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Pap 14 THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE February It, |#7f
SAIITAI
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MICHAEL SHAPIRO. OWNER
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Making the change
Judaism conversion is long, arduous process
(In Cheshire Square)
open 7 days week
Lunch 11:30 a.m-2:30 p.m.
Dinner 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
by Carl Alpcrt
HAIFA—In recent years,
between 500 and 750 non-Jews
have converted to Judaism each
year in Israel. It is said that the
number would be much larger if
the conversion process were
shortened and simplified, but it is
not easy to become a Jew.
There is no uniform procedure
here for the steps leading up to
conversion. Some local religious
courts are inflexible and appear to
do everything possible not to
accept converts. Chief Rabbi
Goren, on the other hand,
maintains a more sympathetic
attitude and follows the Talmudic
dictum that while the applicant
should be rejected with one hand,
he should be welcomed and drawn
closer with the other.
Three Ulpan preparatory
courses for approved applicants
are conducted in Tel Aviv, but
more interesting is the intensive
program for applicants who come
from the various kibbutz
movements. Of the thousands of
overseas volunteers who work in
the kibbutzim each year, many of
them non-Jews, there is a small
number who, after exposure to life
in the Jewish State, seek to identify
themselves with the Jewish people
in more than superficial manner.
The desire to marry a Jew is a
common cause for conversion, but
the prospect must convince the
authorities that there is also an
considered, as a further test of
sincerity.
When the course has been
completed, the candidates are
subjected to a series of
examinations. Occasionally some
are considered not yet spiritually
or emotionally prepared for
conversion. Those who pass all
‘Yet in many instances, the new converts
are looked on as “<authorities’’ on Judaism
and teach young sabras some of the more
obvious practices of religious observance. ’
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honest and sincere desire to follow
the tradition of the Biblical Ruth.
The kibbutz Ulpan takes place
in the religious settlement, Lavi, in
the lower Galilee, and lasts three
months. During this time the class
of about 25 is not only exposed to
the natural observance of customs
and ceremonies as practiced by the
families of Lavi, but also follows a
full curriculum in Jewish history
and theology. Part time is spent
doing kibbutz chores, to cover the
costs of their stay.
The language of instruction is
English, since the emphasis is on
assuring proper reception of the
content. Director and teacher of
the course is young Nina Dvir,
mother of four, who holds degrees
in Jewish studies from Yeshiva
University in New York.
Applications come from all sorts
of kibbutzim, including even the
extreme left wing. Most requests
are permitted to cool on the list for
about a year before even being
testa, including personal interviews
with Rabbi Goren, go back to their
kibbutz as full-fledged Jews.
Naturally there is a conflict
between their new way of life and
the pattern of living in, say, a
Shomer Hatzair Kibbutz. Yet in
many instances the new converts
are looked upon as “authorities”
on Judaism, and are in a position
to teach young sabras, by example,
some of the more bbvious practices
of religious observance.
There was one case of a Shomer
Hatzair kibbutz in which the boy’s
parents were willing to have his
Danish bride converted to
Judaism, but got more than they
bargained for when she came back
and insisted on lighting candles
Friday nights.
The convert is known in Hebrew
as a ger, one who comes to live in
our midst, hence an important
consideration is the desire to live in
Israel The conversion document
remains valid only so long as the
individual continues to reside in
the country.
In some cases the candidates
find the transition from one faith
to another most difficult. On the
other hand, Nina told us the story
of one Christian Dutch girl who,
after finishing the coarse, faced her
battery of examiners.
“What is the difference between
Christianity and Judaism?" they
asked her. She looked blank.
“Come now,” they repeated,
“surely you must know of some
differences." She seemed desperate
for lack of something to say. The
rabbis rephrased the question and
gave her another chance.
Finally she stammered out:
“After this course, I can tell you a
great deal about Judaism, but I
can’t compare it with anything
because, you see, I don’t really
know anything about Christian
ity!”
Austrians to air ‘Holocaust’
NEW YORK (JTA)—The Austrian Radio and Television
network ORF, announced that the American-made NBC-TV film
drama "Holocaust” will be aired in Austria early in March in four
uninterrupted installments in prime time. According to the
Austrian Information Center here, the program will be
complemented by documentaries and discussions by historians.
hmorieA
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