Rabbi Sanford Seltzer

Rabbi Seltzer is a member of the rabbinic staff of Congregation Ohabei Shalom, Brookline, MA. He also served as a special consultant to Hebrew College and Andover Newton Theological School. For over 30 years prior to his retirement in 1996, he served in multiple capacities on the staff of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the parent body of American Reform Judaism.

He was the first director of the Commission on Reform Jewish Outreach and was also director of the Department of Jewish Family Concerns and the Commission on Religious Living of Reform Judaism. In that capacity he coordinated UAHC summer Kallot, adult study retreat programs at Brandeis University and the University of California at Santa Cruz, and co-authored a study of ritual practices in Reform congregations entitled: "Emerging Worship and Music Trends in UAHC Congregations." He was also Northeast Council UAHC Regional Director from 1966 - 1982. Rabbi Seltzer was ordained from Hebrew Union College in 1959 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from his alma mater in 1984.

A contributor of numerous articles and reviews to many journals, his publications include "Jews and Non-Jews Falling in Love" and "Jews and Non-Jews Getting Married." He is the co-author of "Synagogue Affiliation Among Reform Jews," in cooperation with the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University. His new work, "When There is No Other Alternative: A Spiritual Guide for Jewish Couples Contemplating Divorce" will appear shortly.