A thought for Tisha B'Av re welcoming converts
Yes, I've been done this road before, but it seems particularly relevant to discuss this on Tisha B'Av, given the haftarah (prophetic reading) for Mincha (Afternoon Service), Yishaya/Isaiah, chapters 55-56.
Rabbi Druckman (see link above) goes for Yishaya/Isaiah 56, verse 3:
Rabbi Sherman (see link above) goes for verses 6 and 7:
Rabbi Druckman replies:
How are we ever going to avoid "separating 'foreigners' who have joined themselves to HaShem" if we can't even decide whether complete observance--by Chareidi standards, presumably, since I've read of a woman's conversion being nullified because she was seen in public bareheaded and in pants, which is common dress among senior Modern Orthodox women in my neighborhood--is the only acceptable standard for a convert, or whether a commitment to observe Shabbat and kashrut will do? When did standards for conversion become so strict? (Actually, see here.)
This is yet another disagreement creating (unnecessary, in my opinion) divisions in the House of Israel. It's no wonder that the third temple hasn't been built yet.
Rabbi Druckman (see link above) goes for Yishaya/Isaiah 56, verse 3:
Rabbi Sherman (see link above) goes for verses 6 and 7:
Rabbi Druckman replies:
How are we ever going to avoid "separating 'foreigners' who have joined themselves to HaShem" if we can't even decide whether complete observance--by Chareidi standards, presumably, since I've read of a woman's conversion being nullified because she was seen in public bareheaded and in pants, which is common dress among senior Modern Orthodox women in my neighborhood--is the only acceptable standard for a convert, or whether a commitment to observe Shabbat and kashrut will do? When did standards for conversion become so strict? (Actually, see here.)
This is yet another disagreement creating (unnecessary, in my opinion) divisions in the House of Israel. It's no wonder that the third temple hasn't been built yet.
posted by Shira Salamone at 5:41 PM
2 Comments:
For the life of me, I don't understand why those of us who aren't Haredim feel like we should measure ourselves by their standard. The rioting in Israel led by the ultra-Orthodox is beyond shameful; contrast that to the Conservative and Reform Gerim I see who want nothing more than to live meaningful Jewish lives.
Micah has it right: Love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with God. Hillel has it right: That which is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. When we forget that the rest is commentary on that mitzvah, we're in serious trouble.
This might help explain that "looking-over-your-shoulders" attitude, but it doesn't justify it, in my opinion.
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