For centuries, rabbis steeped in Torah and Halacha have served as the gatekeepers of the Jewish people. They have determined which non-Jews may join the Jewish people as converts.
Halachic literature provides a wide array of opinions and attitudes relating to conversion. In recent years, however, the more extreme views espoused by the Haredi rabbinic establishment have gained predominance — and those Orthodox rabbis who do not share these views have been increasingly marginalized.
In 2006, Israel’s chief rabbinate announced that it would no longer accept conversions performed by Orthodox rabbis in the Diaspora, unless these rabbis were on a pre-approved list (i.e., they were deemed sufficiently Haredi in their approach). The mainstream Orthodox rabbinic group in the United States, the Rabbinical Council of America, essentially went along with the dictates of the chief rabbinate. The RCA set up regional rabbinic courts to oversee conversions. The individual Orthodox rabbi — even if a member in good standing of the RCA — generally will not have his conversions accepted by the rabbinate in Israel, unless the convert has gone through the RCA’s conversion bureaucracy.
The result of this shift in authority has been profound. Good, talented and well-intentioned Orthodox rabbis in the Diaspora have been eliminated as recognized gatekeepers to the Jewish people. Power has been concentrated in fewer hands. The more restrictive views on conversion have become universalized, leaving rabbis with little leeway in dealing with candidates for conversion who are not ready to become fully Orthodox Jews. Rabbi Ben-Zion Uziel, who was the first chief Sephardic rabbi of the State of Israel, sought halachically valid ways to bring such individuals into Judaism and the Jewish people. The current rabbinic hierarchy shuts the door on them.
At a time when many thousands of people in Israel and the Diaspora want to become Jewish, the Orthodox rabbinic gatekeepers are becoming ever more restrictive. They adopt new stringencies not required by the Talmud, the Rambam or the Shulchan Aruch. There are women whose conversions have been denied because they wear pants — loose-fitting, modest pants. I know a woman whose conversion was rejected because the rabbinic court did not think her boyfriend was sufficiently Orthodox. A number of would-be converts have been told that they will not be accepted for conversion unless they first move to more religious neighborhoods — even though they currently attend an Orthodox synagogue in the neighborhood where they presently reside. Meanwhile, rabbinic courts in Israel have annulled conversions when converts lapse from a stringent observance of mitzvot.
These restrictive policies are not mandated by Halacha. They reflect a deep xenophobia and a narrow view of Jewish peoplehood. These policies prevent and deter many people from converting to Judaism according to Halacha. They cause unspeakable pain and frustration to numerous individuals who want to cast their destiny with the Jewish people — but who are rejected, humiliated or threatened by the rabbinic bureaucracy.
In recent months, we have witnessed scandal after scandal involving Haredi rabbis. In a particularly notorious case, Rabbi Leib Tropper — who set himself up as the head of an influential Haredi conversion authority, the Eternal Jewish Family — has resigned his position due to allegations of particularly heinous and repulsive behavior, reportedly involving sexual coercion of a prospective convert.
These high-profile scandals should be cause for alarm. But we should also be concerned about the scandal of what is being foisted upon the public as “true Judaism.” At an Eternal Jewish Family conference, Rabbi Nachum Eisenstein stated that Rabbi Yosef Sholom Elyashiv, one of the Haredi world’s leading authorities, holds that any rabbi who believes the world is more than approximately 6,000 years old should not serve on the rabbinic courts that perform conversions. (Elyashiv is not known to have disputed this characterization of his views.) Indeed, the Eternal Jewish Family includes a question on “the Torah view of the age of the universe” in its testing of would-be converts. Knowing that we have perfectly legitimate traditions in Torah Judaism that allow for belief in a universe billions of years old, should we allow the obscurantists to disqualify all rabbis who dare to accept the clear findings of science? Do we want such people as the gatekeepers of Jewish identity?
The Orthodox rabbinate has become narrower and more extreme, exactly at a time when world Jewry is very much in need of responsible, creative, sensitive and inclusive religious leadership. Can the State of Israel afford to have a bureaucracy of rabbinic gatekeepers who seem more interested in keeping people out than in letting them in? Can world Jewry afford to leave halachic conversion in the hands of a rabbinic hierarchy that refuses to draw on the inclusive opinions within Halacha, that insists on creating higher and higher barriers, that values restrictiveness as a sign of religiosity? Can we really trust a Haredi-dominated rabbinic establishment that does not inspire our respect as a model of morality, idealism and intellectual vitality?
The Jewish people needs and deserves an effective and inclusive halachic framework for accepting converts. The current gatekeepers have not served us well, and there is no sign that they will change their ways if left to their own devices. We would do much better by dismantling the current rabbinic bureaucracy and leaving conversion in the hands of local Orthodox rabbis — as had been the practice for centuries. Let each rabbi draw on the halachic sources that best apply to each situation and not have his hands tied by an inflexible and restrictive hierarchy. Let each halachic convert be fully accepted as a Jew in the State of Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
If some in the Haredi world will not accept the Jewishness of such converts, then that is a problem for the Haredim. The Jewish people as a whole should not be held hostage to the extreme views of the rejectionists.
Halachic conversions performed by local Orthodox rabbis will draw many more converts into the Jewish people more efficiently, more compassionately and with more halachic integrity. Every bona fide member of a reputable national or international Orthodox rabbinic body should be empowered to perform conversions. Each rabbinic organization must ensure that its members conduct conversions according to Halacha, with the highest ethical standards, and without financial remuneration.
The Torah describes the people of Israel as a wise people; let us, then, act wisely.
Rabbi Marc D. Angel is founder and director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals and rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York. He is a past president of the Rabbinical Council of America and the author of “Choosing to Be Jewish: The Orthodox Road to Conversion” (Ktav, 2005).
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We should congratulate Rabbi Angel for his heroic stand. These Charedi Rabbis have their heads in the sand. Assimilation and intermarriage is rampant. Instead of reaching out these religious zealots have made conversion into a political football match.
Why should Orthodox rabbis be the only gatekeepers?
Rabbi Angel seems to think that "the Jewish people as a whole" doesn't include its Reform, Reconstructionist, Renewal, and Conservative branches. Or that conversions performed by their rabbis should be considered valid by the "Jewish people as a whole".
I don't see much difference between his position, and that of the haredim running the Israeli rabbinate.
As a converted Jew,Reform, of 40 years, I can spot an Orthodox Thug in a NY Minute. Ideas count more than some Anicent Benchmarks. My Conversion to Reform has allow me to live a life without centuries old meaningless restrictions.
Having been a Rabbi in conservative synagogues for 35 years I hear and am sensitive to the remarks of Charles and Leonard. It is interesting that in small towns Rabbis, orthodox, conservative and reform work closely together to achieve acceptable conversions. I do not have a solution . However no one should feel like a second class citizen and no one should have there conversion stolen from them. It is unfortunate that religion is a game of whose authority is better than someone elses.There is no glatt Kosher pickle and there are not enough Glatt animals roaming planet earth to feed those who only eat Glatt meat.Can't we just learn to live together and love each other. The anti-semites want to destroy us and assimilation and intermarriage is rampant. We should do everything possible to bring our young into our fold.Let us stop judging and start loving.
It is interesting that the discussion about conversion ignores the fact that Judaism did not have the concept of conversion until around 150 BCE at the earliest. There is no mention of conversion in the Torah. When the biblical Ezra and Nehemiah faced the problem of intermarriage around the fourth century BCE, they could not solve it by trying to convert the non-Jewish spouces; instead they felt they had to insist that the Jewish spouse banish the non-Jew. The ancients did not "convert" to Judaism, they joined the Jewish nation. Contrary to the way many read the story of Ruth, she did not convert, she joined the Israelites. There is no mention in the biblical book of Ruth that she converted. If conversion existed, one would suppose that it would have been mentioned. It is probable that the first conversions requiring certain religious rituals occured during the reign of John Hyrcanus. While reviewing this history, I do not in any way mean to demean the conversion concept.
It's important to point out that although Haredim are the ones behind these regrettable developments, not all Haredim are involved. All the rabbis signing on to the Slifkin ban, and all the main rabbis involved in the EJF, are Yeshivish/Lithuanian in background. I have not seen the same restrictiveness in Hassidic circles. Some Hassidic rabbis, like R' Lazer Brody, have spoken out against anti-halachic conversion stringencies.
This anti-halachic restrictiveness is creating a much bigger chillul Hashem than Tropper's sexual scandal. Many people who would be sincere Orthodox converts will be turned away from Orthodoxy by these developments, since it seems very daunting to have to fulfill such standards, and then risk having your conversion revoked if you at some point commit some ritual sin. It makes Orthodoxy look like a collection of recent and arbitrary stringencies, instead of what it is -- the only Jewish stream not to have made radical breaches with halachic and hashkafic traditions.
The whole concept of revoking conversions needs to be re-examined. When did this practice begin? Is there any example of it happening before 1948? Revoking a conversion is dangerous: it is like playing G-d. If according to Hashem someone is Jewish, but a rabbi incorrectly revokes the conversion, the rabbi could cause numerous sins to occur, and alienate a Jew from his people, Heaven forbid. The Shulchan Aruch says after immersion the convert is Jewish in all respects -- and that must mean that the Jewishness cannot be revoked.
People need to keep in mind that conversion has always occurred, in every generation and in nearly every country. That means nearly all present day Jews are descended from converts, and their halachic identity as Jews depends on the legitimacy of those conversions. And it is certain that the conversions of the past would not pass muster under these newly strict standards. For one thing, numerous historical accounts show entire gentile villages in Eastern Europe converting.
Chazak U'Barukh Rabbi Angel! As always you are a voice of reason!
KOl Ha-Kavod, Rabbi Angel!
(what follows below is derved from a December 2009 letter on this subject submitted to, but rejected by, the Washington Jewish Week)
Since when is stringency the hallmark of piety? Since when is stricter better, thereby causing Jews to sin by making Torah imperatives harder for people to access and observe?
Authentic authority in Judaism derives from interpretation - based on logic, reason and common sense - of shared, public, canonical books (Tanakh/Talmud as codified by Rambam and/or summarized in the Shulchan Aruch), NOT/NOT from charismatic individuals, dynastic cults of personalities, inspired intuition, nor the personal taste of individuals who say “I am a gadol, a holy person (which is why I dress funny, like a mortician, as a badge of entitlement), so do what I say for the simple reason that it is I who say so.”
To the contrary, "Rabbinic authority" refers to the authority of the TEXT, not the person interpreting it. "Rebbe"-style Judaism - as practiced by Chabad and the other haredim - mimics the magisterium of the Catholic Church, where an elite (such as Cardinals and a Pope) through privileged intuition claims to be able to read the mind of God, giving it the right to impose its authoritarian cultural ideology as binding.
The Judaism of the black-hats may best be characterized as ‘AVODAH TZARA’, as a narrow, insular, parochial regimen that is both troubling and troublesome in its retrograde anti-gentile, non- or anti-Zionist, sexist and, alas, often even racist, ethos. Not to mention, in numerous cases, unseemly ties to Israeli militant settler extremists, a.k.a. JEW-HADIs (sic).
...Asher natan LANU Torat emet {(God) gave US the Torah}. The Torah was given to US, the Jewish people as a whole, not to self-selecting hierarchical bearded wonders. This, in my view, is the hope and promise of what the International Rabbinic Fellowship counteroffensive against the “Talibanization” of Judaism is all about!
There is an easy solution to the problem. Ignore Orthodox Judaism's rules and regulations. This group is an anachronism and a disgrace to all Jews. But who is to blame for the Orthodox rise to prominence in Israel? Alas it is the Israeli government. And by sanctioning Orthodoxy, the Israeli government does a disservice to Judaism.
My question now is how many degrees of separation in theology are there between the Orthodox monopoly and radical Islam? I would say few.
I feel that Rabbi Angel's point of view, while admirable, is naive. The big advantage of centralizing the conversion process is that it insulates the local Rabbi from untoward pressures by influential members of his congregation. It can be hard to say no, when the largest donor in a congregation asks the Rabbi to convert a son-in-law to be.
These pressures to convert are, of course, even greater in the reform and conservative movements where the reqirements for conversion are minimal by the standards of observant Jews.
The "big advantage ... is that it insulates the local Rabbi ...". And the big disadvantage is that it centralizes doctrine, creates power centers subject to corruption on a scale that I am shocked at. Such centralization has already led to a dumbing-down of Orthodoxy, which seems to be accelerating. The end point of this will be the creation of a separate version of Judaism, with inquiry and doubt and diversity of opinion removed. It will be (or already is) a "faith based" version of Judaism. To my mind it will be a Judaism with the Jewishness removed.
I'm stickin' with the non-Orthodox, thank you.
RChasman and Bill are both, of course, right. On the one hand, centralization in principle is not a bad thing, because it ensures that community A's conversion will be acknowledged by community B. On the other, if we let the most extremist elements set the rules, we have a big problem on our hands.
Mike is right, though he's looking at it from an angle that, uh, I haven't actually seen. "... [I]t ensures that community A's conversion will be acknowledged by community B." Assuming that community A and community B are both Orthodox, it could, in theory, work. As it happens, though, it appears that the effect right at this time is that all Orthodox conversions outside of Israel have been frozen, and those within Israel have become severely constrained. Community B, as it were, has told community A to stop--they have no intention of acknowledging community A's conversions. They aren't good enough.
Even without centralization, my community's conversions have been thoroughly unacknowledged by the Orthodox community. Centralization merely ensures that more would-be Orthodox converts will either give up, or come to us and become non-Orthodox Jews.
Typical responses from the Reform and Conservative posters. It is sad to see so little movement in their thought process over forty years. Vibrancy and the expansion of Judiasm over the past thirty years has been from the Orthodox camp. The movement of Reform and Conservative to more "observance" versus guitar playing on Friday night is due to their realization that Judiasm means something, ergo, the incredible Baal Teshuva movement. These factions had come to the point of realizing they weren't relevant and are desperately trying to turn the tide.
The real question is who will guide the ship of the new power, Orthodoxy? Will it be the narrow minded Haredi or the more moderate elements? There has to be a balance in the movement. I believe it will simply happen as more and more of Orthodoxy leaves the nest and gets into the workplace. Once they have left the ivory tower of the yeshiva system and deal with real world situations their views are moderated. It is similar to the idealistic student coming out of the liberal college and twenty years later voting Republican. The past ten years has seen a slight shift away from the kollel attitude and more acceptance of the working world. These people who will also be the supporters of the yeshiva system will be able to allow in different opinions in a place where no dissent has been allowed. This needs to continue so that behavior like that mentioned above, do not prevent sincere converts from joining the Jewish faith.
Israel Drazin makes an excellent point. Ruth's conversion consisted of a statement "where you go, i will go." This is the mark of a ger tzedek, not long-study, acceptance by any group. if i go to davven (pray) in a minyan (prayer quorum) anywhere, will they ask me how i became jewish (birth or conversion and by whom) or will they count me for the minyan? A person's status is determined by his/her actions. Do they act jewish and are they part of the jewish community. In talmudic times, a slave jumped into a river (mikve) to become jewish and free. Rabbi Angel is on the right track, but does not go far enough. It is time to renew our days as of old (hadesh yameinu kekedem) and recognize what conversion is, the joining of the jewish people. And the reason why does not matter.
Reply to Gerald Rothberg. Israel's constitution is based on Britain, who held the League of Nations Mandate for Palestine. In Britain the Orthodox Chief Rabbis, most recently Lord Dr. Immanuel Jakobovits and Lord Prof. Jonathan Sacks, have done their best to provide a broadbased Orthodoxy, building schools that accepted any child with a Jewish mother, regardless of afilliation or observance. Unfortunately in Israel the Chief Rabbinate has been hijacked by extreme rightwingers, who in turn have alienated the Modern Orthodox as well as the secularists. Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionists are free to build synagogues in Israel and to carry on their congregational life, although weddings, divorces and conversions must involve the official Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. Israeli secularists have not rushed to fill the existing non-Orthodox synagogues, which tend to be seen as an American intrusion.
Reply to George. The key point of Ruth's conversion was , 'Your G-d is my G-d.' Conversion is primarily a religious act and only secondarily an ethnic act. Accepting G-d means she accepted the Mitzvot. This is how this verse has always been understood.
Stanleigh Cohen. You have a rather simplistic view of the black hat brigade. When I was younger, observant Ashkenazic American Orthodoxy was divided between those who followed Rav Dr Joseph Soloveitchik, Rav Dr Joseph Breuer, Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, Rav Menachem Mendel Schneersohn and many other world class Gedolim. None of these leaders was self-appointed. They grew in stature because others came to acknowledge their wisdom, just as many Conservatives came to accept Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, or Reform came to accept Rabbi Solomon Freehof. Orthodoxy has been less centralized than other streams and Rabbis have expressed alternative view on many issues of the day.
if it were not for the inclusion of R. Freundel on an 'acceptable' Beit Din , this would seem 120% political. as is, reading the Montreal site: REQUIRED to have ARTSCROLL SIDDUR !!! Is R. Sacks part of an 'acceptanble'beit din? In J-M a male-person-of-semicha (IE Rabbi?) said that the very fact that he was sitting down at a table with us to discuss the issue made him irrelevant to the conversion process. A local rabbi we highly respect previously warned us that his teshuvot would probably be unacceptable to our hashkafa (sorry for the runon)- is probably going to have to reexamine our conversion documents should our children wish to have a halchic wedding (and we PURPOSELY had a HALACHIC ORTHODOX CONVERSION (purposely redundant)
SHABBAT SHALOM uMEVORAH
Good article, and the Hareidi crew really does need to be stopped and marginalized before it has the chance to ruin Judaism and turning it into something that, were I not born a Jew, I could not (and would not wish to) join.
Akiva: how long ago were you "younger"? The individuals whose names you mention are now all deceased! TIMES HAVE CHANGED, and the scenario I laid out is the current one.
Kul tov.
One individual whose "Orthodox" conversion definitely needs to be revisted is that of David Klinghoffer, who currently draws his paycheck from the Discovery Institute, a creationist think-tank funded by Protestant Evangelicals.
Abortion is permitted by Jewish law (under the right conditions) and is not considered murder. Yet, in his online blog, while claiming to speak as a "representative of Orthodox Judaism," Mr. Klinghoffer hawks the hardline Christian Right position on this subject, which categorically defines abortion as murder. On that same blog, he has expressed admiration for Hebrew-Christians: i.e., the Protestant Evangelicals otherwise known as Jews for Jesus. Further, contrary to Rav Soloveitchik's prohibition on theological inter-faith dialogue, Mr. Klinghoffer is gleefully involved in such activity- indeed, despite the halachic ban on Jews' presence in church sanctuaries, this convert to "Orthodox Judaism" boasts online of his attendance at church services!
yasher koach to Stanleigh Cohen for his phenomenal, spot-on play on words with "AVODA TZARA" :
1.The term echoes the Talmud term (avodah zara) for 'false worship';
2. The Hebrew word "zara" means 'narrow' and is related to the Yiddish word TZORUS - which is what black-hat partisanship causes other Jews;
3. and 'Tzara' also suggests the Russian title TZAR (English: Czar), as in: imperious rule, rule by dictat.
in item #2 of my previous posting, it should, of course, read 'tzara' vice 'zara'. Sorry about that!
How sad. The non-jews are telling us what is right. If you want to see if orthodox are devided or not, just go to an airport, where flights leave to Israel. You will see all kind of jews gather to pray. The ones who do not, are not really jewish, or just ignorant. Ignorant should not have an opinion.
This whole thing is racist at core. Because my mother was Jewish, I am considered a Jew despite wearing pants, eating pork, living in a nonreligious neighborhood and never attending shul. But someone whose mother was not Jewish has to become super-frum to be converted, and then stay that way or risk being kicked out.
the following is from the latest syndicated column of Likudnik Charles "Chuck" Krauthammer:
"THIS is a fanatical religious sect dedicated to establishing the most oppressive medieval theocracy and therefore committed to unending war with America not just because it is infidel but because it represents modernity with its individual liberty, social equality (especially for women) and profound tolerance (religious, sexual, philosophical). "
In context, Krauthammer is referring to al-Qaida. However, horrible dictu, with a few tweaks, it also describes the haredi/black-hat hashkafa!
Way to go, Chuck!
FORWARD.....IT IS WRITTEN...Isaiah 41...." PRESENT YOUR CASE, " SAYS THE LORD. "SET FORTH YOUR ARGUMENTS,"SAYS JACOB'S KING.
THANK YOU FORWARD,,,FOR LETTING THE ARGUMENTS GO OUT.
If the truth can not be spoken, the lie and deceit will never be uncovered and the skin will remain over us....and we will not rise.
Nothing will change....and we will still walk in error.
It is written...Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. I Chronicles 16.
Kol hakavod Rabbi Marc Angel. Your article goes right to the point. I also agree with some of other people who wrote here that we need to take in account the non-orthodox conversions. We need to learn to live with our differences together, as one Jewish People, and not as lots of Judaisms. There are serious and not so serious Rabbis in all the movements. In Brazil on the last July, for example, yesh omrim that a sefardi orthodox Rabbi made 40 conversions or more in a remote place in Bahia. It was called "return" of anussim. But the Rabbi didn´t know a significant part of them. I know about some of them that knew that the Rabbi was coming to Bahia (where there is only one conservative Rabbi and that´s all) 2 days earlier and traveled from other state to there in order to enter the mikve. Anybody from the Brazilian Jewish community, no institution, no synagogue, knew about it. People were "converted" I don´t know how, from a Rabbi that came from the USA. So some of them want to make allyah, but the Jewish Agency don´t know nothing about this Rabbi and nothing about this people. It´s one example of curious conversion process. So I suggest that on our times we need to become more inclusive to all Jewish movements - orthodox, conservative, reform, reconstructionist - and change the cryteria: serious and honest people, serious and honest Rabbis above all - and we will see serious and honest conversions from all Jewish movements. Shabat shalom and again, Kol Hakavod, Rabbi Marc Angel, for your position. Enough is enough, "dai kvar".
Only one more thing: when I said "mikve", people who were there said that it was a small river far from anywhere. If it had to be a serious process, why do it hidden? shabat shalom
The Deformed Jews correctly are given little say in our Holy Land, except in how to cook pork roasts and lobster. Believe it or not, homosexual behavior is an ABOMINATION.
Thank G-d for the REAL JEWS---the Orthodox. Although I am not yet at that level, it is ONLY due to the Orthodox that Judaism will survive.
As for the Deform and Deconstructed Jews, be sure to flush the toilet, as your Judaism goes down the drain.
Your grandchildren will NOT be Jewish.
Nicely done, "NOT PHILOLOGOS" !
Here is another one: as a result of haredi political pressure, on the MEHADRIN bus lines in Israel, women must sit in the back while men sit in the front. (Think the American South before the Civil Rights Movement).
MEHADRIN is usually taken to mean 'zealous', and refers to supererogatory religious observance. Instead of 'meHadrin', read 'meCHadrin.' 'CHDR' means 'chamber, 'enclosure'; so 'mechadrin' can be seen to mean 'segregationist' or'(self-)segregating,' as that latter term was employed by Jacob Neusner in a recent article in the FORWARD.
Also, CHD"R is the acronym for cherem d'rabbunim "rabbinic ban." So 'mechadrin' can also mean 'ban freaks', or even "boys of the ban"! (cf. the play "Boys in the Band.")
Interesting, how do we even know if some of the rejectionist rabbis were not themselves descendants of converts at some point in the past who today they would reject for this that or the other arbitrary rationale, oh the irony is too interesting to dismiss is it not ?
How about that ?
Why do we not focus on real problems, like the seamless progression of the true manipulators who funded the NAZI regime who are still in power, the true Eugenicists who burned their patsy pawns to make us believe "we got the big fish", and who continue to this day implementing eugenics on the population via their top secret weapon, MERCURY ?
http://MercuryJustice.org
Sorry about Ps. 118...I think faster than I type, The stone the builders has REJECTED has become the Capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
The remnant of every generation that returned and repented, whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it! the end part is written in Ex.
One House, One people, what is needed is a place like Davaid made to worship in song and praise.....the lifting up our hearts to G-D, in thanks of all He has done....the world can fall, around us, but it is only a season in our eternal lives with Him.
It is written...Isaiah 5 Now let me sing to my well-beloved a song of My Beloved touching his vineyard. My wellbeloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill:(hidden part) And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones there of , and planted it with choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes.
PLEASE READ THIS CHAPTER...the many woes of G-D this should tell you Enough is a Enough...stop thinking Past look now and do the work...put sin out....G-D does the rest..
Blatstein is absolutely correct about "Convert" Klinghoffer.
On his blog, not only does he revile Reform Jews as Nazis (!)- so much for Jewish unity - but he refuses to utter a single word of critioism concerning the corruption, tax cheating and sexual abuse scandals which, tragically, have afflicted Orthodoxy this past year.
Moreover, along with Michael Medved and Rabbi Daniel Lapin - better known as Jack Abramoff's spiritual advisor - Mr. Klinghoffer forms Mel Gibson's "kosher Trinity" : the Seattle-based trio of Jewish supporters/defenders of Gibson, not just before, but even AFTER his Malibu DUI anti-Semitic meltdown!
Stanleigh Cohen. You are right -- I was young in the 1970's and 1980's. However, all the groups I mentioned still exist, as do their institutions -- Y U , KAJ, Agudath Israel, Chabad, Satmar-- but without the benefit of their world renowned European founders. Their leaders are not self-appointed.
Akiva, is that you?
While Rabbi Angel has some good points, he doesn't go far enough. For years the Talibanut in Israel has denied Conservative rabbis and others the right to perform weddings, etc. It's laughable to me how now the Open Orthodox rabbis like Rabbis Angel and Weiss are all upset about the Haredization of the conversion process i.e. that their conversions might not be recognized by the RCA and the Talibanut in Israel. For years Conservative rabbis haven't been able to be rabbis in Israel because they aren't following halacha properly but these very same Open orthodox Rabbis never uttered a word in protest. Now that they are regarded as unhalachic by furthur right elements they are up in arms-too bad guys.
While Rabbi Angel has some good points, he doesn't go far enough. For years the Talibanut in Israel has denied Conservative rabbis and others the right to perform weddings, etc. It's laughable to me how now the Open Orthodox rabbis like Rabbis Angel and Weiss are all upset about the Haredization of the conversion process i.e. that their conversions might not be recognized by the RCA and the Talibanut in Israel. For years Conservative rabbis haven't been able to be rabbis in Israel because they aren't following halacha properly but these very same Open orthodox Rabbis never uttered a word in protest. Now that they are regarded as unhalachic by furthur right elements they are up in arms-too bad guys.
I never worry that my homeland, the United States of America, will tell me whether I am Jewish or not. But, I do not trust that haredi zealot fundamentalists wouldn't disqualify me if they could because I belong to a Reform congregation, no matter that I am Jewish by birth, a kohen, from an unbroken ancestry of Jews on both my father's and mother's side for as far back as anyone can know.
A pox on all fundamentalists!
The newness of the new covenant in Jer. 31. Is the same covenant the everlasting covenant, made new, by us uncovering it and bring it forward in our lives and in our walk embracing G-D and all the work of His hands in worship and praise, for awesome is His name.
It is written...He provided redemption for His people; ( the G-D of All Flesh, Jer ) He ordained His covenant forever--holy and awesome is His name.
The original setting--to ILLUMINATE and REDESCRIBE in our inward parts(Ps. 51) the words of TRUTH---REHEARD--- were truth makes us to know Wisdom in the Hidden Part---the Stone that all builders of all people that have rejected due to sin not being put out.
REDESCRIBED, AND REHEARD! it is David, that G-D chose and annointed to show us , the door opened that the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob entered and showed us the path to take. We are the stones that G-D has pre-cut here on earth...that G-D is building the temple with, and once the last stone is in place. It will be done! Once David asked G-D for enough light for a city----David was given enough light for the world, to return to the Most High, and serve Him as KING OF THE NATIONS.
Thank you, Len K. The Jewish fundamentalists have already disqualified me, for compounding the original stain (as they see it) of having been born to a non-Jewish mother through my decision to become a non-Orthodox Jew. May G-d bless and keep their racist, authoritarian souls--far, far from us.
I am heartened and inspired by Rabbi Angel's article, with one exception. He seems to believe only Orthodox conversion can be acceptable. I am willing to respectfully agree to disagree with him on that. to the large majority of people posting here: Please write Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Oren expressing your disagreement with Haredi control over Jewish marriage, divorce, & conversion in Israel.
b'Shalom,
Moshe
Danny makes an excellent point. The Talibanut Rabbis are in America. not only in Israel. They look down upon non- orthodox Rabbis and control the Kosher Mafia. Conservative Jews and reform Jews awaken from your slumber. Organize and speak out on the significance of Judaism and start living a ritualistic life. Go to the synagogue, light Friiday night candles, be a Jew. Tell Federatoions you will not stand for the Talibanut speaking on your behalf.If you cannot be treated with respect and dignity, why are you supporting financially institutions that consider you second class or no class citizens. Conservative and Reform Rabbis are not even allowed to join the Talibanut in giving eulogies or reciting psalms at funeral services .Stop the "I am frumer than thou game." Who made them G-d.
P.S. Rabbi Angel still deserves much credit. He has always been a real " mensch." The Talibanut are real nuts. The problem is we have given them the power to control our Jewish world. Women at the wall should be treated with respect not be harrassed and arrested. Why do we not arrest the beggars at the wall and the nut cases who treat women like cattle.? I respect the centrist orthodox who respect us. One should not look down upon anyone and we should encourage and support those who are religious who understand the meaning of" live and let live." Speak out. Stop being silent.
Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg, my friend,
what you say is good and true...it speaks the kind of man, and the teaching that would come from you.
G-D tells seek him, does he not?
G-D does not lie...this is so?
Time cannot contain our G-D?
So why my friend....do we speak and teach what he does not say?
Is it not written in Deu. 29...the covenant of day and night made will all of us...Jer. 32...the G-D of all flesh. Jer 31 were G-D sow the house of Israel and Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.
And is it not written...Ecclesiastes 3....that man has but one breath, like the beast.... and like the beast, they will also return to dust?
And is it not written in Ecclesiastes 3...a verse near the end..Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the sprit return unto G-D who gave it.
Job 33...The Spirit of G-D made me(below, flesh, dust one breath) but the BREATH OF THE ALMIGHTY gives me life. (above, a son of G-D like David, who Declared the Decree given him by G-D to be obeyed.)
"Rabbi Nachum Eisenstein stated that Rabbi Yosef Sholom Elyashiv, one of the Haredi world’s leading authorities, holds that any rabbi who believes the world is more than approximately 6,000 years old should not serve on the rabbinic courts that perform conversions. (Elyashiv is not known to have disputed this characterization of his views.) "
This is an exageration. There are numerous examples throuhout Jewish history where a psak was determined based on a minor matter, because there would have been grave negative consequences had the real reason been publicised.
Additionally, this issue - the age of the universe - has been used as a rallying cry by many "opponents" of Rav Elyashiv who have different agendas. Some are right wing, some are not, but they come together on this issue to criticize Rav Elyashiv and people who are close to him. Other great Poskim of recent generations have been criticized in certain circles for a particular psak they offered, but that does not diminish the great stature of these great men.
The journalistic standards employed in this article are also suspect, for certain points were not sufficiently verified compared to their counterpoints (or counter-opinions, without fact-checking).
Billionaire, my friend, this Rabbi Elyashiv is over the top. He made a ruling and stated it wad best to wear Crocs shoes on Yon Kippur even though they are not made in leather and it is permissible for holiday. His reasoning behind this thinking that he leads people in was---that they were too comfortable and so don't provide the--LEVEL OF SUFFERING one should feel on the holiday.
Tell me please, were, give me scripture please, someone tell me...Where did G-D imspried this thinking???
IT WAS NOT MY G-D----------G-D does not want your nasty thoughts and nasty sadist, masochism thinking.
G-D IS A RESPECTER OF PERSONS....
The one thought this man had that I share is on that there should be no provocation on the part of jews who are determined to reach the Temple Mount could lead to needless bloodshed and furthet condemnation of Israel by the nations of the world I agree with him on this! It is also written in scripture, that the temple that one should enter is the stone that the builders of this world has rejected, and it has become our Capstone above, were G-D is building his temple on the foundation...found in Gen.28 and the stone in Ps, 118. Mankind will not reach, onless sin is put out, sin and flesh can not enter in....and the Temple Mount above is marvelous in our eyes.
It is ones like Yehuda Glick who is director of the Temple Institute that has been arrested several times for encourging other Jewish people to ascend the Temple Mount.
The Temple institute is dedicated to the construction of a THIRD TEMPLE ON THE TEMPLE MOUNT. It is said, by him....."to serve a royal house of prayer".
NOT TO MY G-D..... for one can not enter unless their in peace.
For it is written....Genesis 29... And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If G-D will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on. So that I come again to my father's house in PEACE; then shall the LOED be my G-D. And the Stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be G-D'S house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will shrely give the tenth unto thee.
Ps. 118....The Stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Amos 9 tells us ...I will raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen.
Ps. 51...David's tabernacle that G-D has raised up in every generation, the remnant that comes in every generation that puts sin out and makes a free-will offering to desire the will of G-D in all they do and say.
Ps. 51...Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part(the Stone, the Temple Mount on High) ....thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Kol hakavod Rabbi Marc Angelfor your points of view. But I agree with those who wrote that we need to take in account the non-orthodox conversions. We need to learn to live with our differences together. The focus is to be forward to serious and honest Rabbis, and against the non-serious and doubt honest Rabbis, it doesn´t matter the movement. In Brazil on the last July, for example, Rabbi Abraham DeLeon Cohen, a sefardi orthodox Rabbi from Miami, that is said to help bnei anussim, to mantain the Abarbanel Foundation and a Sephardic Ortohodox Beth Din from himself, made more or less 40 returns near a remote and small river at Bahia State, Brazil - But I have to tell you that a long time ago, from the beginning of the 20th century, orthodox conversions (and returns, by the way) were forbidden in Latin America by some takanot, because some not so honoured behavior of orthodox rabbis in Argentina and also in Brazil. I guess that Bahia is part of Brazil and the river used as mikve, far from every place, is part of Brazil too. Rabbi Cohen didn´t know some of the "returning" peoples, that heard about him less than one week before the process and knew him personally right near the mikve place. Insufficient time for a reasonable time of studies. Nobody from the Brazilian Jewish community knew about it and suddenly now we have two more "orthodox sefardic communities" in Bahia. It is said that the Jewish Agency recognizes those returns for Alyah. Really? Try to check this information. No surprises. So I suggest that we have to return the conversions to serious Rabbis, no matter if they are ashkenazi or sefardi,independent from their movement, if orthodox, conservative, reform, whatever. The Rambam said in his "Guide for the Perplexed", 2nd book, that we can recognize who is a real prophet and who is the false one if we know their past. Check the past of the Rabbis - Did they receive their smichah where they said they received? If they have academic diplomas, check if they were achieved after years of serious studies or bought from a unacredditaded university, those fake institutes that sell fake academic Phd titles. No surprises. If we turn from movement-oriented view to honesty-oriented view, all of us will ejoice from more engaged,vibrant and compromised Jews, it doesn´t matter if they are born Jews or Jews by choice, ashkenaz or sepharad, orthodox, conservative or reform. Shabat shalom.
Kol hakavod Rabbi Marc Angelfor your points of view. But I agree with those who wrote that we need to take in account the non-orthodox conversions. We need to learn to live with our differences together. The focus is to be forward to serious and honest Rabbis, and against the non-serious and doubt honest Rabbis, it doesn´t matter the movement. In Brazil on the last July, for example, Rabbi Abraham DeLeon Cohen, a sefardi orthodox Rabbi from Miami, that is said to help bnei anussim, to mantain the Abarbanel Foundation and a Sephardic Ortohodox Beth Din from himself, made more or less 40 returns near a remote and small river at Bahia State, Brazil - But I have to tell you that a long time ago, from the beginning of the 20th century, orthodox conversions (and returns, by the way) were forbidden in Latin America by some takanot, because some not so honoured behavior of orthodox rabbis in Argentina and also in Brazil. I guess that Bahia is part of Brazil and the river used as mikve, far from every place, is part of Brazil too. Rabbi Cohen didn´t know some of the "returning" peoples, that heard about him less than one week before the process and knew him personally right near the mikve place. Insufficient time for a reasonable time of studies. Nobody from the Brazilian Jewish community knew about it and suddenly now we have two more "orthodox sefardic communities" in Bahia. It is said that the Jewish Agency recognizes those returns for Alyah. Really? Try to check this information. No surprises. So I suggest that we have to return the conversions to serious Rabbis, no matter if they are ashkenazi or sefardi,independent from their movement, if orthodox, conservative, reform, whatever. The Rambam said in his "Guide for the Perplexed", 2nd book, that we can recognize who is a real prophet and who is the false one if we know their past. Check the past of the Rabbis - Did they receive their smichah where they said they received? If they have academic diplomas, check if they were achieved after years of serious studies or bought from a unacredditaded university, those fake institutes that sell fake academic Phd titles. No surprises. If we turn from movement-oriented view to honesty-oriented view, all of us will ejoice from more engaged,vibrant and compromised Jews, it doesn´t matter if they are born Jews or Jews by choice, ashkenaz or sepharad, orthodox, conservative or reform. Shabat shalom.
Heggar...Tells us the reflection of events in the light of G-D'S words is enough for G-D'S people to know the meaning of His taking care of their every day affairs. They are to have in mind and reflect on events from past FAILURES and DISAPPOINTMENTS THAT IS SEEDED IN THEIR HISTORY BETWEEN THEM AND G-D. Why repeat, over and over the same thing.....when will you learn.
Isaiah speaks of this also and many others...
Isaiah 1..Why do you seek further beatings? Why do you continue to rebel? and the whold heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no SOUNDNESS IN IT, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they have not been drained, or bound up , or softened with oil.
In Haggai...G-D speaks to all of us...to them through such circumstances as rising prices and inflation. SOUNDS LIKE G-D IS TALKING TO US TODAY.... Isaiah 1...Listen to the teaching of our G-D, you people of Gomorrah!
Oh, ya...back then, sounds so much like us today, does it not?
In the book of Haggai...G-D challenges their priorities....
It is written..Haggai Thus speaketh the LORD of host, saying, This people say, THE TIME IS NOT COME, THE TIME THAT THE LORD'S HOUSE SHOULD BE BUILT.
Sounds like many....people today say G-D will send someone and they will make changes and will lead us...and go into battle ect.
G-D is upset! and in Haggai..1..It is time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?
G-D is CHALLENGES THEIR PRIORITIES.. People then, like today, have placed their homes above the house thy have built for G-D, who gives them rain in season. They have not reflected on all that is done for them, nor the past failures of past generations. Nor do we, we are the generation of tears, for we have once again raised up Sodom, and have become like Gomorrah. The disappointments of the past generations have seeded this generation that we live in...yes, we are the generation of tears. In G-D'S, he want so for us to return, and become the generation that will fill the house of G-D with all the works of His hands gathered together in praise and worship. Remember what is written in Gen. 28...and all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
Haggai tells of homes were the people went to great lengths to adorn them, with wood panelling, and some looked even like the elegances of Solomon's Palace. Look at the homes of today...sounds like Haggai, does it not?
Haggai 1...Now therefore thus saith the LORD of host; CONSIDER your ways.
Haggai 1...Ye looked for much, and lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? said the LORD of host. Because of my house.
It is no big suprise to Haggai that for all their HARD WORK the people found---NO SATISFACTION, and that their money disappeared like flour through a sieve. The RISE IN PRICES and INFLATION.
THE MESSAGE.....BUILD THE HOUSE OF G-D.
Haggi 2...Consider now from this day and upward (to today), from the four and twentieth day of the nineth month , even from the day the foundation of the LORD'S temple was laid, consider it. Haggi ...Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you. The foundation of the LORD'S Temple, that you are to consider... is in Genesis...28..And this STONE, WHICH I HAVE SET for a pillar, shall be G-D'S house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.
What have we brought into the house of G-D? NOTHING... the world cant see the true foundation, the stone..and have not entered in. Remember and consider this only in peace, Jacob entered in. Haggai...G-D ask for the vine, the fig and pomegranate and olive ...to be brought forth. The house of Judah that is sow, with the seeds of man and beast.... You have not brought forth...a harvest to G-D, you have not built His temple, so that you could lead them up, to the mountain to the LORD. You are a disappointments to Him.
You have not desired with the heart of David, the will of G-D upon your lives. Return, and build up His Temple, become a stone and placed it down on the true foundation. Stop looking for someone to come along and do every thing for you---Do you want to be known as the ones G-D had to do for them, what they would not do for G-D. To be the disappointments of G-D. read of them in Jer.31
I regret the late date of this comment, but I was out of the country when the good rabbi's article appeared. If the orthodox are worried about letting false sheep into the fold, what will they do about those already in?
In my own case, my grandparents came from Eastern Europe at the end of the nineteenth century. I must suppose they were "orthodox" Jews as I don't think there was any other kind where they originated. Yet, as my brother once said, "I'm glad I met my grandmother - it is the only way I know my mother is Jewish". This same woman would never use either baking soda or baking powder during Pesach. Now I see that the rabbis have placed an approval for use on both these products.
As an added thought, I notice that in the NY Times there was an article on the increasing purchase of kosher foodstuffs by non-Jews who seem to believe that it is somehow purer than non-certified goods. The Orthodox Rabbis should look to their supervision. I don't believe that another Agriprocessors scandal would be, as my grandmother would have, "Good for the Jews".
The Orthodox, the gate keepers....open your doors, do not be afraid.
Only fear G-D..do not be like the Shepherd's that did not feed the sheep, or looked for the lost. Jeremiah was given the commision to Build and Plant...we need to build up the house of G-D in the minds and hearts of all people....that want to return..to G-D. For He is the G-D of all mankind....and has stated it in Jer. 32...and also stated..."is there any thing too hard for me?" Say NO! Is not G-D asking this ...of the shephers's in scripture over and over, take care of my lost and my sheep? Say," here am I"...your gate keepers below, all that enter, let them enter inwith your name...G-D With Us. There is a reason, you are called the gate-keepers, for you have guided, your hearts and minds, and planted the love of G-D deeper than most in your hearts.... But nevertheless there those who don't, G-D knows and not to be upset...He is in charge.. We need to move, not in fear, when G-D moves with us.
hummmm,
WE NEED TO REPAIR OUR SELVES BEFORE G-D. WE WALK IN ERROR, G-D SAYS!
HE IS TURNED FROM US...WE NEED TO DO WHAT IS NEEDED TO MAKE, THE CHANGE HE WANTS OF US. AND THAT IS TAKING A GOOD LOOK AT NOT OTHERS BUT OURSELVES, AND WHAT WE THINK IS RIGHT, MUST WRONG---HE HAS NOT TURNED BACK.
You call your selves the Keeper of the Gates. I been thinking about the gates and the other night I was reading Jeremian....and this what Iam thinking....could it be....the reason...he has not turned get?
The Dung Gate.. The people of Jerusalem carried their trash, refuse, and dung out to the Tyropoen Vally, where ther was a garbage dump. In every ones lives, there are those things which ---MUST---be beisposed,----for in truth and wisdom---do we serve G-D. This gate is the gate of repentance and not only but it will expose sin and kick it to the curb, and death will come to sin, for we will no longer give it our breat. Death will not be our end, we will be brought forth, as holy children, made now in G-D likeness, for He is holy, and somewhere it is written, As I am holy, you should be.
Nehemiah's 12 gates of G-D Processing... Each gate represents and experience which we are all called to go through in order to bring forth the change determined by the LORD. We will all have a diffrent story, do to our great gift of heaven free-will, and what the will of G-D has upon each one of us in serving Him.
The Oxthodox Rabbi, are thinking about opening the gates for the sheep.
Open wide the gates, put your trust in the LORD, our G-D. G-D'S sheperds open the gates, it is the LORD our G-D, that is the ONE Shepherd that has gathered His lost sheep from every country, "open the gates".
It is G-D'S mercy and grace, that will teach us one by one to know conviction, repentance and forgiveness. If G-D can forgive, the world, we can forgive, all that is done to us.
B”SD
Rio de Janeiro, 22 de janeiro de 2010.
Caro Rav Marc Angel, Shalom
Permita me apresentar: meu nome é Ana Pinto Ribeiro (Chanah Bat Abraham), psicóloga, com formação em psicanálise pela Sociedade Cultural Letra Freudiana, profissão esta que hoje exerço na teoria e na prática aqui no Brasil na cidade do Rio de Janeiro,.Sou uma das pessoas dentre as quais foram criteriosamente escolhidas e passaram pelo processo de retorno, através da Abarbanel Foundation de Miami sob a orientação e supervisão do Rav Abraham Deleon. Escrevo esta carta, Rav Angel, para fazer minha apreciação e agradecimento à excelência deste trabalho. Um trabalho que vem sendo feito em amor e em verdade em prol de pessoas boas e simples, que, da mesma forma também em amor e em verdade, vêm mantendo ao longo da história com brava resistência, alguns hábitos e costumes judaicos herdados de nossos ancestrais. Mas, apesar da resistência nos faltava o reconhecimento desta identidade, marca tão sofrida em nossas vidas. Hoje, Baruch HaShem, através do precioso trabalho da Abarbanel Foundation, recebemos a b’rachah de pertencermos novamente a Am Israel !...Que grande alegria para nós !!!... Sou e serei eternamente grata ao Rav Abraham Deleon – por quem tenho também grande estima - que, Baruch HaShem, com sua imensa bondade, misericórdia e justiça nos aceitou e acolheu. A lisura, a maneira cuidadosa e amorosa como foi conduzido o processo e o dom aguçado de perceber o amor e a verdade para com o judaísmo na alma de cada um de nós, é digna de um tzadik. E quem, além daquele que anda genuinamente em amor e verdade, pode ter o dom de captar no outro a mesma coisa? Certamente este dom o Kadosh Baruch Hu concedeu em graça ao Rav Abraham Deleon. Mais uma vez, quero agradecer à Abarbanel Foundation - Rav Abraham e seus colaboradores – que tão diligentemente proporcionaram a oficialização do nosso retorno, conduzindo-nos por caminhos de leite e mel de volta ao Lar. Que possamos, Beezrat HaShem corresponder mais e mais, a cada instante de nossas vidas e em cada ação requerida, à vontade suprema do Eterno fundada em Sua Sagrada TORAH. Para encerrar, gostaria de deixar um pequeno texto de autoria de Iehudah Leib Halevi Ashlag, que para mim retrata muito da alma do Rav Abraham Deleon:
“A fusão com os Livros Verdadeiros ativa o homem e lhe traz a vontade e a força dos sábios que escreveram aqueles textos. O saber não é o objetivo do estudo, e sim um meio para semear a Vontade Superior, a Vontade e Desejo de Dar e Beneficiar, no coração do homem. É isto que mede o nível espiritual do homem. Isso é todo o homem.”
Shalom ve kol tov...
Ana Pinto
B”SD Rio de Janeiro, January 22nd,2010. Highly estimated Rav Marc Angel, Shalom Please allow me to introduce myself: My name is Ana Pinto Ribeiro (Chanah Bat Abraham), a psychologist and graduate of Psychoanalysis from the Cultural Society Letra Freudiana, a profession which I still hold both in theory and practice, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am part of the group that was carefully selected to go through the process of Return overseen by the Abarbanel Foundation from Miami, under the orientation and supervision of Rav Abraham Deleon. I am writing this letter, Rav Angel, to show my appreciation and gratitude for the excellent job which has been performed by Rav Deleon, a work that has been done with much love and truthfulness for the sole purpose of serving good and simple people, whom also in love and truthfulness, have been bravely upholding throughout history their Jewish customs and traditions inherited from their ancestors. Nevertheless, it is also necessary to mention, that despite our bravery and resistance, we still have lacked the recognition for our identity, which has marked us with so much suffering throughout our lives. However, Baruch HaShem, for today through the precious work of the Abarbanel Foundation we have received the b’rachah of been restituted to Am Ysrael!...What a bliss for all of us!!!... I am and will always be eternally grateful to Rav Abraham Deleon – for whom I have much appreciation – and Baruch HaShem, by whose immense kindness, mercifulness, and justice, has accepted and taken care of us. The integrity, the careful and loving manner through which the process was conducted, and the keen gift of sensing love and truthfulness in regards to the Judaism that is within each of our souls, is something proper of a Tzadik. And who else besides only those who genuinely walk in love and truthfulness, can have the gift of recognizing the same love and truthfulness within others? Certainly Kadosh Baruch Hu gave this perception in abundance to Rav Abraham Deleon. Once again, I would like to thank the Abarbanel Foundation – Rav Abraham and his collaborators – who so diligently allowed for the official recognition of our Return, leading us forwardly through the path of milk and honey back to our Home. May we all, Beezrat HaShem, answer each instant of our lives and actions only to the Supreme Authority of the Eternal G-d, which is founded upon His Holy Torah. To end, I would like to mention a little quote from Iehudah Leib Halevi Ashlag, which to me portrays much of the Alma matter of Rav Abraham Deleon: “The fusion with Books of Truth activates humankind and brings the desire and strength of the wise ones who authored those texts. Knowledge is not the goal of studying, but a means of implanting the Supreme Will, the Will and Desire of Giving and Beneficence, in the hearts of humankind. This is what measures the spiritual level of each man. This refers to a man himself.” Shalom ve kol tov... Ana Pinto
Shalom Rabbi Marc Angel, My name is James, was born and live in Ontario, I am a graduate of the Federal Telecommunications System of my state and am currently an MBA in Project Management.
Being a descendant of anusim, study Judaism for many years, also studied with Rabbi religious sent Shavei Israel, was also invited to the conversion of doubt rabbinate in Israel, but he would not go through the guiur. But I can not agree to erase my personal history. Someone here can erase a person? I think this is not possible.
I was invited by Rabbi Abraham Cohen DeLeon, to make Shavim conducted in the State of Bahia, and traveled many hours to arrive. The whole process of Shavim is roughly equal to a conversion, or whatever it was established by Rabbi Mordechai Elyahu, changing only the status of the matter "shavim" not guiur. And so it was done.
Rabbi Rabbi DeLeon is a very loving friendly and a very simple and humble looked like someone from my own home. And I am very grateful for the great help given to me.
The fruit of these major problems is that I believe the "hate free" that led to destruction of the Second Temple is still prevalent and increasing at an alarming rate among the Jews.
Lately we have also seen terrible things in the midst of religious Jews considered, as the case of Rabbi Tropper, the scandal at Mikveh Israel, and money laundering related to human organs in the U.S., the question of repeal coversões by rabbis who are already JEWISH (when did it start?), or the number of cases of pedophilia that has been unraveled for several years (so far sounded like crimes committed by Christian priests, where we all objectionable, happening under our noses).
Analysis by analysis, we conclude that within the Jewish people are people of all types (good and bad, criminal or sound), religious or not. Who is tzaddik, who is not a tzaddik?
I mean that there are Jews who are at a certain level hierarchy of power where they can control and lose control as it pleases (reminds me of the time the sheep "Dolly" had been cloned where critics said "These scientists play like God."
The Torah and the Halacha is not above any political issue, Judaism and Pluralism has always been and always will be, the Torah speaks of higher courts to determine cases and more cases so that they run the best but never hurt the Halacha. How the issue, use or not pêot? Invalidate my stat of orthodox? Thought the young man in a religious class at the yeshiva.
Judaism is not Zionism, Zionist is to be a matter of choice to be decided, being Jewish Zionist or not. Before observant Jew, then perhaps Zionist. I mean that the policy issues that decide what should be done in such a way that few rabbis who want to help, are considered destitute and rejected by all, where the critics do not want to leave a "comfort zone" and confront the real issue.
I think the critical point construtive are the most important because they stimulate thinking and develop the reasoning of man, but criticism for criticism, then come the bureaucrats and the policy and ultimately the case, "Dolly." I would like to see more action, because to me much more dependent on the action of well-meaning men and courageous than the criticism of good men.
The question is quite simple, if a person is a true anusim proven, makes the process of shavim. I am particularly in favor only be made to SHAVIM anusim who wish to follow the Orthodox.
Why do not the rabbis to give some work to verify the possibility of making a Shavim obviously analyzing each case? What is wrong? Besides a Bet Din for that serving. Did not it be nice to have good jews observant of mitzvot?
It's funny to see Jews worldwide pray during certain months of the Jewish year, the return of the Jews lost the world, but nothing is done by those who want to return, calling for help to follow the normative Judaism (Orthodox), but are rejected by the majority and all doors are closed. The case of real anusim should not be a closed chapter in this sad story of Judaism.
A true anusim, which has to do? If you convert it is the political will of the rabbis? I know real anusim, who went through guiur. These carry a wound for life, because erase the legacy of his family. I do not know what they said before the question before the beth din "What motivated you to convert to Judaism?"
One thing I am certain: God sees everything.
"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil, is for good men to do nothing" (Edmund Burke, Irish philosopher 1729- 1797)
Maimonides makes the writing on the question of wanting to return: "Let no penitent (they'd come back to God) I imagine he is too far from the level of righteous men, because of the sins and transgressions of the past. This is not true. He is loved and willed by the Creator, as if they sin there ... And not only that, but your reward is even greater because he experienced the taste of sin, but got away from him, getting his master the evil inclination. Our sages say that even the most straight men may be the place where the Baal-Teshuva. This means that the spiritual level that is higher than those who never sinned .. All prophets called for repentance, and the final redemption will come only through repentance. " (Maimonides, Hilkhot Teshuvá VII ,4-5)
Remembering that I am neither for or against the cloning of sheep, I cited only one episode on the subject of the famous quote that the whole world during the nineties.
Sorry for some mistakes in grammar...
I am a great admirer of Sir Rabbi Marc Angel!
Abrazo!
Sorry i born in "Paraiba - brazil" and my names is Thiago, the traductor turn on by accident.
shalom
Rabbi Angel, let me suggest not only to return Conversion to the Rabbis, but to start formally a serious and open Return Process for Bnei Anussim by the Rabbis - it´s time to think seriously about it, because there are lot of our people that deserve it. Nevertheless, there will be, as the conversion process, at least 5 steps: (1) to meet the candidate be-fo-re starting all the process (obvious); (2) a period of studies be-fo-re the process (obvious); (3) milah for men (obvious); (4) beth din with three (obvious), where one by one, the candidates could declare kabalat ol mitsvot and show what they know; (5) mikveh with 3 Jewish "edim" (obvious)
After that, if we could say bruchim habaim/bruchot habaot to the converted, let us say bechol levavenu, ubechol nafshenu ubechol meodenu, by all our hearts, minds and power - BRUCHIM HASHAVIM, BRUCHOT HASHAVOT. If those steps were not fulfilled, we missed an opportunity. Shabat shalom ve-Tu Bishevat sameach
Ana Rinto, my friend, It is happening, G-D is gathering his lost sheep as it is written. This response is typical of those who have walked in the path of G-D, in his law and found themselves on fire for its future. I want you to see Jerusalem through the eyes of the prophets, not what it is, but what it will be. David in Psalm advised "Walk about Zion, and go around het palaces; that you may tell it to the next generation. For such is G-D, our G-D forever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death
To walk around Jerusalem today is to see ancient stones they cry out concerning its past, and to see modern construction which affirms its present---though--disputed status. But the events that have catapulted Jerusalem into the international headlines are the seeds of a future rapidly coming to flower. It is these things that I want to consider so that if our own generation is not the terminal one, we may be able to pass on a witness to the next generation of the unfailing faithfulness of our G-D, whose Word will go forth from Jerusalem.
Isaiah 2...And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of G-D of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.. Ana Rinto, and thiago, my friends, nothing is by chance thiago. It is G-D who teaches us, He is the LIVING G-D, and we learn when we live our lives day and night keeping His law, that keeps the fire burning in our desire to serve only Him, let us go up to the mountain , the hidden part, the house of Jacob, to worship and praise G-D for what He in his great mercy and grace has given us. Faith is a gift, that only G-D can give. For no man, no woman, no religion, can give you faith....that fire comes, from the every heart of G-D that flame He lights in your hearts and minds when you desire G-D above all else. G-D gave prophecy to change our hearts, not to fill our heads with knowledge. G-D never predicted future events just to satisfy our curiosity about the future. Every time G-D announces events that are still future, he includes with Him predictions practical applications to life.
Jerusalem is destined to become a beacon lighting the way for all nations. I think it is written in Isaiah. sorry it's late...long day. Psalm 87...Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of G-D
Come join me in walking around the Jerusalem that is and will be, and let us listen together to those glorious things that are spoken of it future.
Thiago, my friend------Only G-D can erase...you....Psalm 51...Against thee, thee only. have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou spealest, and be clear when thou judgest.
We are first given a breath below...Job 33..The Spirit of G-D made me---below, 1 breath, you in days given had trials do to sin, and the Spirit of G-D came to your aid and makes you ready, them the appointed day comes, you make a choice, G-D knows, to vow, your will to do the will of G-D in all you do and say...David in 101:1-8 you see him getting ready and calling out to G-D...Ps. 101 ....I will behave myself wisely in a PERFECT WAY, O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a PREFECT HEART. David, becomes ready in Psalm 2....G-D is so happy...he ...it is written...I will DECLARE THE DECREE :the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my son; the---day---have I brought you forth. ( or birth, or begotten you) This is the end of Job 33...the second breath from above.....
Job 33 The Spirit of G-D MADE* me but the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
When we are given our second breath....G-D will MAKE* YOU, FREE FROM SIN...by His grace and mercy, you will overcome sin.
Psalm 51 Behold , thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt *MAKE me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be whiter than snow. MAKE ME to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and BLOT OUT ALL MINE INIQUITIES. Creat in me a clean heart, O G-D; and RENEW a ritht spirit.
Thiago, my friend, I love Ireland and the people, for Irish blood run through me. I pray, the return of them, for it was Jeremiah, who planted down the tender twigs, the house of Judah with the house of Dan.
The Judge and the Serpent....Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, and adder in the path, that biteth the hourse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. I have waited for thy salvation , O LORD. written in Gen 49:16-18.
Remember, Samson Judges 13:2 King James...informs us that Samson's father Manoah was of Zorah, of family of the Danites." The allotment of the tribe of Dan was along the southwest Mediterranean cost of the Promised land.
As a small child I was told, by my father, I was from the tribe of Dan, and so when the story of Samson, was told me, my heart sunk, I felt so bad for him, that G-D gave him such a blessing and he failed. I would think long and hard on this....and G-D showed me one night when I was thinking about it, that even though Samson, failed G-D, G-D did not fail him or the people. G-D mercy and grace fell upon him, and gave him his last strength, and Samson knew then at that moment that G-D has given him is breath of eternal life, in the G-D of Host. Samson, must of returned to G-D, for G-D to come upon him again. So my heart, embraced my G-D and thanked him, in learning this, but I also learned why he failed G-D, becouse even though he was given out side strength, he did not have inward strength. I asked G-D then to give me and the people spiritual Strength to over come what G-D wants of us. I see now much older, looking back at my life, he has given me this strength I have asked for, and for the people.
I pray so hard for them, I love the Irish....and pagan worship engulf them....and take away their breath, and all is in vain. I have tears that only G-D can come and wipe away, for them. They are such a loving people and they embrace the church and what man has set down.
Thiago, my friend, you like Edmund Burk the Irish philosopher, Iam glad he lived most of his life in England away from the Irish. He loved Christian Democratic Union, the free market .....I see too much control, behind....this free market....that leads to Rome.
In Isreal, there were once a group of people that did not drink or serve the G-D of Israel....but did obey man's law and keeped them. G-D pointed them out to the people ----and said, they obey man and keep his law-----but you my children, turn and do not keep my law. Not in the the same words...but the meaning is there. So, G-D gave them a blessing, I think of my Irish people, and pray this blessing is given for those who obey man, and are deceived and lie to, and are blind, like Samson, that G-D will come and rest upon them. I read in scripture that these poeple, became the gate keepers of the garbage. And I read also that they were keepers of the wine fields. So did they give up man-made lawsss, and come to G-D....I think, our G-D is good. Don't you.
Why do Orthodox(pharasee) rabbis have all the say on who is of Yehudah or not. There are several different types of Jews in the past and now. This makes no Torah sense and is ridculous. One Jewish group claiming to have power to deem the heart of someone as a covenant keeper???
Whose gate are they keeping? Not Zion!
B"H
Rabbi Marc Angel,
My name is Maria Leonor Medeiros da Silva(Miriam Bat Abraham). I am a journalist, 56 years old mother of three kids, I was born in Rio de Janeiro and living for the last 20 years in Recife, Pernanbuco(Brazil). I am one of those who went through the process of Return(Shavim) overseen by Abarbanel Foundation(Miami) under orientation and supervision of Rabbi Abraham Deleon. I agree totally with Ana Pinto statement about the Rabbi Deleon works towards the Northeast of Brazil Benei Anusim. I will take this opportunity to describe in a few words as a returnee how the process was done. Before obtaining the Returning Certificate(Shavim) the Benei Anusim go through a process supervised by one Abarbanel Foundation representative who traveled to Bahia every 2 and 3 months during a period of 2 and half years. They became very knowledgeable and dedicated to the Torah,Sidur and Shulchan Aruch as well maintain their homes Kosher by observing rigorously the Kashurut and Halach. A final interview was done before a Beit Dyn and all males were circumcised and a Dam Brit was performed by the Rabbi Deleon. A Mivke(Tevilah) was done in a river on a private and secluded area for safety and privacy that was a beautiful and very emotional experience for all of us. Finally returnees signed affidavit compromising continuing to observe the Halach, to practice the Judaism and to maintain the home Kosher. I, hereby, suggest to some critics of Rabbi Deleon's work that instead they should use The Abarbanel Foundation as example for the future and sake of our lost Jews subsequently this attitute will rescue them back to their anscestors Jewish religion. Shalom Leonor Medeiros
Leonor Mederios, thank you, and thank G-d for all the work that is being done.
Yahanan, my friend, I see, you have knowledge and obey, but nevertheless, could it be that this is one of the errors that we walk in and keeps G-D'S face turned?
We are not the know all children of G-D....for we are not G-D who knows all things. Great is our LORD and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit. it is written in Psalm 147.
Is it not written in Jeremiah 32 Behold, I am the LORD, the G-D of all flesh: is there any thing to hard for me?
So why do we say, it can't be? When G-D tells ...in Jeremiah 31...Behold, the dayssss cooooome( in every generation DNA)
Jer. 31...Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.
G-D is bring salvation to the world, to all mankind....all nations, all people, that are willing to re-turn. What is the purpose of loving Creator to bring all the people into the world, to see the work of His hands, not know Him.
Is it not written....Psalm 57...I cry out to G-D Most High, to G-D, who fulfills His purpose for me.
What is that purpose....to weed out sin, to return in the state we were to be created in. G-D did go in error...mankind did, embracing sin and not giving G-D their wills over to do the will of G-D who called them out to be holy as G-D is holy, the first born, so that his other children, his other creation, would come and say,,"come take us up to the mountain of the LORD, that He may teach us His ways.
HIS WAYS---HIS MOUNTAIN---HE TEACHES.
it is written....For I am the LORD, your G-D, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior......
He will Redeem His people....for it is written for us all....not just you, ....your like a child that is the oldest and is upset that other children have come along and now there more than just him. Yahanan, please, see the blessing, that all of us can give . The praise and the glory of G-D that covers the world, our prayers, can over come the evil that runs this world, the work of G-D'S hands.
"Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I Myself will help you," Declares the LORD, your REDEEMER, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL." Isaiah 54. "Iam the LORD, your Holy One, Israel'S Creator, your King." Isaiah 43. Yahanan, my friend, did G-D not say to us in Amos 9 I will raise up the taberncle of David that is fallen.?
Some times we read scripture, so fast we do not stop to see, what is right before our eyes. Have you ever lost something, and it was right before you eyes and you thought to your self, " How did I miss that." That is like our learning...G-D opens up a little at a time, and when we are ready to see.
The house of G-D Jacob entered in Gen.28 were Jacob vowed to G-D, and were he could not return unless he was in that state. And that state was --in--peace. Why peace, because G-D wars on sin, and turned it out. At the gate the angel, will not let sin pass.
See the marvelous things G-D has done...that Davaid seen as well as others down through out our generations that returned and put sin out. Ps. 118 the Stone and Isaiah the plan 25:1
The Temple G-D is building from the time we were turned out.
I Kings 6...And the house in tis being built was built of stone made ready at the quarry; and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house in its being built.
Paalm 118...The Stone the builders---rejected---has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Yahanan, my friend, do you see---the --marvelous--things G-D planed, for us the work of His hands, for all that seek G-D can find him and enter-in.
What does G-D ask of us....SET ME AS A SEAL UPON YOUR HEART.
We have the name of G-D upon us, inscribed our Fathers name, is to identify, authenticate and protect the contents ---the law--upon our inward parts( Ps.51) the documents (the day and night covenant, and the ordinances of heaven and earth Jer.33) and we are the vessel the ark.....the tabernacle of David that G-D said was fallen He will rise up....
This is the Tabernacle of David, that is no longer fallen...thank G-D and His glory is filling the earth.... We have One Shepherd, and One G-D and One Temple. The Rabbi's are told not to fear, Isaiah 43. They have a lot of work comming....for it is written G-D will go after his lost sheep. the Rabbi's need to open the gates, and trust in G-D and set up praise in the glory of G-D that will fill the world. Rabbis have much work ahead, and thank G-D for the gate keepers, who have not left the sheep.
Leonor Mederios, my friend tells us more of the blessing G-D has given you all through G-D working with Rabbi Abraham Deleon. You have been blessed so much, it is good, to hear, good news, is it not.
Rabbi Abraham Deleon the FRAUD
It pains me to send you this email because as an observant Jew and someone that has been following your efforts I can clearly see that you are being taken advantage of by someone named Abraham DeLeon Cohen. Did you know that Abraham DeLeon Cohen was a rabbi of a reform congregation in Hendersonville, North Carolina which obviously does not have a mechitza? They use a microphone on shabbat! Obviously this man is not shomer shabbat or yoreh shamayim. This place among other liberal places is where he served for two years until his contract was NOT renewed. This synagogue that he portrays to belonging to now, is inside of someone's apartment and there are no services. All of the board members are registered as also living in that same apartment He has advertised that was doing a tour converting people through South America where your name was used to legitimize himself. Mr. DeLeon Cohen and some of the others with less than perfect backgrounds and intentions. His academic credentials come from long-distance phony institutions as away as the island of Vanatu. Hartford University.....No accreditation from a CB recognized
accreditor. Claims of Minnesota location are false. Apparently licensed on island of Vanatu in South Pacific. Strassford University ....No accreditation from a CB recognized
accreditor. No degree-granting authority from the United Kingdom. Lists London telephone number & fraudulent London address; actual location is unknown.
Rabbi Angel has removed his support and This man is the only Rabbinical Support he has left
David Amar a crook from Israel, is in New York and he has a website where he claims to be an oracle to tell the past and future. He has just acted inapropriately with a single woman, who trusted him, and has known him for months. He is married and lives in Israel and claims to be a student of Rabbi Kaduri. Rabbi David Amar told this single woman to go to the mikvah so he could sleep with her over Shabbos! He then went on to hold her hand. She was appalled and shattered over the behavior of a Rabbi coming on to her.
El rabino Abraham Deleon el FRAUDE
Me duele que le envíe este correo electrónico porque, como observador Judio y alguien que ha seguido sus esfuerzos puedo ver claramente que está siendo aprovechado por alguien llamado Abraham Cohen DeLeon. ¿Sabía usted que Abraham DeLeon Cohen fue un rabino de una congregación de reforma en Hendersonville, Carolina del Norte, que obviamente no tiene una mechitza? Ellos usan un micrófono en Shabat! Obviamente, este hombre no es shomer shamayim Shabat o Yoreh. Este lugar, entre otros lugares liberal es donde se desempeñó durante dos años hasta que su contrato no fue renovado. Esta sinagoga que retrata a la que pertenecen ahora, está dentro del apartamento de alguien y no hay servicios. Todos los miembros de la junta está registrado como también viven en ese mismo apartamento ha anunciado que estaba haciendo una gira de convertir a la gente a través de América del Sur donde su nombre fue utilizado para legitimar el propio. El Sr. De León Cohen y algunos de los otros con menos fondos perfecta y sus intenciones. Sus credenciales académicas vienen de larga distancia instituciones falsa como lejos como la isla de Vanuatu. De la Universidad de Hartford ..... no la acreditación de un CB reconocido
accreditor. Las reclamaciones de la ubicación de Minnesota son falsas. Al parecer, la licencia en la isla de Vanuatu en el Pacífico Sur. Strassford Universidad .... No acreditación de un CB reconocido
accreditor. Ningún grado de concesión de la autoridad del Reino Unido. Listas de números de teléfono y dirección de Londres Londres fraudulentas; ubicación real es desconocida.
El Gran Rabino Ángel ha retirado su apoyo y este hombre es el único apoyo que ha dejado Rabínico
David Amar un ladrón de Israel, está en Nueva York y tiene un sitio web en la que alega ser un oráculo para contar el pasado y el futuro. Acaba de inapropriately actuado con una sola mujer, que confiaba en él, y lo ha conocido desde hace meses. Está casado y vive en Israel y afirma ser un estudiante del rabino Kaduri. El rabino David Amar dijo a esta mujer sola para ir a la mikve para que pudiera dormir con ella en el Shabat! Luego pasó a ocupar la mano. Estaba consternado y se hizo añicos sobre el comportamiento de un rabino próximos a ella.
Rabbi Marc Angel hits on the essence of the problem facing te orthodox world in regards to conversions and returns. I would encourage him to lead the struggle to change the current status quo where only a Beit Din Kavua is the only one which will be recognized. In all Latin America and Brazil, many who are of Anusim descendant or have become convinced that they are Jewish Nshamot are wanting to live and practice Orthodox Judaism and are finding themselves with a wall of rejection, humilliation and exasperation to enter the Jewish Community. If you were to say they are not living up to shomer mitzvot one can see the point, to a certain decree. But this is not the case with those who the such like Rabbi De Leon has help convert or return back to Judaism, despite the unwarranted and bitter attack by Uri, who has slandered and spoken Lashon Hora about a man who recieved Smichah from Rabbi Meir Melamed and studied at Porat Yosef, under Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. As a witness to these Smachot, I can say I personally am impressed by Rabbi De Leon earnest desire to help these communities, where many of his co-religionish have failed miserable all worrying about their "reputation". I myself, had at one time mis-judged him due to nefarious lashon hara spoken to me about him, since a point in his past which due to he need to earn a livelihood to sustain his family had to take. This is why, I have taken the time to post a comment in the forward. In regards to Mr. Uri, he should learn one thing about Rabbi DeLeon, that although he should consider filing suit against you for libel and damaging his reputation and character, he may not do so, since I have found him to be integral human being. Perhaps you should learn from him how to do Shecht properly a chicken so in addition to provide the community with the sense of being Jewish, you can enable them to keep kosher, a Jewish requirement to live a kosher life. But because you dont necessarily hold to the need of keeping the Jewish Dietary laws, it something your converts can or do not have to keep. Here is the problem with your unwarranted attack. I wonder how many skeltons do you have in your closet Uri. You need to do Shuvah and ask mechilah from Rabbi Abraham De Leon, and stop the facade of helping the Anusim in Brazil when most of them do not want to return to an empty form of Judaism.... many have been there(Christianity-another types of reform movement of its time) and that is why they do not want to become involved in a form of Judaism that does not uphold the standard Orthodox paradigm of halachah. Before you throw stone, keep in mind the glass house you are living in is already cracked and about to crumble. Return back to do the right thing for those in Brazil as well as around the world.
R. Moshe Otero www.loscaminosdeisrael.com www.noahshouse.net www.waysofisrael.com 786-306-8211
Avi Israel and the like need to stop using this medium to spread lashon hora about a person they do not know anything about. Stating that Rabbi DeLeon is a fraud simply because he got a degree from a long distance institution he has deemed "phony" is a mere way to attack Rabbi De Leon's actual character and credentials and work among the Anusim, as a Rabbi who studied in Porat Yosef under Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and a well known Sephardic Yeshiva in Turkey. Why did you not mention his credentials when he was a Rabbi of an orthodox Sephardic Community in Colombia and who had close ties with the previous chief Sephardic Rabbi Sharabani? Had he gotten his degree from the University of Phoenix, which is also an online program, I am sure you may have said the same thing. Everything is going on-line these day including becoming a Rabbi. But you may not be aware that Rabbi Deleon also recieved smichah as a Mohel and Sofer from well known mohelim and soferim. Why do you not attack this? I my self, at his home saw these actual certificate which are very old and he has safely kept as one who keeps a sacred title. He has also applied with the RCA, which application I helped him fill since his eyesight is not as he had. I am certain they will do due diligence. This is why I can not remain quite about this man whom I too had misjudged, do to the rabbinical chatters about him.
Don't be fooled, Rabbi Angel did not remove himself from Rabbi Deleon due to what you are alledging. I do hope Rabbi Angel will do this himself and explain the why in this public matter, since such an action has led to create an air of lack of trust about Rabbi DeLeon, and I feel he owes it to those of us who was recommended by Rabbi Angel to connect with Rabbi DeLeon. Not to mention explain his withdral of support which has strengthen the arm of those who are seeking to destroy Rabbi DeLeon's work and effort to help the Anusim Communities from an Orthodox position.
Although there is no way to justify why he took the helm at a Reform Synagogue, it was clear to me he was in a financial difficulty at the time, which as I can see it, was one of survival not to become filthy rich. Even if he were to m'chal Shabat inorder to sustain himself ( which one may find support in such dire situations halahkically), he clearly has done shuva, something which you may learn a bit more about and do. We all have something in our past which we may have done wrong or made a mistake in judgement, however we should be judged by what we do today.
That Rabbi which was involved in the sex for conversion scandal, was wrong for doing it. But even he, should not be deprived of another chance, as long as he does shuva and tikun. You would have him disbarred as a Rabbi. I will have you reminded of a Rabbi in the Talmud who would visit women of ill repute only to have done shuva and shuva was granted to him.
I am in shock by the libelous accusation and attack of even Rabbi David Amar, who is a relative of the Ezt Zion Sephardic Rabbi Shlomo Amar. And you spill your venom and hatred on such a fellow jew without demonstrating any evidences whatsoever. This is libelous.
My entire question in all this, in context of a recent article by the Jewish Press, Rabbi Shlomo Amar indicated that he was going to establish throughout all the countries a Beit Din Kavua... where is the one that will handle the Jurisdiction for Latin America and Brazil? I tried seeing if the one in Florida would be open to do such a thing, and intially gave me indication of a yes, and when we met, rejected such an overwhelming responsability. Is there anyone in the RCA willing to tackle this issue head on? I would invite any member of the RCA to call me or contact me if they would like a serious analysis of the situation. Why the delay and hesistancy of this from the Rabbenut?
And if they think this is too many cases... wait as we get closer to the time of the revelation of the Mashiach....
R Moshe Otero www.loscaminosdeisrael.com www.noahshouse.net www.waysofisrael.com www.tshuvafm.com
Esto lo escribo en español por causa de las infamias y calumnias que se han levantado encontra el Rabino Abraham De Leon Cohen. Alguno tiempo atras el Rabino Marc Angel me recomendo al Rabino De Leon para tratar un caso de anusim. Yo llame al Rabino Marc Angel solo despues que halle un caso que el Beit Din de la Florida queria hacer una convercion a una mucha de madre, abuela, y tatara abuela Judia, y la cual no aceptaron tal testimonia aun con juramento de un notario bajo juramento. Al oir el nombre que me habia recomendado el Rabino Angel yo le habia escrito devuelta lo mismo que estos nefasto individuos, Avi Israel y Uri han escrito, que tal Rabino no es orthodoxo y que lo que el hacia es invalido halajicamente. El Rabino Angel le copio al Rabino DeLeon mi carta y acordamos de conocernos en persona, dandole el beneficio de la duda. Como resulta, tuvimos una reunion que clarifico todo, y me explico mucho de lo que escribo arriba. Tuve la oportunidad de ver las credenciales y certificados que me mostro el Rabino De Leon. Y aun le ayude llenar la solicitud para le RCA,la cual su solicitud esta en espera. Con todo esto he llegado a conocer al Rabino DeLeon, como una persona honesta, humana con unos sentimientos puros para ayudar a la comunidad Anusim y por toda Latina America. Y aun asi, se que existe muchos de sus colegas que han creado una mal hablar de la persona, y cuando le he confrontado... se esconde detras de al hablar seria lashon hara. He llegado a la conclusion, que el Rabino DeLeon, es quien dice quien es, y hay personas malevoras que estan tratando de destruirlo y la obra que esta haciendo. Tristemente, el distanciamiento de Rabino Angel de su persona no le a ayudado a su causa, pero esto no es por lo que sus enemigos alegan. Es porque algunos no tienen la misma valentia y atrevamiento que el Rabino De Leon. La realidad es que el Rabino De Leon ha hecho cosas en favor de ayudar a los anusim y converso que no a hecho ningunos de sus colegas. Puede hallar en el un hombre integro, no como estos que lo atacan en el publico sabiendo que el no va responder en igual manera. Deberan hacer shuva y pedir al Rabino De Leon perdon por las calumnia y infamias que estan levantando de el. Aun, la humildad del Rabino De Leon es tal que delante del Beit Din de la Florida, yo lo lleve,para que este Beit Din apoyara o ayudar al Rabino De Leon o a que sea tomara jurisdiccion de Latin America y sin cabido, el lloro suplicando su ayuda para la immensa cantidad de persona, y salimos con la cabeza erguios sabiendo que aunque no habria de recibir el apoyo de Beit Din, porque esta no se queria ver invulucrado con tantas personas de latina Ameriaa, se hizo la cosa correctamente y el fue con la cabeza erguia arriba con la determinacion de ayudar a los anusim pesa a quien le pesa. Es por esto, el merece ser considerado un lider adonde no existen verdadero lideres.
Es por esto que dire lo siguiente: Si hubiese alguno filontrapo, que estaria dispuesto invertir en una Centro de Retorno aqui en la Florida ( 1 million de dolares) podemos hacer todos los procesos como demanda el Rabenut de Israel y proveer lugar adonde se pueden quedar aqui en la florida y participar en la Sinagoga Ortodoxa en N Miami Florida y ser procesda por el Beit Din. Comuniquese conmigo al caminosdeisrael@aol.com para mandarle el plan de accion para verdadero interesados.
Shalom
R. Moshe Otero www.loscaminosdeisrael.com 786-306-8211
R. Moshe Otero www.loscaminosdeisrael.com 786-306-8211 US www.loscaminosdeisrael.com
Moshe Otero www.loscaminosdeisrael.com
Otero calls himself a "Rabbi"
But he used to be an evangelic minister!!!
He has a lot of messianic mingling including bringing messianics on to his failed TV show where he acknowledged them as legitimate members of the Jewish people. In my synagogue, . Go find a real Rabbi. I also remember when he used the name of a Chabad Rabbi in his site and the rabbi ask him to remove his name.
He also has a non valid smicha.
Stay away from him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Otero se hace llamar "RabÃ"
Sin embargo, solÃa ser un ministro evangélico!
Ã�l tiene una gran cantidad de mezcla mesiánica en particular la de los Mesiánicos a su programa de televisión donde no los reconoció como miembros legÃtimos del pueblo judÃo. En mi sinagoga, si se han convertido con Otero, que serÃa bien acogida y para limpiar el suelo después de Oneg. Ve a buscar a un rabino real. También recuerdo cuando se utiliza el nombre de un rabino de Jabad en su sitio y el rabino le pido que retire su nombre.
También tiene un smicha no válida.
Las conversiones no son validas para nada
Manténgase alejado
It this above that is stated is true....stay away from him. LOOK at the roots.... thank you Moshe Otero and Avi Israel, our friends only G-D can teach us...only G-D can come into our hearts and minds and bring about the desire for repentance and return. Remember there were two diffrent people that returned from Exile with Jeremiah. Two, why two those that repented and returned to G-D for their sins that drove G-D to take them from the land and those who returned to worship in the same way and weep over what G-D destroyed that they had built up. Mankind wants control....and life, our life, belongs to G-D who gave it to us for the purpose of life is to ---return----kill sin----give it no breath in us. And become the creation we were to be made in---MAN---female and male, in the mirror image of our Creator. When we put sin out, G-D comes in, and the Spirit of Truth ---MAKES US---to know Wisdom in the Hidden part, our true home. RETURN HOME----war on sin----bring it down----give it no breath to live. COME HOME, CALL ON THE G-D OF ABRAHAM THE G-D OF ISAAC AND THE G-D OF JACOB, HE WILL COME FOR YOU, HE ALONE IS YOUR TEACHER.
as a very open minded new yorker who grew up going to a modern orthodox yeshivah , and then attending stuyvesant highschool and seeing all flavors of non-orthodox jews as well as assimilated jews and jews who had gotten so far from judaism as to have basically abandoned it, ----- and also working in the diamond business around hassidim and mingling with hassids , as well as having a sister and family of zionist pioneers in israel who i have visited numerous time, i like to think of myself as a rare jew who has perspective on what it means to be quote on quote "jewish", from an anthropological/sociological/real world practical view of 'identity'
1) there is ethnicity, (ashkenaz, syrian, sephardic, yemenite, georgian, armenian, turkish, russian, (ethnic chinese! ...100 years ago they died out)morocon, french, yekke, even indian..etc...)
2) there is nationalist identity--[ only the most recent form of jewish identity which to many jewish sects is invalid (thereby fitting themselves into the extreme end of anti-nationalist) ] many israelis are highly intolerant of religious judaism and yet still vehemently pronounce their jewish identities.
3) there is 'sectarian' community identity. hassidism, modern ortho, reform, reconstructionist , karrai, 'traditional' types who go to conservative communities but don't define themselves that way, there is conservative, [ all of these definitions are really social ones where the identity is based on association with a community----and this is probably the most important lense through which most 'jews' see themselves as 'belonging'. frequentl, 'sectarian' community is also wrapped up in the larger notion of 'cultural' judaism.
4) there is sectarian ideological , which is the same names as above but is defined by the individuals relation to their ideas of their sectarian ideology, cannon, and tenets. [OF COURSE I AM AWARE OF THE RELATION OF SECTARIAN IDEOLOGY'S RELATION TO SECTARIAN COMMUNITY IDENTITY, but this relationship is precisely what separates the two ideas of identity]
5) there is so called 'racial identity' of judaism which is by far the weakest idea of judaism, and the one more often foist upon 'us' by non-jews than by ourselves. unfortunately, jews foist this upon themselves through the well known rules of 'you are a jew if your mother is a jew' as well as other patterns of genetic inheritance such as having the last name 'cohen or katz or levi' ...allowing jews to self segregate into those groups who are able to claim patrilineage through name identification. there is also occupation ..if youre from a grandfather who was a jewish butcher or breadmakers..youre more jewish cause certain food preparation occupations are defined in part by the requirement that only a jew could do that. ________________ what's most important to realize is that all these identification containers of judaism are off the cuff categories that by definition, interact and influence one another in every perons' mind. it is the mind which decides identity . the mind of the jews identifies the person as 'jew' and others as 'jews' or 'non jews'
that a rabbi or other gatekeeper should have authority to declare a non-jew as a jew is rooted in group behavior. where does this authority come from? what is the jewish group?
the tension of thinking about how a non-jew may both 1) choose and will themselves to be 'jewish' and 2) how the jewish community may approach the non-jew who wishes (or hypothetically doesn't wish to be jewish---note that there is a famous historical armenian or turkish king who forcibly converted his population by decree) to be jewish lies in the essential conflict of defining identity. which requires both a reconciliation of the notions of the individual indentity with the group notion of identity, as well as an acceptance that on some level the two notions have essentially unreconcileable aspects. and finally, the tension of thinking about this also should be situated in the underlying fruitless of trying to define something which is always changing, (and according to some) is even illusory at times. as for me : i think that if you want to be a jew and that if you don't want to be one youre not. but that said, one must always accept the reality that groups of people will always be defining you in ways you may not agree with, and that's just how it's going to be. for the would converts out there, don't lose site of the fact that there always plenty of jewish people and groups out there that are fighting with each other about what constitutes legitimate jewish identity, jewish practice, and jewish heresy. and that even within the general universe of accepted jews, there are always sectarian fights where one group is trying to shove another group out the circle. this happens in all religions. and in all groups.
----notes:
1) it is notable that in new york a colloquial slang is widespread called, "honorary member of the tribe" , where non-jews are so closely integrated and accepted into tight nit kinship with jews that they willingly describe themselves and are willingly desribed as such by other jews (in the company of those jews )
2) there are a specific group of american budhists that are called jubu's . these jews are responsible for westernizing large swaths of budhist culture . there is even a book devoted to the letters of conversation and discusions of ideology between a jubu preist and a tolerant jewish rabbi. [ i myself have been on 2 10day budhist retreats and have studied budhism , but do not call myself a jubu or identify with western budhist culture
3) (ps. there is the ubiquitous idea of 'outward uniform clothing' identity.that being do you wear a yakume? or other identifier? this is particularly noteable outside israel where there are many non jews who are going to recognize jews by their specific attire. but i don't mention this is as primary , because it is largely derivative of the modes of identification mentioned above)