Although I understand the points made in Gary Rosenblatt’s column, (“Fresh Anger From Diaspora Over Conversion Bill,” July 15), there are two important points to consider:
First, there is no such thing as a “second-class Jew.” Either you are a Jew or are not.
Those non-Jews who choose to convert “not according to halacha” for social or convenience reasons, are still first-class non-Jews, not second-class Jews.
Only Judaism can define who is a Jew. What’s wrong with calling them Jewish sympathizers?
Second, regarding unity, since all Jews would accept converts according to the most stringent requirements — namely, those of the Orthodox — then giving the Orthodox a monopoly on conversion means that there is only one class of Jews. Giving non-Orthodox the power to convert non-Jews means that those who are further to the right religiously cannot accept these “converts” as Jews, splitting the Jewish people.
Cleveland
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.
