Question: I am a Kohen. My fiance is converting. Can we marry?
I am Kohen and would like to marry with a non-Jewish woman wants to convert to Judaism and live like a Jew. I would like to hear a Conservative perspective on:
1. What can I do to marry her?
2. What are the consequences for me, for her and for our future children?
3. Must I renounce my being Kohen? If so, how can I do that?
My objective is to bring people to Judaism, not the opposite. I want my wife and children to be Jewish.
Thanks, W. Cohen
Answer: Dear W. Cohen,
I've checked the archives of the Conservative Committee for Jewish Law and Standards.
Rabbi Arnold Goodman wrote a responsum that had a majority of support.
The Torah does not explicitly prohibit a Kohen from marrying a convert, and the Rabbinic prohibition does not reflect contemporary sexual mores or behavior.
A convert is regarded as a member of the House of Israel, and a Kohen may marry a Jew; the convert should be wholeheartedly embraced, he writes - and I concur.
She and you should meet with a Rabbi in your community, and since you wrote to me as a Conservative Rabbi, let me know if you need assistance in finding those who are close to you.
In general, it appears you will not need to renounce your Kehunah and your sons will be Kohanim.
However, the Rabbi with whom you study and with whose congregation you affiliate and participate will have the final authority in these matters.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Dov
