Conversion Standards
This opinion piece by a Modern Orthodox Jew by Choice was linked from On the Fringe-Al Tzitzit and I think everyone should go and read it.
I have to admit I am increasingly frustrated as I read articles and opinions on the conversion crisis in the Orthodox community, partly because they seem to just now be realizing how damaging it is for others to deem your conversion unacceptable. It is edging towards hypocrisy for them to turn around and point to Reform and Conservative conversions and deem them to be unacceptable. It is a problem when we let one group Jews with certain ideas decide the fate and status of all others Jews throughout the world.
I’m not really sure where I’m going with this other than to point out one thing: didn’t anyone see this coming? Didn’t anyone imagine that if we think it is okay to question Reform and Conservative and other liberal conversions eventually the magnifying glass would turn towards the Orthodox conversions? That eventually those “liberal” Modern Orthodox rabbis would not be observant enough for the extreme right wing of Judaism? Seriously–who among us who converted through a liberal tradition are surprised? I feel sorry for those who are now having their conversions questioned, I really do. It is not something any convert, anyone committed to Judaism (and we can argue what counts as commitment another time), should have to endure. But at the same time maybe it will throw up some red flags in the Orthodox camp.
d’varim
you bring up some valid points and I agree that people shouldn’t really be surprised by any of this. However having said that I’m not sure that these people should be put into the same camp as non-Orthodox converts for a couple of reasons.
First is that no one who converts Reform, Reconstructionist or Conservative can really expect to be recognized as a halachick/Orthodox Jew according to Orthodox standards. By that I don’t mean that we shouldn’t expect to be seen as actual legitimate Jews within the broader context of the Jewish Peoplehood. Including in the eyes on the Jewish state. What I do mean is that, none of us should expect to be counted as a legitimate member of any orthodox shul/community. In fact any rabbi who is sponsoring a non-Orthodox conversion should at some point make it clear that not all Jews (namely the Orthodox) are going to recognize the validity of the conversion and that the potential convert should understand this and be prepared to deal with any possible ramifications.
Ultimately non-Orthodox converts are rejecting orthodoxy and its approach to Halacha being necessary. So in effect in one way we are rejecting them almost as much as they are rejecting us. Having said that, I’ve yet to come across a Reform or conservative Jew who’s prepared to reject the status of any orthodox convert or community is being legitimate.
When it comes to these Orthodox converts in Israel it’s really not the same thing at all. Because they (I assume) are pursuing Orthodox conversions in good faith. Part of that (again I would assume) is accepting the yoke of the 613 Mitzvot, the binding nature of Halacha and the other beliefs and commitments associated with orthodoxy. These converts did not do Reform or Conservative conversions they did Orthodox conversions which were done under the supervision and guidance of the people responsible and in charge of conversion in Israel.
A better comparison might be, if you as a Reform convert who converted in good faith, found out that the (leadership within the) URJ decided to overturn your conversion ,therefore essentially making you a nonentity within the community you had belonged to. Add to this fact that you were essentially been kicked out not because of something you did but because something another convert converted by your sponsoring rabbi has(allegedly) done.
Now coming back to your main point at least as I understand it, I think you’re bang on. None of us should be surprised by any of this. It may indeed throw up some “red flags within the Orthodox camp” shouldn’t be a bad thing unless of course, it for some reason it accelerates orthodoxies slide to the right. I myself personally am more concerned that the state of Israel see this for what it is and begin to break the Orthodox monopoly regarding Jewish status within Israel.
[...] bearing in mind d’varim’s recent post about the current “Orthodox conversion” crisis in Israel and her hope that it might [...]