I decided to type intermarriage, rather than interfaith. I came across this website on how to prevent your child from intermarrying. The page was set up by a Rabbi who is associated with Aish and refers to intermarriage as not a problem, but rather an epidemic. An epidemic? I googled epidemic to see what the first result I would get was and... A DISEASE?!?! Is this what an Aish Rabbi thinks? That intermarrying is a disease and parents need to know how to prevent/stop it.
I do not believe in intermarriage, I think conversion is necessary but I am still excepting of all who chose to lead their lives in the style they do. I am utterly appauled that a Rabbi would call intermarrying a disease. Intermarriage will not kill or destroy a person. Cancer of AIDS are diseases which will. I plan to email this Rabbi and ask him to further elaborate on what he means by disease because it does not sit well with me.
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6 comments:
I am not against intermarriage, but I totally agree with you that a Rabbi calling intermarriage a disease is horrible. My brother had an intermarriage and they are the citest couple ever. They are converting their children to Judaism and everything.
While I am appalled by that website, I am sad to say that I am not extremely surprised. Whenever there is a topic that can be debated, it will be; there will always be two sides or two very different points of view. Then people make websites or write articles to encourage others to share in their beliefs and ideas. Calling something an "epidemic" or using other strong terms only fires up the people who are against intermarriage or perhaps people who are looking into the subject. I will be very interested to hear what the rabbi has to say if he responds to your email.
Holding back from commenting on the term "disease" in Aish's reference to intermarriage, I found it interesting to see that you stated "I do not believe in intermarriage." I read this as though your choice of rhetoric connotes a belief in something greater than oneself. From your choice of words, it sounds as though you are equating the significance of intermarriage with the significance of a religious or nationalist movement. Was this your intention when you used the word "belief?" If so, would you be able to elaborate on the implications of your word choice?
Becca,
After reading your post I want to change what I originally wrote. I want to say that I personally would not engage in intermarriage. From my own personal beliefs, I do not think I could be in a relationship with someone who was not raised with the same Jewish background and values that I have. That being said, I feel as though there are many couples who have successfully intermarried and could not be happier.
What got to me was the language that was used on the website. I think that such a negative word puts a negative aspect on intermarriage, which it is not. I should have been clearer in stating my own personal beliefs as opposed to my thoughts of the website
i'm just going to try to play devil's advocate...
although Aish hatorah has many motives as an organization having been on several aish trips myself, i know that one of their underlying goals is to prevent intermarriage, they want jews to marry jews (especially jewish boys to marry jewish girls). i agree that epidemic is not necessarily the most appropriate word, but to someone who believes in this aspect of Aish Hatorah's objective so strongly, to them intermarriage could be considered an epidemic. there are so many intermarriages now a days that some might have a real fear of a diminishing jewish community; enough so to call intermarriage an epidemic.
again, not my opinion, just playing devil's advocate!
Heather I would like to challenge you to elaborate more on why you are against intermarriage. Being the son of an intermarried couple I feel that I am just as Jewish and received just as much Jewish value and upbringing as someone with two Jewish parents. I understand it is not a direct attack on people who are a product of intermarriage or couples who decide to intermarry but I don't understand how one can say they are against it. If two people can make it work and work well (like my parents) then what is the problem. I am not saying that I plan on marrying someone not of the Jewish faith but how does one person decide who they love and who they don't. I just can't imagine saying to some girl, sorry I have to end this relationship you are not Jewish and I am, bye. It was done to my friend and I think that is ridiculous. But O well. Thank you for your blog though because that rabbi definitely needs a talking to.
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