Reform Pushes for Recognition in Israel
Uncategorized March 17th, 2007
This week both the Jerusalem Post and Ynet had stories on the World Union for Progressive Judaism’s 33rd International Convention being held in Jerusalem. Of particular interest were the announcements that the WUPJ is planning to expand their activities and programs in Israel and have demanded that the Prime Minister begin recognizing both Progressive/Reform Rabbis and those who convert under them.
According to Ynet
$100,000,000 would be invested in expanding the existing Reform framework in Israel. The aim is to break through to the Israeli public by giving religious, educational and cultural services and rabbinical training.
If this is the case it is in my opinion very good news indeed. I think it’s ridiculous that the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox have a monopoly over what is or is not and who is or is not Jewish. I’m certainly not against Orthodox Jews being allowed to determine definitions and practices for themselves. However in a modern and democratic society like Israel they should not be allowed to single-handedly determine religious issues for those outside of their own religious communities.
I personally as a Jew by choice (after much struggle & thought) refuse to be bound by their definition of what entails being a Jew and I have many Jewish friends who feel the same way and not just about conversion. I think it’s time for modern Jews both in and outside of Israel to stand up and begin pushing for what they believe is fair and right.
I don’t believe it’s going to be the Orthodox Rabbinate that is going to workout any lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israel. I don’t believe it’s the Orthodox Jews who are going to do what needs to be done in order to address women’s rights in Israel. And I certainly don’t believe it’s the Orthodox Jews who are going to create the legislation needed to protect the rights of gays and lesbians in Israel.
I personally find it sad that some Orthodox Jews are more concerned with returning to the ritual slaughter of animals, than they are in addressing their own violence towards women. It seems that some of these people are thinking that it’s okay to beat women on buses, because as long as lambs are being sacrificed, the Messiah will be a coming.
This IMO is utter nonsense and is not something which should be tolerated at all.
It’s hard to tell just how things are going to workout but I certainly think this recent announcement by the WUPJ is a huge step in the right direction, not to mention personally inspiring.
I for one don’t believe that the Orthodox should be marginalized to the point of irrelevance because their view and insights are an important part of the bigger picture but having said that I also refuse to allow them to marginalize me. I don’t want someone who thinks the world is 6000 years old deciding my religious identity or every aspect of my spiritual life.
Anyhow, I have a good feeling about things and it looks to me like the WUPJ is positioning itself in a way that’s going to help break through into the mainstream in Israel.
Be well
Technorati tags: World Union for Progressive Judaism, Reform Judaism, Politics of Religion, Orthodox Judaism, Who Is a Jew
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March 17th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
changes of opinions?
March 17th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Hi Steg
I guess we haven’t rally talked but yep change of, or rather return to original opinion did take place. I wont go into all the details here but it was covered somewhat here in this post from last February 27th.
March 20th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
In a pluralistic society such as Israel you would think that the state would recognize diversity within Judaism. After all, the accept a diversity of moslem views, a diversity of christian views- why not a diversity of Jewish views. The anti-semites don’t care if we’re reform, conservative, haredi- they see us as Jews regardless of what our particular denomination is.
March 20th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
amishav, well said!