Orthodox Jews At Reform Weddings: Allowed Or Not?

There are differing opinions on whether an Orthodox Jew can attend a wedding in a Reform shul. Some sources state that an Orthodox Jew should not attend a wedding in a Reform synagogue, especially if it is between a Jew and a non-Jew, as this wedding would not be considered valid in Orthodox terms. However, other sources state that an Orthodox Jew can attend a Reform wedding, but they may not be able to participate in certain rituals such as accepting an aliyah or being counted in the minyan. Ultimately, it is up to the individual Orthodox Jew to decide whether or not they feel comfortable attending a wedding in a Reform shul, and it is important to respect the protocols of the synagogue.

Orthodox Jews may not recognise a Reform wedding as valid

An Orthodox Jew may not recognise a Reform wedding as valid for several reasons. Firstly, the ceremony may not take place in an Orthodox synagogue, but in a Reform temple or social hall. Secondly, the person officiating may be a Reform or Conservative rabbi, or even a Vicar or Priest of a second faith, and therefore not considered valid by Orthodox Jews. Thirdly, the witnesses in some Reform weddings may be non-observant, female, and/or non-Jewish, and so the ceremony is not accepted as valid in Orthodox terms.

In addition, the Ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, may be replaced with a marriage certificate in a Reform wedding. The text of the Ketubah/certificate may also differ from the standard Orthodox version. The bride and/or groom may not be considered fit for Jewish marriage according to Jewish Law, or Halacha. For example, they may not be Jewish, may have undergone a Conservative or Reform conversion not recognised by Orthodox Jewish Law, or may be illegitimate (Mamzer) or part of a same-sex couple.

For these reasons, an Orthodox Jew may not recognise a Reform wedding as valid.

Orthodox Jews may not attend a wedding in a Reform temple

In addition, the witnesses in some Reform weddings may be non-observant, female, and/or non-Jewish, meaning that the ceremony is not accepted as valid in Orthodox terms. Furthermore, in some Reform interfaith ceremonies, a vicar or priest of a second faith may also ordain over part of the service.

Moreover, the Ketubah, or marriage contract, in Reform weddings may be replaced with a marriage certificate. The text of the Ketubah/certificate may also be quite different from the standard Orthodox version. For these reasons, it is considered unacceptable for Orthodox Jews to attend a wedding in a Reform temple.

Orthodox Jews may not accept a Reform conversion

In the case of a wedding, an Orthodox Jew may not be able to attend a Reform wedding, especially if it takes place in a Reform Temple. This is because, according to Orthodox Jewish Law, the wedding may not be considered valid if the person officiating is a Reform rabbi. Additionally, if the wedding involves a Jew marrying a non-Jew who has had a Reform conversion, this would be considered an intermarriage, and an Orthodox Jew should not attend.

In terms of Orthodox synagogues, a Reform Jew may be able to attend, but they may not be considered a fully participating member. They may not be able to count towards a minyan (quorum of 10) and may need to decline certain rituals, such as receiving an aliyah. It is important to be respectful of the synagogue's protocols and observe the appropriate dress and behaviour, such as modest dress, head coverings for men, and having phones silent during Shabbat.

While there may be some differences in practices and beliefs between Orthodox and Reform Judaism, it is important to note that Jews of all denominations are generally welcomed and treated with hospitality in Orthodox synagogues.

Orthodox Jews may not accept non-Orthodox witnesses at a wedding

An Orthodox Jew may not attend a wedding in a Reform shul. This is because, according to Orthodox Judaism, a wedding in a Reform synagogue is not a valid Jewish wedding.

For a wedding to be considered valid by Orthodox Jews, the witnesses must be male, Shomer Shabbat, unrelated to the couple and each other, and known to be honest. The witnesses are considered to be more important than the Rabbi officiating the wedding.

The witnesses at a Reform wedding may not meet the requirements of Orthodox Judaism. Therefore, an Orthodox Jew may not accept non-Orthodox witnesses at a wedding.

Additionally, an Orthodox Jew may not attend a wedding between a Jew and a non-Jew. This is because, in the case of a Jew marrying a non-Jew who converted in a Reform synagogue, the wedding is considered an intermarriage. Intermarriage is forbidden in Orthodox Judaism.

However, it is important to note that there is no explicit prohibition on Orthodox Jews attending weddings with non-Jewish guests. The decision to invite non-Jewish guests to an Orthodox wedding is left to the couple and their families.

Orthodox Jews may not accept a Reform ketubah

The witnesses in some Reform weddings may also be non-observant, female, and/or non-Jewish, meaning that the ceremony is not accepted as valid in Orthodox terms. In some Reform interfaith ceremonies, a vicar or priest of a second faith may also ordain over part of the service.

Furthermore, the bride and/or groom may be unfit for Jewish marriage in accordance with Jewish law (halachically). For example, they may not be Jewish, may have undergone a Conservative/Reform conversion not recognised by Orthodox Jewish law, or may be illegitimate (Mamzer—born of an improper union), or even be in a same-sex marriage.

The ketubah is signed by the couple and two witnesses before the ceremony takes place, and then read to the guests during the ceremony. However, in Reform weddings, the witnesses may not be Jewish, and therefore, the marriage may not be considered valid in Orthodox terms.

In addition, the validity of a Reform conversion is questionable in Orthodox Judaism. A Jew marrying a non-Jew who converted in a Reform synagogue may not be considered a valid Jewish wedding in Orthodox Judaism.

Therefore, Orthodox Jews may not accept a Reform ketubah due to differences in content, witnesses, and the validity of Reform conversions and marriages.

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