On Interfaith Marriage in Biblical Times
Deuteronomy 23:4-9
So there are clearly specific groups of people who were not to be ‘admitted’ into some aspects of the Israelite community. And there is conflicting evidence to these laws that make it somewhat confusing. (see previous post)
The Bible and history of that time confirms that interfaith marriage happened in Biblical times. Especially in Kings I: King Solomon loved foreign women. And yet interfaith marriage with idol worshipers is clearly discouraged in Torah. The most prevalent reason is the same today as it was then, to preserve our ways and avoid assimilation with foreign tribes.
Ezra finds the people have been assimilated with foreign tribes at the end of the Babylonian exile period – in 458 BCE. When they go to rebuild the Temple and he discovers what has happened he ‘rents his garment’ as a sign of mourning. He proclaims that the exile was a punishment for all the intermarriage. And he went on to ‘purge the Israelites of the foreigners’ ways.’
And then Isaiah says: "My house shall be a place of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56.7) and indicates that he promoted acceptance of the foreigner who were ‘attached to Israel’.
Today the issues of concern of interfaith marriage are not so different from in Biblical times. There is still a fear that the Jews and their faith will be diluted by assimilation. Our goals are still the same, to preserve our people and the distinctions that make us who we are. This is not to say that interfaith marriage cannot work. It is just that the value of the Jewish heritage and faith is important and needs to be continued from generation to generation ‘dor l’dor’.
Book reference: The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage by Maurice Lamm
So there are clearly specific groups of people who were not to be ‘admitted’ into some aspects of the Israelite community. And there is conflicting evidence to these laws that make it somewhat confusing. (see previous post)
The Bible and history of that time confirms that interfaith marriage happened in Biblical times. Especially in Kings I: King Solomon loved foreign women. And yet interfaith marriage with idol worshipers is clearly discouraged in Torah. The most prevalent reason is the same today as it was then, to preserve our ways and avoid assimilation with foreign tribes.
Ezra finds the people have been assimilated with foreign tribes at the end of the Babylonian exile period – in 458 BCE. When they go to rebuild the Temple and he discovers what has happened he ‘rents his garment’ as a sign of mourning. He proclaims that the exile was a punishment for all the intermarriage. And he went on to ‘purge the Israelites of the foreigners’ ways.’
And then Isaiah says: "My house shall be a place of prayer for all people" (Isaiah 56.7) and indicates that he promoted acceptance of the foreigner who were ‘attached to Israel’.
Today the issues of concern of interfaith marriage are not so different from in Biblical times. There is still a fear that the Jews and their faith will be diluted by assimilation. Our goals are still the same, to preserve our people and the distinctions that make us who we are. This is not to say that interfaith marriage cannot work. It is just that the value of the Jewish heritage and faith is important and needs to be continued from generation to generation ‘dor l’dor’.
Book reference: The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage by Maurice Lamm
posted by Chavarah @ 9:52 PM
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