Category Archives: Conversion

Royal Black African Convert Becomes Orthodox Rabbi

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Luke Ford

“The remarkable story of a black African from a royal lineage in Swaziland who was raised a Christian, converted to Judaism and became a Haredi Litvish Rabbi in Israel. It begins with Rabbi Natan Gamedze’s first visit home in 16 … Continue reading →

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For A Jewish Conversion To Be Valid, Do You Have To Believe In Creationism?

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Luke Ford

David Kelsey comments: If the haredim believe that the only reason to convert is out of sincere belief, and if we also agree that the haredim believe that it is too easy to convert today, as witnessed by numerous attempts … Continue reading →

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The Laws Of Converting To Orthodoxy Judaism

Posted on October 26, 2014 by Luke Ford

Rabbi Elchonon Tauber, a leading expert on Jewish law in Los Angeles, says in this class posted online: “We don’t encourage proselytizing. We have no intention of making goyim into Jews. There’s no mitzvah. Chazal (Talmudic rabbis) say that converts … Continue reading →

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Are R. Barry Freundel’s Orthodox Conversions Still Valid?

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Luke Ford

I ask historian Marc B. Shapiro: “What do you think of the RCA coming out with a quick statement that all of R. Freundel’s conversions are valid? I suspect haredim now have even more reason to dismiss all MO conversions.” … Continue reading →

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Los Angeles Has Its Own Barry Freundel

Posted on October 15, 2014 by Luke Ford

The Modern Orthodox rabbi arrested in Washington DC yesterday on charges of voyeurism has a long history of accusations reported to rabbinic organizations about his improper behavior with women, similar to Rabbi Abner Weiss in Westwood. Rabbi Weiss is still … Continue reading →

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