UNDERMINING EDITORIAL ON CONVERSION

In the Jerusalem Post Editorial of June 4, CONVERT NOW, the ‘editor’ (whomever is writing under this title) proposes that the State of Israel recognize Reform and Conservative converts as being authentic Jewish Converts. It is no secret that the Post is undergoing drastic changes in its appearance and coverage (most likely due to financial constraints). One of the most revered writers has been let go, Judy Siegel . As she wrote in Sunday’s edition, “not at her initiative.” The paper, in my opinion, does not really cover the ‘news’ for English readers. The paper and its main writers have been slowly leaning leftward. Most English readers are more conservative, and are mainly Orthodox or Traditionally Orthodox in their relationship to observance of Jewish Laws and Customs. The paper does not reflect this readership. To me, it pushes a reformist outlook and tries to claim ‘fairness,’ ‘democratic ideas’ and ‘whats best for Israel’.

Israel is a Nation of Jews who would not be Jewish without the Torah, Halacha, and the wisdom of our Avos and Imahos.

However, to me, this paper has evolved from an English (viewpoint) Newspaper covering the Israeli scene, into an Israeli (viewpoint) paper translated into English, which is primarily about everything (Israeli) political. Rarely are there articles of serious content to appeal to the English (mental) perspective. Many years ago, the Jerusalem Post was where one found interesting articles about the Land of Israel, the People of Israel, the Natural Beauty of Israel, and Issues concerning the continuation of our Nation. These articles included morality, modesty, intellectual stimuli, etc.

In these days, mostly what is printed is politics, political unethical behavior, infighting, police inquiries, rioting of the arabs, murder of Israelis; in essence, slander and deafaning innuendos and smear tactics.

Is this what the English readers need to read?
Where is the unique coverage to uplift Israeli minds and spirits?
Where are the writers without a political agenda?
Where are the editorial comments without an AGENDA?

Now to the undermining editorial on CONVERSION. (my criticism in all caps)

"That there aren’t hundreds of thousands of Israelis who immigrated to Israel under the Law of Return from the former Soviet Union and are not considered Jewish according to Orthodox Halacha”

THERE IS NO OTHER HALACHA THAN THE ORIGINAL MT SINAI HALACHA

“...conversion policies have alienated millions of Jews from around the world who belong to progressive Jewish movements like Reform and Conservative Judaism.”

WHEN ONE DENIES ANY HALACHIC OBSERVANCE OF JUDAISM, BIRTH FROM A JEWISH MOTHER, SHABBAT AND KASHRUS (foundational observance) CAN ONE BE DECLARED JEWISH?

"conversions done in the state still be performed in accordance with Orthodox Jewish law, it would, for the first time, formally recognize Reform and Conservative conversions done abroad for the purpose of aliya”

AGAIN THERE IS ONLY ONE JEWISH LAW, HALACHA FROM SINAI; THOSE WHO DENY THIS ARE NOT TO BE CONSIDERED JEWISH, MAYBE ANOTHER OFFSHOOT OF JUDAISM, LIKE CHRISTIANITY OR ISLAM?

"stop letting a minority within the state hold the entire country hostage”

THE JEWISH NATION IS A MINORITY. UNDER JUDAISM ONE CANNOT PERSONALLY OBSERVE ALL 613 TENETS OF JUDAISM, BECAUSE WE NEED THE THIRD TEMPLE IN ORDER TO PRACTICE THEM. HOWEVER, THE REMAINING LAWS OF JUDAISM CAN BE PRACTICED AND HAVE BEEN THROUGHOUT THE GALUT. SINCE BEFORE WWI THE PEOPLE BEGAN FALLING AWAY FROM OBSERVANCE. AFTER WWIII THE SURVIVORS WERE OF TWO CAMPS, OBSERVANT AND NON-OBSERVANT.

"Deputy Health Minister Ya'acov Litzman’s demand this week to close down Mahane Yehuda marketplace’s popular Jerusalem nightlife venues of bars and restaurants shows what happens when too much power is given to a minority. They begin to think they can control everything. Mahane Yehuda is already not open on Shabbat but Litzman now also wants it closed every weeknight. Why? Simply because he can.”

THIS STATEMENT IS SO REVOLTING. THE SO-CALLED POPULAR NIGHTLIFE IS OFFENDING THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA, WHO APPRECIATE THE QUIET AFTER DAYS FULL OF SHOPPERS AND TOURISTS. THIS TRADITION OF MACHNE YEHUDA IS BEING DISRUPTED BY RAUCUS BEHAVIOR, SIGHTS and SOUNDS UNBECOMING TO JEWISH LIFE; MORE AKIN TO ANCIENT GREEK GATHERINGS. MINISTER LITZMAN IS LOOKING OUT FOR THE RESIDENTS IN THE ARE, NOT “simply because he can (object to their behavior).”

"break free of the haredi stranglehold over matters of religion and state in Israel.”

THE HAREDIM ARE THE LAST VESTIGE OF OUR SACRED RELIGIOUS BEGINNINGS AS A NATION, A PEOPLE CHOSEN BY HKB”H TO EMULATE THE HOLINESS OF G–D.

We are not a Sin-Free Nation, but the “Red Line” must be drawn before the People of Israel fall into an abyss they will not escape from and be saved from.

8 MILLION (four fifths of the people) DID NOT DESERVE TO BE FREED FROM MITZRAYIM; THEY WERE BURIED DURING THE “DAYS OF DARKNESS”.