977 which further referred the
matters raised in the resolution to appropriate CCAR standing committees.
Resolution on President’s Message
We commend our president, Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld, for his report at the opening
session of our convention. As usual he has approached his task with clarity and eloquence.
We express our appreciation for the dedicated leadership given by Rabbi Arthur J.
Lelyveld and pray that in the Years ahead his hands be strengthened and that we continue
to profit from his scholarship and spirit.
Referred to the Executive Board meeting of June 23, 1977 and adopted on that date.