The Petach Tikvah Rabbinate has rejected a conversion that was performed by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, a leading modern Orthodox rabbi in New York City. The giyur performed by Rabbi Lookstein was viewed as being invalid by the Petach Tikvah Beis Din, explaining the rabbi’s name does not appear on the list of ‘approved’ rabbonim whose giyur is accepted.
Following are a number of reactions to the Rabbanut’s decision not to accept the giyur.
JFNA
The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is deeply disturbed by the recent announcement by the Bet Din of Petah Tikvah that they have rejected a conversion carried out by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, one of America’s leading Modern Orthodox rabbis.
Richard Sandler, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees stated, “The Torah repeatedly teaches us to honor the convert in our midst. The Petach Tikvah Bet Din’s denial of the legitimacy of this convert, who has embraced the Jewish People and undertaken to live a full Jewish life, undermines that fundamental principle. Moreover, the Bet Din’s rejection of one of America’s leading Orthodox rabbis is an affront to the country’s entire Jewish community. We applaud and encourage actions by Israel’s Chief Rabbinate to help overturn the decision.”
RCA
The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, appreciates and supports the efforts of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to reverse the decision of the local Bet Din of Petach Tikvah which refused to accept its recommendation to recognize the validity of the conversion to Judaism of an applicant for marriage arranged by our colleague Rabbi Haskel Lookstein.
Rabbi Shalom Baum, president of the RCA, said, “We regret the angst caused to this righteous convert, as well as the vulnerability felt by many righteous converts who feel that their legitimate status as Jews remains always subject to scrutiny. We call upon the Chief Rabbinate and the Israeli Religious Courts to ensure that in the future such applicants are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We hope that we can strengthen the cooperation between the Rabbinate and the RCA in order to better serve the members of our communities and better represent and facilitate the efforts of our members.”
ITIM
Rabbi Dr Seth Farber, director of ITIM, at the Knesset’s Aliya & Diaspora Committee on Monday 21 Sivan to Minister Naftali Bennett (who attended the committee):
“The Ministry for Diaspora Affairs is spending hundreds of millions if Shekels to connect people to Israel. But the isolationist and dismissive policies of the government of Israel – particularly as expressed through the policies of the rabbinate – undermine any effort to make Jews feel at home in Israel. The time has come to say enough is enough”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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20 Responses
“the rabbi’s name does not appear on the list of ‘approved’ rabbonim”
The Rabbonim have a “CRC” like list?
This can have major ramifications. I believe Yael Kushner was converted by Rabbi Lookstein. She was formerly known as Ivanka Trump!
Why is this newsworthy? Anyone close to the inyan knows that this is the same beis din was misgeyur Ivanka Trump.
Anyone have an extra $10,000? I want to be a convert, too.
The need for some sort of “list” is obvious, because not everyone calling himself “Rabbi” is necessarily reliable or competent in this area. The Rambam says that a similar problem existed in the era of Shlomo hamelech. Ad hoc batei dinim performed conversions where the validity was in doubt and thoseconversions were treated as a safek pending follow-up and clarification.
‘The need for some sort of “list” is obvious, because not everyone calling himself “Rabbi” is necessarily reliable or competent in this area.’
Halachah does not agree.
And in any case, any such list that doesn’t include Rabbi Lookstein would cause one to question the reliability and competence of the person who compiled such a list!
I don’t think that Rabbi Lookstein was megayer Mrs. Kushner.
As a starter, we should withhold any tzadakah or donations to any mosdos in Petah Tikvah until the mindless rabbonim of this so called “beis din” reverse this outrageous decision. Rav Lookstien, shlita, is universally respected among all segments of the frum tzibur in the United States and his conversions should be accepted without question.
There is a list that was compiled way over a decade ago. The list had less than hundred Rabbis and several of them are niftar. The list hasn’t been updated and can be found on itim’s web site. You guys are all up in arms but any rabbi can have a botched conversion and be fooled by a convert prospect. I have seen a chassidic convert drive home his first Shabbat, and modern orthodox from bigger rabbi than one mentioned in pool in Shabbat shortly after conversion. And while this is not the norm it happens and every one of us have to go through intense scrutiny B’zrat HaSh-m this sister will be blessed soon with open road and much more
Who compiled the “approved” list?
This Bet Din is not a bet din tzedek. Our prophet Isaiah described these people. They are destroying the Jewish nation and must be exposed as evil…
Rachatzu Hisaku Hasiru Roa
We have an obligation to pursue justice and point the finger of disdain and scorn at those who claim a spurious authority and warp our tradition and divide our people.
Who is seeking to moderate Tenach
Our heroine Ruth would doubtless have been rejected by this self serving group
They are distorting judaism
It is now time to rid up against those who are destroying and perverting Judaism. Holiness is disdained and decency forgotten. Rav Kook would be horrified at the antics of these enemies of authentic Judaism.
It is no time to stay silent. Racha tau Hizaku Hasiru Roa limduheitev Heitev
Racha tau Hizaku Hasiru Roa limduheitev Seder tirdof
Zedek tirdof zebra meraiim
In a city labelled the gate of hope a bunch of losers and no hopers seek to destroy the Jewish people. They are not authentic and have no authority