I came across an interesting website this evening and thought some of our readers might find it interesting. Called “New Jerusalem Talmud,” the project aims to create a space where Jewish modes of argument as expressed in the Talmud are utilized to address contentious modern issues. If you have never studied Talmud you may not [...]
Fishy Business and Not Overdoing It.
April 25, 2010 By 17 Comments
Shalom all, Shmarya over at Failed Messiah posted on a really interesting story for those interested in the evolution and development of halakha, particularly with respect to kashrut. The issue under discussion involves a tiny parasitic worm that is found in several species of kosher fish, and the brouhaha this little critter has started within [...]
Huh? Rav Ovadia Yosef Recognizes Conservative/Masorti Converts?
March 16, 2010 By 34 Comments
Hi all, I ran across an interesting piece in the Jerusalem Post this evening in Rabbi Andrew Sacks’ blog “Masorti Matters.” Rav Sacks calls to attention recent comments made by former Israeli Sephardi Chief Rabbi and current Shas Party spiritual leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. Rav Yosef is know for making repulsive statements from time to [...]
Conversion Bill Update From the Masorti Movement – Its Good News!!!
March 16, 2010 By 1 Comment
Well this is good news! Maybe our emails did help! The Conversion Bill The Conversion Bill This is an update, and a thank you. As a result of the strong feelings expressed by so many, including many of you, the bill in the Knesset which would have affected conversion and the Law of Return has [...]
URGENT ACTION REQUESTED regarding Knesset Conversion Bill
March 8, 2010 By 13 Comments
I just received an email from Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Netivot Shalom and the Shefa Network regarding a Conversion Bill that’s about to be presented to the Knesset. I’ve already posted about it here but I thought I should pass along Rabbi Creditors request on the main blog. Despite my own burnout and apathy on [...]
Learn Live Online Tonight With Rav Bradly Artson – Learning to Love the God you Actually Believe In
March 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
This just came to me via email and I thought it was worth mentioning. This evening the NewCAJE is hosting a webinar featuring one of my very favorite rabbis. I’m going to try to make this if I can as it’s sure to be some good learning and proceeds are going to support and important [...]
Israeli Conversion Crisis and a Measure of its Impact
February 11, 2010 By 2 Comments
YNet news reported an interesting look at at least one aspect of the fallout of the conversion crisis in Israel. The numbers presented by Rabbi Israel Rosen to the Chief Rabbinate’s conversion department and religious courts show a 12% drop in the rate of conversions – all of which must be sanctioned by the Rabbinate [...]
