Comments on: Religious pluralism in Israel? Only with pressure from abroad

By: Reuvain Stein

Reuvain Stein — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 05:40:27 +0000

In secular Tel Aviv there are over 500 Orthodox synagogues, a the majority open daily for prayers and one Reform Temple, Bet Daniel, open just Shabbat. The facts are that Reform in Israel is not successful. It they can't muster more than and few dozen, or even a hundred people weekly its clear that even the so called secular Israelis are not buying their product.

Instead of deal with this reality, Reform leader Rabbi Rick Jacobs used the podium of the GA to demand change in Israel as does this writer. If Reform want change let them get out go door to door and get support. Its clear that as in most countries outside the US they are just a very marginal element. And if it was not for Anat Hoffman getting herself arrested monthly and the noise created by liberal leaders in the US this whole issue.

By: Yonatan Knickerbocker

Yonatan Knickerbocker — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:49:59 +0000

This is pathetic. Calling for North American Jews to save your "progressive" standard? May you fail miserably.

By: Michael W. Perry

Michael W. Perry — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 00:17:54 +0000

How ironic, a Jewish homeland where the rights of Christians, Druze, and Muslims are respected, unlike any other Middle-eastern state. But also a state where Jews must wear a one-size-fits-all religious shoe. I'm neither Jewish nor Israeli, but it does seem that needs to change. Religious practices should be voluntary not coerced.

Of course, as the others note, it's hard to solve a problem when one side in a dispute isn't willing to compromise and will divide a nation in trouble. Perhaps there's something the Orthodox want that everyone else has sufficient power to block. Offer a trade, that something for legally recognizing various forms of the Jewish religion.

–Michael W. Perry, Dachau Liberated.

By: Dror Ben Ami

Dror Ben Ami — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 23:42:03 +0000

very interesting that you should select this forum to post your comments since my torah commentaries have now been banned by the Times of Israel…..

By: Zvi Rosenfeld

Zvi Rosenfeld — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 21:21:11 +0000

the concern is that all voices are heard no matter where they are physically located, borders are less important, its obvious that things need to change, so now we need to figure out how by listening.

By: Michael Mostofsky

Michael Mostofsky — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 21:08:45 +0000

So you think that adding this issue to Israeli politics wont cause even more division among us?

By: Zvi Rosenfeld

Zvi Rosenfeld — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:27:24 +0000

on the contrary, alternative views are a necc step for growth, advancement…breaking the staus quo

By: Michael Mostofsky

Michael Mostofsky — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 20:17:20 +0000

A recipe for more division.