Whereas as the Torah commands us to “love the convert” (e.g., Leviticus 19:34, Deuteronomy 10:19); and, Whereas the Torah warns against the mistreatment of a convert thirty six times, and according to some, forty six times (Bava Metzia 59b); and, Whereas the Talmud (ibid.) rules that one who hurts the feelings of a convert, or Continue Reading »
The Rabbinical Council of America strongly objects to the latest decisions of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel’s office rejecting the endorsement of leading rabbinic figures in North America of the status of at least two converts. While we have worked assiduously with the Rabbinate in the past to assure the integrity of converts, recent missteps Continue Reading »
The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, appreciates and supports the efforts of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to reverse the decision of the local Bet Din of Petach Tikvah which refused to accept its recommendation to recognize the validity of the conversion to Judaism of an applicant Continue Reading »
The Rabbinical Council of America – representing over 1000 Orthodox rabbis throughout the United States, Canada, Israel, and beyond – adopted its Geirut (Conversion) Policies and Standards in 2007, in an attempt to strike a crucially important balance between standardization and personal discretion. In light of ongoing debate and proposed legislation about this issue in Continue Reading »