What bothers me is when "rabbis" will officiate or co-officiate interfaith marriages. How can one sanction and sanctify that which strikes at the very heart of Jewish survival and continuity, and yet call yourself a "rabbi"? Why be a self-styled upholder of Judaism while engaging in something which is slowly destroying the community. Perhaps I'm coming at this from a wrong angle, but does anyone out there think it is appropriate for a rabbi to perform intermarriages?

I think it appropriate for a rabbi to perform intermarriages in certain circumstances. In fact, I think the way this issue is treated is detrimental to the growth of the community. Non-Jewish spouses of Jews are the best candidates for conversion; they hold the religious choice of the next generation in their hands. If a couple is going to marry anyhow (and although the answer may vary in the specific, intermarriage is not going to stop happening any time soon), what response is more likely to bring the couple to a Jewish life? Inclusion? or rejection? Thus on a pragmatic basis - if the goal is to promote the survival of Judaism - it may make more sense for a rabbi to perform intermarriages, if that is in accordance with his or her conscience.

- mapletree, adores female rabbis and is a converted non-Orthodox Jew.