As a teenager, romantic relationships typically stem from personal connections while other factors, like religion, may not play a significant role at this time. However, for some, the practices and beliefs of others can influence decisions when it comes to being romantically involved. Both of these ideals are now being discussed with the passing of the new USY (United Synagogue Youth) amendment regarding dating among its board members.

Beginning with proposal in August by the International Executive Board (IEB), USY or United Synagogue Youth, voted at the end of last year to pass an amendment that loosens the policy of USY board members dating strictly within the Jewish religion. The update also included two other clauses. The interfaith dating amendment goes as such:

“The officers will strive to model healthy Jewish dating choices. These include recognizing the importance of dating within the Jewish community and treating each person with the recognition that they were created Betzelem Elohim (in the image of G-d).”

This update will apply to officers on national and regional boards across the country only. 

Over the course of a few months, the update was modified and shaped into the piece that it is today.

“This amendment went through a daunting process of acceptance,” said Max Alper, a senior from Whitfield and member of the EMTZA regional board, the section of USY located in the Midwest. “It was proposed and sent to committee, which brought it front of the international officers in August. They decided it should be revised again with help from rabbis and lay leaders, and finally it was passed in December.”

Once the amendment was drafted, it became clear that this update was necessary to USY and has helped to enforce the idea of being an open and accepting organization.

“The reality is that many USYers come from intermarried families, including people that were actually voting on this amendment,” said Joe Goldberg, member of the 2104 IEB, author of the amendment and a student on a gap year program called Kivunim. “By adopting this amendment, USY is saying to children of intermarriages, we want you in our organization.  More importantly, by treating everyone with Betzelem Elohim, USY is striving to allow healthy relationships.”

Overall, the amendment has resulted in lots of positive feedback from members because it acknowledges and accepts interfaith relationships but keeps true to conservative beliefs about remaining within the Jewish community.

“Since voting on this amendment, there has been significant reaction from the Jewish community. Most USYers that I’ve talked to are happy and excited about the amendment as it is more inclusive,” Goldberg said.

 The new amendment was popular with many members on and off the board and was well-received in many places. For example, in the EMTZA region comprised of Kansas City, Omaha, St. Louis and the Twin Cities, the amendment had a strong backing as many members come from interfaith families. 

 “As a board, we unanimously decided to vote as a region for the passing of this amendment because we felt it was the right move for inclusivity and in no way hinders the progression of Conservative Judaism,” said Alper.

Since the update has loosened a restriction that has remained solid in USY for years, it presents a challenge to the traditional conservative outlook on interfaith dating and relationships. However, many members feel this is just another step in the progression of the conservative community.

“This amendment does go against the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s official stance on intermarriage.” said Goldberg. “Hopefully, the USYers decision will help open the discussion on that topic.”

Others feel that this update will not only benefit the USY community but all Jewish teens as well as the Jewish community as whole. 

“Not only do I not think that it challenges USY’s core beliefs, but I think it reinforces them,” said Alper. “USY is an open, progressive community that contains the next generation of Conservative Jews. The old amendment simply told the USYers that they could not be in a relationship that could be construed as inter-dating. Now, leaders must ‘strive to model healthy Jewish dating choices,’ which includes respect to others.”

While the are many advantages to participating in an interfaith relationship, remaining within the same religion has its benefits as well.

The traditions, practices, and beliefs of the couple are more likely to correspond with one another and the future of the religion relies on next generations to expand the religion as well.

“We only marry people we date, so dating choices do matter, even in high school. That being said, there are many people who have converted to Judaism in good faith who bring so much to Judaism,” Rabbi Noah Arnow from Congregation Kol Rinah said. “Dating and marrying someone of the same faith does make life easier, I think, but as they say, “love conquers all.”

Although it may take some time to adjust to the new standard, the new clause is sure to leave an impressive impact on USY community.  

“People can be great role models for Judaism and USY while having a boyfriend or girlfriend that is not Jewish; the key is that dating within the community is strongly encouraged instead of inter-dating being strongly prohibited,” Alper said.

As for what the future holds, it looks to be highly progressive as the organization continues to expand and embrace the Jewish culture while doing the same for others as well.

“Change needs time to be implemented and fully accepted. I believe that the youth had every right to make this decision, if we are the future of the Conservative Movement, then it is our obligation and right to help make decisions for the future,” Goldberg said.  “However, I look forward to the day when it won’t matter who USY leaders choose to date and everyone will be accepted for who they are, not who they choose to date.”