AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
Question I have been asked, to do a reading, from the Old Testament, at the marriage, of my son. Although I was raised, as a Conservative Jew, this is an inter-faith marriage. The bride's mother is reading from the New Testament.
I have no idea, where to begin and what is appropriate. Can you help?
Thank you
Answer Dear Ellen,
Thanks for writing, butthis is an unusually complicated question.
I don't know you, the circumstances and the reasons that have prompted the wedding. No Conservative Rabbi is permitted to be involved.
I personally would not read a Jewish text at a wedding that is an official wedding in the eyes of the state and even the couple, but is not a Jewish wedding. Poetry appropriate to a wedding might serve best under the circumstances.
This is further complicated in that it is your son, and the children of a non-Jewish mother raise additional issues.
The best advice I can give you is to either speak with your Rabbi or the officiant of the wedding as to appropriate readings.
My best persoal wishes to you and may the years ahead bring you and your family only harmony and joy.
