High Court of Justice Rules on Registration of

Converts

Foreword

There are a number of current social issues in Israel which have a close and immediate connection with Jewish life worldwide. We invite your discussion on this particular issue and will be pleased to post a selection of your responses.

Background

On Sunday, 12th November 1995, the Israeli High Court of Justice ruled, giving "de facto" recognition to Reform and Conservative conversions performed in Israel for the purposes of civil issues, such as population registration. It ruled that the Religious Community (Conversion) Ordinance giving the Chief Rabbinate [Orthodox] sole authority over Jewish conversions only applied in cases of personal status [marriage, divorce], i.e. not civil status. Only the Knesset could legislate to decide what sort of conversions are valid or to change who controls personal status registration; at present, these converts would be unable to marry in Israel.

In effect, the High Court did not explicitly recognize Israeli Reform and Conservative conversions, but recommends that the guidelines already in use for recognition of overseas converts who wish to come to Israel under the provisions of the Law of Return, which have been recognized as valid since 1989.

Notes

The Law of Return and the issue of personal status in Israel are extremely complex, as well as divisive, and further reading is recommended.

It is estimated that the population upon which this ruling would have most impact is the 10-20% sector of CIS immigrants, whether non-Jewish or not Jewish in accordance with Halacha [Jewish religious law], some of whom might wish to convert.

Discussion

Do you see this ruling as contributing to Jewish unity in Israel and worldwide?
What are the other merits and/or demerits of this ruling?

 15th November 1995