Resolution on Conversions and Mikvaot in Israel

Whereas the Rabbinical Assembly has expressed its support of conversions of those committed to Jewish life in accordance with halakhah in the State of Israel from all main streams of Judaism and

Whereas conversion is a direct channel to the Law of Return and thus granting this power to one religious stream undermines the principles of freedom of religion and conscience that are among the hallmarks of Israel’s democratic society and

Whereas efforts are again underway to pass legislation granting the power over conversion to one religious stream through the office of the Chief Rabbinate and

Whereas State institutions have denied the use of public Mikvaot to the non-Orthodox denominations for purposes of immersion prior to conversion and marriage.

Therefore be it resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly calls upon the government of Israel to accept the validity of conversions in Israel under the auspices of the main streams of Judaism and that all such converts be entitled to recognition under the Law of Return and for all other purposes and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly also calls upon the government of Israel to provide for the use of mikvaot for converts of all the major denominations and for brides who marry outside of the Orthodox rabbinate and

Be it further resolved that the Rabbinical Assembly continues to call upon the government of Israel to accept and apply the principles of pluralism and mutual respect within Israeli society as exemplified by the extraordinary work of the Masorti movement and our Rabbinical Assembly colleagues in Israel.