The survey also found that 60 percent of those who said they have participated in an outreach program did so at a synagogue, where a rabbi led the program. Most of those programs have been at Reform temples, nearly all of which offer courses and other programs targeting interfaith families, said Rabbi Alexander Schindler, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the umbrella for 857 Reform congregations. The program began in Denver several years ago and has since been replicated in about 10 communities. It offers two years of free Hebrew school to the children of unaffiliated interfaith families. I wish to God we had the money to advertise on radio, TV and in newspapers.
Opinions differ dramatically on which is the correct focus to take.
Mayer was asked whether, given that just 35 percent of intermarrieds have any interest in being approached, the poll suggests that the Jewish community should not devote its limited resources to courting them. Not everyone agrees that the Jewish community should try to reach intermarried families. If only 35 percent of intermarrieds are interested in outreach, then most will not become Jewish. Those who said it did pose some problem said the greatest obstacles they face include feeling comfortable in Jewish organizations and synagogues, deciding how to celebrate holidays, getting along with in-laws and raising kids. All rights reserved.