Crisis in Religious Leadership: The Issue of Conversion to Judaism
On the morning of May 4, 2008, the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals sponsored an event featuring Professor Benjamin Ish-Shalom, noted author and lecturer, head of the conversion authority established some years ago by the government of Israel. The program included brunch, and went from 9:30 am until noon at Congregation Shearith Israel, 8 West 70th Street, New York City. Nearly 100 people attended this program.
Professor Benjamin Ish-Shalom, Founder of Beit Morasha of Jerusalem, is Chairman of the Board of the Institute for Jewish Studies--the Joint Conversion Institute established by the govenment of Israel and the Jewish Agency. He is an articulate and powerful voice for Jewish unity and moderation, and a proponent of a wise, compassionate and inclusive Orthodox Judaism.
The program included remarks by Rabbi Marc D. Angel, Director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, and author of the book "Choosing to Be Jewish: The Orthodox Road to Conversion".