JTA: An association of Orthodox rabbis and Israel�s Chief Rabbinate agreed to form a joint commission to investigate matters of conversion.? Thursday�s decision follows word last month that the rabbinate, an Orthodox establishment that decides on matters of conversion, would recognize only Diaspora conversions by individuals on its short list of approved rabbis.

While the joint commission deliberates, conversions already completed and certified by the council or the Beth Din of America, as well as those now under way, will be accepted by the Chief Rabbinate, according to Rabbi Basil Herring, the executive vice president of the rabbinate.