Tag Archives: rabbinical council of california

Widow To Get Torahs Back

Background on this dispute. Jeff emails: Luke: Last April, you blogged about the Mishan Israel/Pauker fight over the Torahs. Just as an FYI, the RCC Bet Din heard the case again and issued a second ruling in Pauker’s favor, demanding … Continue reading

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Converting The Mentally Ill

Orthodox Jews don’t look for converts among non-Jews. They typically turn away three times Gentiles seeking conversion and then only convert them after they have proved themselves. Now what happens if the convert is sincere but mentally ill? Different Batei … Continue reading

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Rabbi Avrohom Union – Gatekeeper

Rabbi Union runs the Rabbinical Council of California, which converts about 30 people a year. He has the power to stop a potential conversions. He’s rejected hundreds of people from the program over the years. Many of them, including myself … Continue reading

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Is The Purpose Of Religion To Aggrandize Yourself Or To Serve God?

That’s the question I think about when I look at Jewish Los Angeles. When the Orthodox Union puts its hashgacha (kosher certification) on toilet bowl cleanser and water, is that just for making money or is there a divine reason … Continue reading

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Rabbi Gershon Bess

I got a copy of City Spirit (a glossy bimonthly) thrown in with my groceries at Glatt Mart yesterday. Leafing through the articles, I paid particular attention to how the writers described themselves. Here’s Rabbi Gershon Bess‘s description — I … Continue reading

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