Intermarriage

Dear Rabbi, What’s really wrong with intermarriage? Thank you.

If a non-observing Jewish man is already happily married to a non-Jewish woman with whom he has children, and then suddenly gets interested in observing Judaism and wants to fulfill the mitzvot, is it preferable for him to divorce his non-Jewish wife and break apart his stable family? Or is it better for him to remain married and maintain the stability of the family he is raising?

Dear Rabbi, a friend is dating “out” and I mentioned to him that I really hope they don’t get married. He asked me “Why not?” I told him because it’s wrong, but I didn’t have any solid arguments. He’s a logical person, and I’m sure will seriously consider what I tell him, so I hope you can help me out here. Thanks.

Dear Rabbi, My stepdaughter, a Jewish girl, is marrying a very fine Catholic man. My wife and I are looking for a nearby Rabbi in (location withheld for privacy) who will perform the ceremony for them. The groom wishes the actual ceremony to be held jointly with a Catholic priest. The wedding ceremony and the reception are to be held in a hotel so there is no "religious property" involved (i.e. not in a church). Thanks Rabbi for any referral you can offer.

Shalom Rav My boss's son is getting married to an Asian girl this Shabbos. I have celebrated the High Holidays in Shul with her and her parents who were Conservative when Conservative was much closer to Orthodax than Reform as it is now. Her father even blew the Shofar each year, Anyway, when she comes back to work I would not look to mention the wedding, but if she does, how should I respond? "Congratulations" or, "That's nice" seems out of the question. What do you suggest? Todah rabah

I am acquainted with a soon to be married couple who are very excited and their wedding is all planned and is happening this coming December. He is Jewish and she is not. He knows he is Jewish, but aside from that does not care. These two have been childhood sweethearts who wanted to get married from when they were young. Should I be a busy body and try to stop this intermarriage? Or should I mind my own business and let it happen? If I do get involved, I will probably make them angry and won’t change them anyway. Knowing him, he won’t listen to any rabbi who approaches him.