וואס שטייט דא?
Rabbis on same-sect marriage
NEW YORK - In an unusual display of unity, leaders of five Chasidic
dynasties today issued a joint statement in support of proposed
state
legislation to allow same-sects marriages.
The groups represented were Belz, Pupa, Saatmar, Bobov, and
Lubavitch.
"Of course we want same-sects marriages," said Rabbi Wurzma
Shtreimel,
head of the Belz movement. "A Belzer should marry only a Belzer.
That
makes perfect sense."
The other rabbis agreed.
"If a Saatmar weds a Bobover, woe to their offspring," proclaimed
Rabbi
Praymita Gartel of Saatmar. "What would their children be-
Saatovers??
That's totally unheard of."
The rabbis shared concerns about the dilution of their individual
groups
through intersect marriages.
"The Tanya warns us," said Rabbi Mendy Pantz of Lubavitch. "If a
Lubavitcher marries outside his sect, his children lose half their
heritage. His son is not Lubavitch, just Vitch. And his grandson
becomes a
son of a Vitch."
At a separate news conference, Chasidic women expressed similar
concerns.
"It's less confusing when our kindt marry their own kind," said
Rebbetzin Donna Kittel, founder of a Pupa women's group, The
Mamas and the
Pupas.
To prevent intersect marriages, Belz rebbetzin Gitta Kapotah
announced the
formation of a new community matchmaking service, Wedding Belz.
"We must protect our Belz," she said. "They're our family jewels."
Contacted by Mr. Richard Feder of Ft. Lee, N.J., Rebbetzin Emily
Littella of Bobov asked: "What's all this I hear about same-sox
marriage?"
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