Click HERE for the RRFEI bulletin: 'Reform and Conservative Movements write the Police Inspector General' The government spent three years negotiating a Kotel compromise that includes building a dignified worship space at the Kotel (Western Wall) for mixed gender egalitarian prayer. Jerusalem’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar appears to view the … [Read more...] about What is Yours is Also Mine by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chair
Newsletter Article
Rabbi Chuck Davidson on ‘The Challenge of Conversion in Israel’ by Dr. Netanel Fisher
I read with great interest RRFEI's coverage (May 2, 2016) of Dr. Netanel Fisher's paper on conversion in Israel. As a conversion advocate and activist, and he who originally envisioned Giyur Ke-Halakha, Israel's network of independent Orthodox conversion courts, I'd like to offer a few observations. First and foremost, Dr. Fisher's analysis of the challenges is quite … [Read more...] about Rabbi Chuck Davidson on ‘The Challenge of Conversion in Israel’ by Dr. Netanel Fisher
71% of Israelis attach importance to Marriage and Divorce Freedom
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
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
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