Tell your Leaders you really want to "SEE AND HEAR" TOUGH RETALIATION

How many of the reform population that lived say about 50 years ago left a trrace of jewish awareness to their decendants. The reform movement might have caused a greater Holocaust to the Jewish people than the germans. We lost so many jewish souls as a result of the reform movement. One more point the conversion of the reform is one big lie. you are telling someone he is Jewish when in fact he is the same gentile. the consequenses are Fatal.

It would be better if reform movement would choose the name other than Judaism to avoid confusion and problems like this in the future.

This is not an issue of orthodox or ultra or anything--it is an issue of recognizing the halacha (Jewish law) -- which is meant to protect all Jews as well as non-Jews. What you may think is for the public good isn't necessarily the case and could end up causing more harm than you think. This law will not harm anyone is Jewish -- according the Code of Jewish law. Further, adhering to it, will actually benefit all of mankind. Please put your animal soul on a leash and give the G-dly soul a chance to shine through -- if you really want the peace you talk about for our brethren abroad and at home. thanks and best wishes

If this bill is passed (I am a convert btw) I will not only never set foot in Israel again but I will pull my investments out and never give another dollar towards an Israel NGO. You cannot tell me I am not as Jewish as an Orthodox person, while also hosting a population which is 90% secular. The last time I was in Jerusalem (2 months ago) I saw what has happened to Jerusalem at the hands of the Orthodox, most Israelis won't even visit the place. While I support the Orthodox's right to worship their own way, a state that would allow one faction of a religion to decide the value of another faction is no different than Iran or Saudi Arabia. Turn back the clock Israel, and see America walk away from you. It is always fascinating and grave to watch a society do itself in. One always wonders why they didn't change things and take another route. I have broken my back supporting Israel and often in the face of great anger and resentment. I have spent tens of thousand =s of dollars to visit and become acquainted and consider aliyah. But I cannot continue if the state itself says my relationship with Hashem has a lessor value in Israel. No way.

If Mother is Jewish then you are Jewish. What the problem? You don't have to pay some rabbi cash to become Jewish. Any way, who does it?

Rettig ignores 2 important facts: #1) The Orthodox already hold a monopoly on conversions within Israel. #2) The only way in which non-Orthodox Jews are "discriminated" against in Israel is via marriage. In every other respect, we have full and equal legal status with our Orthodox brothers. And even when it comes to marriage, the secular legal establishment allows non-Orthodox Jews to marry outside of Israel and have their marriage recognized as valid by the state. Rotem's conversion bill changes none of these facts. All it will change is that people who convert to Judaism while in Israel won't be granted automatic citizenship via the Law of Return. Most non-Orthodox Jews don't have to worry, though, because they qualify for LoR by means of having at least one halachically Jewish grandparent. This analysis is nothing more than nonsense and fear-mongering on the religious Left and just like the political Left, logic and reason are completely absent.

As we approach tisha b'av, the Knesset fails to learn from their own history. The Romans were able to destroy the Jewish nation because at that time, our people were divided. In 2010, when Israel's survival depends on all Jews being united, this bill will most definitely "turn off" and alienate Diaspora Jews, most of whom are Reform or Conservative. These Jews are connected to Israel and Judaism by a very thin thread. This bill could easily cut that connection and lead to the destruction of Israel. I urge my fellow Jews in Israel to think about the possible disastrous consequences of the passage of this bill.

Unfortunately this is not just happening in the Reform Movement but it's also becoming widespread in the Conservative and Modern Orthodox. Rabbis are "converting" gentile women for money and social status. One case is that of Ivanka trump who had a quickie phony Modern Orthodox "conversion" just so she could marry her very rich Jewish lover. She violates the Sabbath is not kosher and dresses like a stripper. A few weeks ago she showed up at an event baring most of her breasts. The so-called Rabbis who "converted" her don't care because they were paid a lot of money by the corrupt families involved. This disgusting woman is thumbing her nose at Judiasm and the Jewish people and there's no outcry because American Judaism is becoming a joke. It's great that Israel is standing up for Judaism! Someone has to!

Such a crock.....No one has a monopoly on the Torah. You people do not want to observe the Torah as it was given 3330 years ago, and you are the ones who are spewing hatred towards your observant brothers. It is hard to live up to the standards of the Torah, but a good Jew pushes forward. You people want the easy way out, by creating new religions. Stop with the crocodile tears, that the Diaspora Jews will be alienated. You already alienated yourself by watering down the Torah. It is you to blame. i don't want my grandchild to meet a fellow Jew, just to find out that they are not Jewish. Your USA gains in expectance or legitimacy is not our issue. The Torah will stay pure in Israel.

are on a downward spiral to oblivion. Notwithstanding the "religious communities" in the golus, the majority of the so called Jews out there are anything but Jews. By the way most of them are broke as well. I know I deal with them on a daily basis. They couldnt rub two nickels together to save their sorry back. They were into the pretend for a very long time, and so with the current poor economy, the chicks are coming home to roost. I E: Thay havent got a pot to piss in. The short of it is that Israel must be a strong Jewish state.Israel cant depend on any one else to help them save themselves. Israel has been trying to woo the golus Jews over the past 60 yrs. They are not interested. Its time Israel cuts them loose and lets them be on their own. Israel is primed to become a very wealthy nation. Cut the apron strings (Welfare State) and you will see that Israel will be a major economic power within 10 years.

Not everyone's personal circumstances make it possible for a potential convert to be 100% observant of halacha 100% of the time. Even the rabbis at the time of the Second Beit Ha-Mikdash knew this- hence the differing levels of Ger Toshav, Ger Ha-Shaar and Ger Ha-Tzedek that existed during that time. Considering the amount of apostasy and Sinat Chinam prevalent among those who have their Judaism handed to them on a silver platter, as well as the steps involved in conversion to Judaism, it behooves us to be less judgmental of converts and their failures and encourage them to grow in observance and love of halacha. It's hard being a Jew and it's hard choosing to become a Jew. Ultimately, the Jewish people finds itself in the position of either taking the approach of Rabbi Shammai and driving prospective converts from this world or taking the approach of Rabbi Akiva and bringing them under the wings of the Shechinah. I know which path I'd choose, do you?

We don't want Israel flooded with a bunch of Diaspora Reform converts not keeping the Torah but just use Israel as a platform for their insane ideas. Many of them turn out to be Christian missionaries anyway.

Only G-d can judge not man.

Judaism is Torah and the Torah says that we must keep Shabbat, Kashrut, Family Purity, etc. Reform and Conservative converts keep none of these, so they have not converted to Judaism at all. These two movements have ruined American Jewry, we don't need them here.

Specially on #10. And you do not think that this bill and Tisha BeAv approaching do not have anything in common, that these are separate events. If Judaism... no, when Judaism, and Israel take another blow, in form of relinquishing territories, it is YOU, "orthodox", to blame. You make sinat chinam, you are obstructing tickun olam, and in the same time - you pray to Hashem. As it said: "I will turn their prayers to curses!" - that's EXACTLY what will happen.

Someone who converts and does not observe the basics of Judaism is not a Jew. His conversion is worth nothing. True, many born-Jews are non-observant, but they had the luck to be born Jewish. Also, Reform Jewish families ususally do not have Jewish descendants unless they become religious, and that is rare too. I know many Jewish grandparents in the US who do not have even one Jewish grandchild. The Silent Holocaust.

Sue - I was thinking the exact same thing when I read your comment. The timing of this controversy and Tisha B'Av is no coincidence. As I read these comments I am saddened by so many people who would so willingly throw away the millions of Jews who live in exile. I suggest those who have a problem with the Jews who live in gulus complain to the one who put us here.

We know what the Knesset fails to learn, but you just do not get it. We do not need the Romans or whoever to destroy the Jewish people. It is what this bill is all about. This is not a feel good, I want to be Jewish Social club. Reform or Conservative people who are really Jewish, just want to feel good, but not live according the Torah, so you created these Movement and want legitimacy. Your behavior is between you & God. We don't need Clubs to fill there coffers and falsely make people Jewish. I guess I missed your article. Read #10.

It is not a matter of throwing away their Jewish brethren in the diaspora. There is only one universally recognized code of jewish law -- and it's clear. Why would someone -- other than an instigator -- even suggest this law is personally directed against any person or group. It is no more than, how should i say, not biting the hand that feeds us. No matter how good and full of deeds of kindness a Jew is -- it does not substitute for living according to the laws we accepted as a people and a nation 3,300 years ago.

I appreciate your position and am not inclined to disagree with you. I am only pointing out that the one who created the laws we accepted 3300 years ago, also creates and sustains the world as it exists today. There are millions of Jews in the non orthodox movements and even more who are not affiliated, but are non observant of the mitzvot. We did not create this world, but were born into it and it is here for a purpose. Like it or not, the orthodox are tied to the non orthodox and the seculars. That is divine will and no amount of legal posturing will change it. I am not wise enough to say that I understand the purpose of this arrangement, but one thing I can say is that every time there has been conflict between Jews, it has been bad for all Jews everywhere. Whenever we have leaders that are humble and respect each other amazing things have happened for the Jewish people. I am sad that so many people are so quick to dismiss the sensitivities of Jews who live in exile. Their (over?)sensitivity in this matter is just proof of their connection to the Land of Israel and should be a cause for joy not derision.

thank you for your comments. you re right about the divisiveness being destructive. we are taught that it doesn't work to fight darkness with darkness -- rather, to illuminate with a little light makes the darkness go away by itself. you're right -- we cannot change others -- but we can strenghten our own inner light so that it shines in our home, then outward to the community, then outward to the world. It is not OK to ignore halacha, but the fact is that many who do it today are called captive children --- because their parents never gave them a proper Jewish education for whatever reason. But once a person really toils and looks, he will surely find. all the best, and thank you

The only true conversion is one that will be accepted to all. An orthodox (Torah True) conversion is the only one accepted by all. We are the people of the book not the people of a flimsy piece of paper!