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One of the "time bombs" that lie within Israeli society is the problem of those who moved to Israel based on the Law of Return and received full Israeli citizenship but are not halachically Jewish. At least the second generation of these people consist of fluent Hebrew speakers, and they study in standard Israeli schools (including religious ones) and serve in the Israel Defense Forces – in other words, they are fully integrated into Israeli "Jewish" society.
They encounter a problem when they want to marry according to Israeli law, as the State does not have a solution for them at this crucial moment in their lives. Marriage is a religious act here, and these people are not included in any religion. Estimates of the number of such Israelis vary from 300,000 to 500,000 (including the third generation).
Those who have difficulty in being recognized as Jews can be categorized into three groups: 1. Jews who cannot prove that they are Jews, usually because the Holocaust and/or the wicked Soviet regime erased their ability to prove their Jewish status, whether by means of documentation or by means of behavior. 2. Those who come from Jewish men, who, under the difficult situations that existed, married non-Jewish women. They require full conversion. 3. Distant relatives of Jews, who were granted aliya rights due to the Law of Return.
In the coming weeks, we will look into how to deal most properly with each of these groups. We will start with the first. Determining one’s status as a Jew is a broad topic, and there are different ways to try to go about it. The State of Israel should spend the resources necessary (which are significant) to do so properly to allow these brothers to feel as full and accepted parts of their national heritage. This is a great mitzva, which does not require any religious procedure.
Of course, it suffices for their matrilineal line to be Jewish. We are involved in halachic and scientific research into a genetic test that can help in giving support for the claim of being born Jewish, to up to 40% of the Jewish population of this group. When we have completed our efforts, we will share it with halachic and scientific leaders throughout the world to promote this avenue of assistance to an important segment in our society.
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
