The Rabbi and the Pre Marital Interview
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As divorce rates climbed to one-third of marriage rates in the 1940s, Conservative Judaism faced mounting pressure to strengthen marital foundations beyond traditional ceremonial roles. Pre-marital interviews by rabbis emerged as a promising preventive measure against marital dissolution, particularly when rabbis approached these sessions as counselors rather than mere advisors. Through analysis of psychological and sociological research on marital compatibility factors, the investigation reveals that successful marriages depend on careful alignment of emotional needs, religious outlook, background similarities, personality complementarity, and practical considerations including financial planning and family dynamics. Systematic counseling sessions enable rabbis to help couples identify potential problems while developing realistic expectations about marriage as an ongoing commitment rather than a guarantee of automatic happiness. The assessment of couple compatibility focuses on key indicators such as mutual confidences, emotional harmony, and resilience during stress. Results demonstrate that comprehensive pre-marital counseling, combined with emphasis on religious observance and community involvement, can significantly improve marital outcomes by establishing stronger foundations for Jewish family life.

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Published 1949-1950
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Arnold Lasker