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“Conversion Crisis: Is the System Broken? (UTJ 2017 Conference – Full Video)

Converts/Conversion, Halakhah, Life Cycle, Modern Judaism, Relationships, UTJ Events

by Rabbi David Novak and Recommended by UTJ

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are that of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Union for Traditional Judaism, unless otherwise indicated.

Full conference video is available on this playlist.  Links to each section of video appear below.

On Sunday, May 17, 2015, the Union for Traditional Judaism convened a discussion of the state of conversion in Judaism, entitled “Conversion Crisis: Is the System Broken?”  The program was chaired by Dr. Adena Berkowitz, co-founder and scholar in residence at Kol HaNeshamah : The Center for Jewish Life and Enrichment and noted author.

Rabbi David Novak, J. Richard and Dorothy Shiff Chair of Jewish Studies, University of Toronto, and President of the Union for Traditional Judaism delivered a talk on the subject of “Reviving the Ger Toshav in the Land of Israel.”

Rabbi Marc D. Angel, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel (The Spanish-Portuguese Synagogue) and Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, presented on the topic of “The Conversion Crisis as a Symptom of a Larger Crisis in Halakhic Judaism.”

Rebecca Thornhill, founder of the Orthodox Converts Network and Senior Associate for Leadership and Global Initiatives at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at New York University, spoke about her experiences as a convert as well as the work of the Orthodox Converts Network.

Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat, Founder and Chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone Institutions, delivered the keynote address on the topic of “Conversion as an Opportunity: the Challenge in Israel and the Challenge in the Diaspora.”

The presentations were followed by a question and answer period including all the speakers.

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About Rabbi David Novak

One of the founding members of the UTJ, Rabbi David Novak is recognized scholar in Talmud and theology. He has served on the Panel of Halakhic Inquiry and contributed to the UTJ’s 3-volume Tomeikh K’Hakalakha, a series of questions & answers on topical religious issues.

 A disciple of Rabbi Saul Lieberman, Rabbi Novak is the author of many books and scholarly works, including:

Rabbi Novak holds the J. Richard and Dorothy Shiff Chair of Jewish Studies as Professor of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Toronto, where he is a member of University College and the Centre for Jewish Studies. He is also a consulting scholar and a member of the Board of Advisors of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University.

Learn more about Rabbi Novak.