Rabbis for Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel

A trans-denominational rabbinical network

Members' Posts

71% of Israelis attach importance to Marriage and Divorce Freedom

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Having been immersed for some decades now in Israel-Diaspora relations, I often reflect upon a short story that Martin Buber included in his iconic “Tales of the Chassidic Masters;” one Jew asks his friend, Yankel, do you love me? And Yankel responds, Moishe, how can you ask such a question? Of course I love you. Moishe replies: But Yankel, how can you say that you love me if … [Read more...] about 71% of Israelis attach importance to Marriage and Divorce Freedom

Marriage freedom advocacy: our most united effort

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Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York, wrote in last week's Jerusalem Post [link] about the nature of Israeli society. Is Israel the homeland of all the Jewish people, in which all of us can live according to our understandings of Judaism, or is there one recognized Jewish stream and the others have little or no authority? Goldstein writes: From its birth, … [Read more...] about Marriage freedom advocacy: our most united effort

Now or never – the need for political pressure

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I shuddered in the late 60s when I read Simon Herman's prediction that Israeli and American Jewish societies were growing apart. Now I am watching the fruition of his prediction. Narratives matter. This weekend's Haaretz contained an article [click here] about how the informal education system under the Natanyahu regime is purposefully teaching their right-wing political … [Read more...] about Now or never – the need for political pressure

Standing Up to Hate by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chairwoman

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Sinat hinam, free flowing hatred between different branches of Judaism is not new, but it is once again virulent. As we watch the cauldron of intra-Jewish hatred boil over in the Israeli government and the Haredi and Orthodox Zionist establishments, many of us are at a loss for how to proceed toward Jewish unity. Perhaps it is time for the leaders of the major non-Orthodox … [Read more...] about Standing Up to Hate by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chairwoman

How to proceed is the real question

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It's reported by Leonard Baker that Mahatma Gandhi advised Rabbi Leo Baeck around 1938 that "All of the Jews of Germany at a given moment should commit suicide." Gandhi thought the collective action would shock the conscience of the world. Gandhi clearly did not understand the Jewish nature. Baeck himself once commented that Judaism is the most life-affirming religion among … [Read more...] about How to proceed is the real question