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No broad elements of the religious community in Israel treat conversion as a highest priority endeavor, with groups viewing other things as higher on the national agenda. To change this, the political leadership of the State of Israel and Torah leadership need to embark on a program that turns the spiritual absorption of olim, especially those from the Former Soviet Union who require conversion, into a major national project. Passiveness with the illusion that matters will work out by themselves, runs the real risk of assimilation within the Jewish State.
Nowadays, a conversion applicant is sent to a year-long course (ulpan giyur) and, if lucky, receives an "adopting family" to accompany him into the world of Judaism. The course teaches the candidate many specific halachic issues about which he will be asked before conversion There is no halachic source for such tests, and, interestingly, there are halachic discussions whether it is permitted to teach Torah to a candidate before conversion (the opinion that it is permitted is accepted (see Bemareh Habazak I:75)). If he does not pass the test, he is not converted.
After the completion of the conversion process, there is no follow-up encouragement to lead a full Jewish life. There is also no enforcement of his practice of the Torah he accepted. State resources are "freed up" to deal with new candidates and fund the conversion courts. (Attempted enforcement and use of authority, especially in such a sensitive area, is questionable). This is one of the reasons that a large segment of converts do not continue to fulfill mitzvot.
The failings in mitzva fulfillment bring on two reactions. The religious community feels tricked by the candidate and loses interest in further conversions. Potential conversion candidates start to look at the process as a farce, lessening the motivation of serious candidates to start the process. Worst of all, a small minority of dayanim try to retroactively cancel conversions, which is against halacha (in 99% of the cases) and is totally inhumane (certainly after the convert has children).
We propose changing the focus of our efforts from preparing the convert to follow-up after conversion. Before the conversion, we should stick to the Rambam (Issurei Biah 14:2) and Shulchan Aruch (YD 268:2): "We inform them the basics of the religion – the oneness of Hashem and the prohibition of idol worship (which most candidates embrace), discussing this at length. We inform them about some of the easier and some of the severe mitzvot, and we do not deal with these at length (!!!). We tell about the sins of failing to do leket, shikcha and peiah (stressing helping others), and maaser sheni (investment in spiritual matters), and we tell them of the punishments of mitzvot. We do not speak much or in great detail, lest it cause him to be bothered and turn away from the good path to a bad one. We draw people near only with matters that are soft and pleasing."
After the exciting moment of accepting mitzvot, one should continue the national and communal "hug" and try to ensure that one who asserted he is accepting mitzvot will succeed in doing so.
We need the involvement of communal rabbis, heads of yeshivot, kollelim, mechinot, and medrashot together with their students and members of communities. The whole process should be done with great patience, love, and pleasantness. If the religious community will get involved seriously, chances of success will increase and more candidates will step forward.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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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.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat 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: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
