This is most likely not the final word in the controversial Civil Marriage Bill. Earlier reports indicating Rishon L’Tzion HaGaon HaRav Shlomo Amar Shlita supports the current version of the bill appear incorrect, as was indicated today, Monday (March 15).

The Rav points out in his letter that efforts have been ongoing during recent years to amend laws to prevent giyur that does not comply with halacha. He explains that he has supported a law permitting civil marriage for non-Jews in Israel, since this does not endanger the future of the Jewish People as a watered-down giyur might.

There is much confusion surrounding the bill, which appeared certain to pass last week, but now, it is anyone’s guess. Rav Amar seems opposed to joining the giyur and goyish marriage issues, each a legitimate matter on its own right. One must remember there are two separate issues, the civil bill to permit non-Jews to marry without the Rabbanut’s involvement, and an effort to amend laws governing giyur. Yisrael Beitenu, in keeping with campaign promises to voters, is pushing the issues, both having a significant impact on immigrants of the FSU, which represents a sizable number of Yisrael Beitenu voters.

The civil marriage issue no longer enjoys support of Rav Amar, Shas or the other chareidi lawmakers, and one may safely assume a coalition crisis is on the horizon as Yisrael Beitenu reminds the prime minister this was a major coalition promise, to advance this agenda. The chareidim on the other hand are equally determined, albeit in opposition, and at present, Shas does not appear to be supporting the bill, also representing a change around.

As far as the giyur bill, the bill will not be raised in the winter session, which ends this week, but more likely early into the summer session. This does not preclude a petition to the High Court of Justice however, and such a move might prompt lawmakers to submit a bill to circumvent the High Court, which is becoming increasingly common.

One challenge may be presenting the law civil law matter as a no-confidence motion, which may compel Kadima to oppose it, and leave the chareidi MKs in a bind, since they do not wish to bring down the government.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)