New Poll Examines Attitudes On Intermarried Jews, Non-Orthodox Conversions
Israel’s Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Ministry has tried a new approach to healing the Israel-Diaspora rift left by the recent attempt to pass the so-called Conversion Bill: polling. It commissioned a poll on attitudes towards intermarried Jews and non-Orthodox conversions, and released the results to the Jerusalem Post with a whole lot of spin.
Here’s the big news, according to the article — 68% of Israeli Jews “believe intermarried Diaspora Jews should be considered part of the Jewish people.” The Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein is using the poll figures to argue that “we in the political and media sphere perceive a more cynical and pessimistic picture than is reflected in the public” — i.e. that Israeli and Diaspora Jews are actually on the same page. But what, exactly, does the figure prove? Judaism has never taken the view that intermarriage means one ceases to be “part of the Jewish people,” yet only 68% of Israeli Jews affirm that intermarried couples still belong to the tribe. How, exactly, does that prove your point, Mr. Edelstein?
The other important question was whether people who converted to Judaism outside of the Orthodox system should be considered part of the Jewish people. 82% of secular Jews, 42% of traditional Jews and 12% of religious Jews answered “yes.” The fact that there were 18% of secular Jews and 58% of traditional Jews who didn’t seems to indicate the opposite of what Mr. Edelstein wants it to prove: that even outside the Orthodox community there’s a reticence in accepting non-Orthodox conversions.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
