Stop humiliating American rabbis

Putting out a list of American Rabbis whose conversions are not accepted in Israel is humiliating to Jews in America and to their families. In America we respect our spiritual leaders whom we turn to in good times and bad.

As a Rabbi for over forty years, now retired, I always told the few families of those I converted that their conversions would probably not be accepted in Israel. It is particularly upsetting that Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, the executive director of the New York Board of Rabbis is listed.

As chairman of the Holocaust committee of the New York Board and a member for over forty years, I find listing his name very disturbing. Whether Israel accepts his conversions or mine or any of my Rabbinical colleagues is out of our hands. Numerous times on a personal level when someone in my family needed emergency assistance in NY hospitals he always acted immediately and accomplished the impossible.

Leave our Rabbis alone.

Rabbi Dr. Bernhard Rosenberg

About the Author

Rabbi Dr. Bernhard H. Rosenberg, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Beth-El, Edison, New Jersey received his ordination and doctorate of Education from Yeshiva University in New York. He also possesses A.A., B.A., M.A., and M.S. degrees in communication and education. He possesses a Doctor of Divinity from the Jewish Theological Seminary, New York. He taught at Rutgers University in New Jersey and Yeshiva University in New York. His books include: “Theological and Halachic Reflections on the Holocaust,” “Contemplating the Holocaust,” “The Holocaust as Seen Through Film,” and "Echoes of the Holocaust."