in the news

Published July 12, 2010 00:31

Dear Friends,

As you may know, this week the Israeli Knesset is considering legislation that would fundamentally change the Law of Conversion and further concentrate power with the Chief Rabbinate. The bill would give the Chief Rabbinate exclusive oversight of all conversion matters. This bill would put all conversions performed by non-orthodox rabbis as well as many performed by Orthodox rabbis at risk of being nullified. This would also greatly limit the options available to Israelis and immigrants to Israel wishing to convert or in need of "official" recognition.

These efforts are the latest phase of an initiative that began this winter when MK David Rotem proposed revising the Law of Return. Though the change was initially aimed at giving local Israeli Rabbis greater authority, it carried the potential effect of threatening to delegitimize those who converted to Judaism under the auspices of any group other than the ultra-orthodox.

This past Sunday, MK David Rotem advanced a newer version with stronger language giving the Chief Rabbinate full control over conversions in Israel and urging that any convert "accepts the yoke of mitzvoth according to halacha." This means that conversions from Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionists and many Orthodox rabbis would not be accepted. The Knesset Law Committee approved the bill on first reading, sending it to the full Knesset plenum where it would require three readings and approval before becoming law.

The Jewish Federations of North America along with many of the religious movements are now mounting a major advocacy campaign to prevent the measure from advancing. This advocacy involves daily strategy meetings, attending the Knesset committee session, meeting with Knesset members including David Rotem and speaking out publicly through Israeli and international media. It also means urging Prime Minister Netanyahu and members of his Likud party to speak out publicly against the proposal. The Prime Minister and his party need to hear a forceful and clear message from Diaspora Jewry that this bill creates a dangerous rift between Israel and world Jewry at a time when the relationship between North America and Israel is so vital.

Jewish Agency for Israel Chair Natan Sharansky, who was given permission to address the Knesset Law Committee, stressed how critical it is that world Jewry feel connected to Israel and that this bill drives a wedge through that relationship. In fact, he stated that the bill "literally declares war on the Jewish people." Those of you who attended this year's Mega Event were able to see a video from Natan Sharansky where he stressed the partnership between our Jewish community and Israel. These beliefs are core to his being and hopefully will resonate with those who are trying to push through this controversial bill.

We are deeply concerned about the negative impact this legislation would have not only throughout the Diaspora but in the Silicon Valley Jewish community as well. As a result, we are asking that you immediately send a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu asking him to prevent passage of MK David Rotem's Conversion Bill. Click "here" for the text of a suggested letter you can use.

The strong connection between Israel and world Jewry is essential to the wellbeing and survival of the Jewish people and now is not the time for this relationship to be compromised or possibly severed.

We deeply appreciate your support in this matter as well as all of your efforts in building a strong and vital Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world. Please feel free to forward this message to anyone that you think would be willing to help.

The Cantors and Rabbis Association of Greater San Jose

Back to all news

Recent Posts