Those programs are primarily intended to bring intermarried couples into Jewish religious life.

Intermarriage rates range from 40-50% in the US, and only about a third of children of intermarried couples are raised as Jews.

Regardless of their attitude to intermarriage itself, most rabbis from these denominations do still try to persuade intermarried couples to raise their children as Jews.

But opponents of the measure warned of insensitivity to intermarried couples.

National Jewish organizations, synagogues and community centers have devised numerous educational and religious programs to coax intermarried couples into the orbit of Jewish life.

He also mentioned the growth of preschools affiliated with Conservative synagogues, which he said often attracted young intermarried couples seeking day care for their children.

Among the non-Orthodox, the Reform movement grew, which was due in large measure to the joining of many intermarried couples.

In the present time, the Cowans address the emotional time bombs that erupt when an intermarried couple confronts their religious roots.

He led the effort to attract intermarried and assimilated couples back to Jewish life and embraced the inclusion of women as Reform rabbis.

Yet there is a strong feeling that efforts must be made to bring intermarried couples closer to Jewish life and the synagogue.