CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
92. Burial of a Young Child
QUESTION: A-
four-year-old-child, daughter of a Jewish father and a Gentile mother, died, and they wish her
buried in the congregational cemetery, which restricts burial to Jews. The child was named in the
synagogue, and it was the clear intent of the parents to raise this girl and all subsequent children
as Jews. Both parents had brought the little girl to some pre-school holiday activities and to
various services intended for young children. Is this child to be considered Jewish? Would a
somewhat older child not enrolled in our school be considered Jewish? (D. F., Baltimore,
MD)ANSWER: We base our decision on the resolution of the Central Conference of
American Rabbis, March, 1983, and on the responsum “Patrilineal and Matrilineal Descent”
(November 1983). The Resolution reads: “The Central Conference of American
Rabbis declares that the child of one Jewish parent is under the presumption of Jewish descent.
This presumption of the Jewish status of the offspring of any mixed marriage is to be established
through appropriate and timely public and formal acts of identification with the Jewish faith and
people. The performance of these mitzvot serves to commit those who participate in
them, both parents and child, to Jewish life. “Depending on circumstances,
mitzvot leading toward a positive and exclusive Jewish identity will include entry into the
covenant, acquisition of a Hebrew name, Torah study, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and
Kabbalat Torah (Confirmation). For those beyond childhood claiming Jewish identity,
other public acts or declarations may be added or substituted after consultation with their
rabbi.” The Resolution indicates that acts of identification after birth are necessary to
establish the Jewishness of the individual involved. In this instance, all acts of identification
appropriate to the age have been observed, and the child has had no identification or affiliation
with any Christian observances. We, therefore, consider this youngster as Jewish, and she is to
be treated as a Jew in every way. In other words, although the cemetery has some restrictions on
the burial of non-Jews, they would not apply to this youngster, who may be buried as any other
Jew.October 1983
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.