July 29, 2008
Denied A Divorce
Yair Sheleg writes for Haaretz:
The issue of conversion is ostensibly no longer in the headlines, but it still figures prominently on religious Zionism's agenda. The proposal to establish religious courts to serve as an alternative to those of the Chief Rabbinate comes up repeatedly in various conversations. An interesting question is why the disputes on the issues of shmita (the sabbatical year) and conversion, which set off harsh reverberations this year, provoked a far stronger reaction than that aroused by the religious courts' long-term harassment of women who are refused a get – a religious decree of divorce.
Filed under Conversion, Divorce by Levi Ben Avraham
From The Jewish Standard of New Jersey:
Not only did the new chazzan at Temple Israel & Jewish Community Center in Ridgewood move here in July from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but the former Caitlin O’Sullivan —whose conversion service was featured in a 1981 Moment magazine article on Jews by choice — has moved closer to what she called her "destiny," combining a love of Judaism with a passion for music.
Filed under Conversion by Levi Ben Avraham
July 24, 2008
Can A Convert's Conversion Be Annulled Retroactively?
Rabbi Yosef Carmel speaking on Shabbos @ Yavneh.
Filed under Conversion, Rabbis by Levi Ben Avraham
July 10, 2008
The Journey To Judaism
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The Journey
Back to Judaism
Dear Rabbi Ari,
My mother is Jewish yet is non-practicing. So, I have very little knowledge of the faith and the community. I would like to get involved and learn about my heritage. What do you recommend? What the best way to learn about practiced customs and holidays?
Filed under Conversion by Levi Ben Avraham
July 2, 2008
Conversion & Controversy In Israel
Two Conservative Jews in Israel write for the Jerusalem Post:
Over 1,000 people took part in a support rally for Rabbi Haim Druckman early last month. It was the first, and certainly the largest, religious Zionist rally for an issue other than the Land of Israel.
Something, without a doubt, is happening among the knitted kipot (skullcaps) Jewish community. They sense they are fighting for house and home. The Chief Rabbinate – established by their own fathers, who also set its tone – has been grabbed away from them. The haredim are taking over! You knitted types are out. Any day now you'll also be disqualified from testifying in religious courts.
Filed under Conversion, Israel by Levi Ben Avraham