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Project Link Principled Sensitive Conser

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When interfaith couples engage with Judaism through structured outreach, many unexpectedly deepen their Jewish commitment - even without conversion pressure. Project Link, implemented through the Jewish Theological Seminary in New Jersey from 1985, tested this counterintuitive finding through a Conservative Jewish outreach program. Using participant observation, interviews, and program evaluations of forty interfaith couples, the research tracked responses to both 12- and 24-week courses on Jewish history, beliefs, and practices, alongside six-session interactive groups exploring intermarriage challenges. The couples represented diverse religious backgrounds and family stages, with pregnancy and childbirth emerging as powerful catalysts for spiritual exploration. Paradoxically, intermarriage often strengthened Jewish identification among Jewish partners rather than diminishing it. Most participants demonstrated increased Jewish engagement through home observance, continued study, conversion, or synagogue affiliation - particularly notable given their previous lack of religious involvement. Success hinged on flexible, developmentally-oriented programming that honored couples' unique spiritual journeys without demanding immediate conversion. The findings highlight how welcoming synagogue communities and graduated programming tiers, matched to couples' commitment levels and life circumstances, create effective pathways for interfaith integration into Conservative Judaism.

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    Published 1990

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  • Publication Credits

    Samuel Weintraub