In a groundbreaking move, Liberal Judaism is offering mixed faith couples a wedding blessing from a rabbi under a chupah.

The change, which comes into effect from Simchat Torah, was approved unanimously by the movement’s rabbis to recognise and celebrate the diversity of Jewish life in modern Britain.

Liberal Judaism interim director Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “Our movement prides itself on its commitment to diversity and equality.  So it was time to put our chupah where our values are.

“Simchat Torah contains rituals that re-enact the marriage of Israel with the law. Introducing this policy on such an auspicious day shows the centrality of welcoming the Jewish homes our families build in all shapes and forms.”

The movement has always accepted mixed faith couples and families into its synagogues and membership.

But previously, as in all other strands of British Jewry, it only allowed Jewish couples to have a chupah. The new offer will be at rabbinical discretion and depend on the couple’s commitment to “keeping a Jewish home”. 

The move for change was driven by Liberal Judaism’s former chief executive, Rabbi Danny Rich, who wanted mixed faith partners to enjoy the same opportunity as Jewish couples.

“I have spent my career promoting a Liberal Judaism which is both inclusive but respectful of diversity,” he said. “The offer of a chupah — as a symbol of Jewish domestic values — affirms both a welcome and a respect for people who are embarking on a life-long relationship.”

Rabbi Rich prepared the papers on the new policy for the Conference of Liberal Rabbis and Cantors.

Its chair, Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, welcomed its  “common sense and courageous decision to allow our rabbis and cantors discretion to use a chupah, a symbol of the creation of a Jewish home blessed by God”.

The Marriage Law of England and Wales only permits rabbis and synagogue marriage secretaries to officiate where both bride and groom “profess” the Jewish faith. All other couples must undergo a civil marriage ceremony before their chupah blessing. 

Liberal Judaism does not know how many mixed faith couples it has among its membership. As an indication, it points to a 2016 study by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research which found that more than a quarter of British Jews who are married or co-habiting have non-Jewish partners.

Rabbi Rich told the JC that the pastoral experience of Liberal rabbis was that “many couples have been disappointed that they could not be married under a chupah, even though they intended to maintain a Jewish home”.

And although the offer of a chupah blessing was being brought in because it was “right and because it will meet the needs of our membership, it indicates a positive welcome to those not yet in the Liberal Jewish ambit”.

He added that the movement was also aware of couples who, “having raised a Jewish family, will now wish to renew their vows in a fuller Jewish context”.