Dear Friends –

Thank you. 

Your concern, your passion, and your action led directly to the success achieved today in stopping a Knesset vote on the conversion bill. 

No issue in recent memory has so mobilized Reform Jews and, indeed, Jews from all streams and all parts of Israel and the Diaspora as has the bill proposed by MK David Rotem to vest authority for conversions in the hands of the Chief Rabbinate.  The overwhelming opposition this bill engendered, as evidenced by the tens of thousands of emails and faxes against the bill received by the Prime Minister's office, is rooted in the conviction that the faith and practices of the overwhelming majority of the world’s Jews must not be delegitimized. 
 
The Knesset has now adjourned until October.  While your efforts have helped prevent a vote on the bill this week, there is more to be done. Over the next few months, we will continue to work with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Jewish Agency Chairman Sharansky, and MK Rotem to craft a bill that addresses the problems that currently characterize the conversion process in Israel and that respects all streams of world Jewry.  We will keep you informed throughout and hope that we can continue in the future to count on your voice to speak on behalf of our Movement.

With best wishes for a restful and joyful summer,