American Conversions In Jeopardy, Rabbi Claims

"If a marriage registrar does not feel beholden to recognize an Orthodox conversion certificate issued by the government of Israel, there is no reason to think they will not scrutinize a conversion performed overseas, even if it has approval from the chief rabbi.” Chief Rabbi Versus Chief Rabbi On Conversions Michele Chabin • NY Jewish Week Israel Correspondent Jerusalem — An apparent power struggle between members of Israel’s centrist Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox establishment has left thousands of Israeli converts in religious limbo. Although the standoff is so far centered on Israel-based conversions, it could ultimately affect overseas conversions as well, according to some observers. The disagreement — which cuts to the very heart of who is a Jew — pits Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the country’s Ashkenazi [sic] chief rabbi and the... [read full story]                    

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