Rabbi's Concerns- February 1999

Happy "secular" New Year to all of you.

While we celebrate the beginning of 1999, a very important event is taking place in the state of Israel. As most of you know, over the past few years, the fight for Religious pluralism in the Jewish State has become more intense.

The Reform and Conservative Movements recently achieved a major victory when a court in Israel ruled that Conversions performed by non-orthodox rabbis both in and outside of Israel are to be considered legally binding in the Jewish State. As you might expect, the reaction from the non-pluralists was fast and furious.

There is a move afoot to bring conversion legislation to the Knesset that could irreparably damage any hope for equality in Israel. We have learned in the past that voices from the Diaspora can have a direct impact on the outcome of such legislation.

We must act to contact as many people as possible to let them know of our feelings on this matter.

Below is a website from the World Union of Progressive Judaism that will help us contact those who need to hear from us. Write letters, send e-mails and faxes - let our voices be heard.

ARZA/World Union, North America

Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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