AJN: An organisational restructure and a change in approach to issues affecting Israel were among the resolutions passed at the biannual conference of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia (ORA) this week.? ?

Close to 70 Orthodox rabbis, out of a total of 98 members in Australia and New Zealand, met in Melbourne for two days of lectures, discussion groups and a dinner at which Yeshivah Centre director Rabbi Yitzchok Dovid Groner was the keynote speaker.

�The conference was very successful and we had the highest turnout in some time,� ORA president Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick said.? Regarding the possible restructure, Rabbi Gutnick said: �We felt that it would be wise to bring our organisation into the 21st century and draft a new constitution that will reflect our wishes and protect us accordingly.�

A working party was established with a view to turning the organisation into a roof body for the state rabbinic bodies.

Rabbi Gutnick said the session on Israel resulted in an agreement to �a united attitude towards Israel that is in accordance with halacha but also realistic given Israel�s present circumstance�. ?

It was agreed that there be an absolute policy of opposing any violence or encouragement to disobey orders.

Rabbnical Council of Victoria president Rabbi Meir Shlomo Kluwgant said: �We don�t need to have the same opinions [as one another] …? unity doesn�t mean having the same opinion, it means we respect the right of each other to have different opinions.�

Other topics covered included marriage in accordance with halacha and the various problems facing smaller Jewish communities. ?

The speakers included Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Grahame Leonard.

At a dinner on Monday night, Rabbi Groner received an award from ORA for more than 50 years� service to the Australian rabbinate.