Skyping with Rabbi Sadoff in Israel

By Kim Gedan

This is one small step for all Jews, one giant leap for an inclusive and pluralistic Judaism!
 
During the Adath Jeshurun and Magen Avraham Skype session on February 14, the the group discussed Israel’s two major historic decisions. For the first time in the history of the State of Israel, non-Orthodox Judaism has achieved formal status in our holiest of places – the Kotel. This is a major milestone that we cannot take for granted when the State of Israel runs according to traditional Judaism.  Where Reform and Conservative Judaism isn’t acknowledged or existed until now. 

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​Isaiah 56
Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their scarifies shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
 
The second major decision we spoke about was on February 12th. The Supreme Court in Israel ruled public ritual baths to be open to all Jewish conversions. The top court unanimously ruled that people undergoing a non-Orthodox Jewish conversion are entitled to immerse themselves in a public ritual bath. Immersing in a mikvah as part of the process of conversion is a religious service. The State of Israel is free to supervise the use but it must be done in an egalitarian practice. Some Ultra-Orthodox Rabbis and lawmakers are calling this “outrageous” and have plans to introduce a bill that would override the court’s ruling. This change took ten years in court system and cannot be taken for granted. The State of Israel has recognized that there is more than one way to be Jewish. It is important to make our voices heard.
 
Blessed are You, Adonai, Ruler of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with
the mitzvot and commanded us concerning immersion.
 
Blessed are You, God, Majestic Spirit of the Universe, Who makes us holy
by embracing us in living waters.
 
Blessed are You, Source of all Life, Who has kept us alive and sustained us,
and enabled us to reach this day.
 
These are two very important historic rulings for an inclusive and pluralistic Judaism that will echo from Jerusalem to the edge of the land and beyond.
 
If you would like to be part of our next skype session with Rabbi Sadoff in Israel join us on Sunday, March 27 at 10:15 AM