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Analysis / Secular conversions begin cautiously By Shahar Ilan The founding document of the pluralistic conversion forum contains two main innovations. 1. It marks the beginning of secular conversions to Judaism. 2. Moderate Orthodox organization are willing to try to break the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly on conversion. In addition, converts who choose this path are not expected to encounter problems with the recognition of their Judaism by the state: In 2002 the High Court of Justice ordered the Interior Ministry to register as Jewish anyone who converts in the framework of a Jewish community that is recognized in Israel. Despite the revolutionary nature of these ideas, they are only the beginning. The idea behind the secular conversion initiative is that most of those classified as being without-religion in Israel are secular, and thus there is no reason for someone in this category to be obligated to join a religious stream in order to become a secular Jew. It must be noted that while both Reform and Conservative Judaism are open and liberal they are still religious streams. In order for secular conversions to become a mass movement, one of two things must occur: Either a powerful secular organization with deep pockets, such as the kibbutz movement, must take on the project, or the Reform movement must win its High Court of Justice case demanding state funding for pluralistic conversions, too. Advertisement At first glance, the road to Orthodox conversion seems much easier. All the Ne'emanei Torah Ve'Avodah movement needs is to have three rabbis to convert those who have completed their training. The challenge of this moderate Orthodox organization is to get over the psychological barrier of rebelling against the Chief Rabbinate. Everyone knows the Chief Rabbinate has become Haredi and not Zionist. But it is very difficult for the national-religious to get used to this idea, and to take action. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Taped launch IDF releases video of Gaza gunners firing rockets at Israel. GA, Jerusalem UJC General Assembly opens, organizers expect 'success.'

Read & React U.S. study urges Obama to press Israel over nukes Responses: 173 Israeli lightly hurt as Qassam hits yard of Sderot home Responses: 120 Yossi Melman: Syria may soon face nuclear sanctions like Iran Responses: 62 Livni to Miliband: U.K. plan to label W. Bank goods is 'exaggerated' Responses: 58 ANALYSIS / Hamas is calling the shots as Israel's leaders bicker Responses: 67 More Headlines 23:06 GA special report / Olmert: World must confront Iran's malevolence 23:28 Livni to Miliband: U.K. plan to label West Bank goods is 'exaggerated' 23:44 Poll: Only 19% of Americans say Israeli-Palestinian peace should top Obama's priorities 00:27 Israeli lightly hurt as Qassam hits yard of Sderot home 23:11 GA special report / Olmert: Strong Israel is best deterrent protecting world Jewry 21:05 IDF releases video of Gaza gunners firing rockets at Israel 18:02 PA negotiator Erekat: Netanyahu is closing the door to peace 19:24 IDF officials: Settlers unlikely to quit Hebron home unless forced 15:48 ANALYSIS / Hamas is calling the shots as Israel's leaders bicker 20:36 GA special report / Ex-basketball star Tal Brody expected to run for Likud Knesset list 00:26 B-G Airport strike ends as Histadrut chief calls for renewed talks in labor dispute 15:16 Ahmadinejad aide under fire over Koran 'dance' 09:12 U.S. study urges Obama to press Israel over nuclear program 00:26 Ami Ayalon quits Labor, claiming party has lost its will to live 09:17 Feted author Amos Oz says new leftist party will replace Labor Previous Editions Select Day 16 nov 14 nov 13 nov 12 nov 11 nov 10 nov 09 nov 07 nov 06 nov 05 nov 04 nov 03 nov

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