The state’s new Giyur Bill sponsored by MK (The Movement) Elazar Stern is in its final stages of preparation ahead of its third and final vote. If it is passed it will become law. The bill will permit rabbonim who are certified to perform giyur around the country. The new law would remove the exclusive control over giyur from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. Lobbying in support of the bill is Tzohar Rabbonim, which feels “we must remove the chareidi strangulation on giyur”.
There has been formidable resistance to the bill among chareidi and dati leumi poskim alike, including the Chief Rabbis of Israel, HaGaon HaRav Yaakov Ariel Shlita, and HaGaon HaRav Dov Lior Shlita.
HaRav Chaim Druckman is working with the state in an effort to give halachic legitimacy to the bill. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu turned to Rabbi Druckman in June to advance the giyur bill. Rav Druckman headed the state giyur program under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon until he was forced to retire due to his age.
It now appears the bill will be on the Ministerial Law Committee’s agenda on Monday, 18 Sivan. Proponents are optimistic at that time the final issues will be resolved, permitting the bill to be voted into law.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Join the official YWN WhatsApp status
5 Responses
A Jewish state that doesn’t follow halacha or respect gedolim is not a Jewish state.
Can someone cite a single time in our history prior to the establishment of the State of Israel where there was a central authority controlling conversions?
Druckman is a master of creating pseudo-converts.
Chuck, name one.
Naftush, one? There are thousands.