Israel: Mikvahs now open to all Jewish streams

[JJ]

Quote:
Ben Dahan: Mikvahs are for all Streams of Judaism


Deputy Minister of Religious Services, Rabbi Eli Ben-Dahan, said today
during a discussion of the Knesset Interior Committee, in which the Ministry
of Religious Services was introduced, "I'm working to create competition in
religious services in order to streamline them and make them friendlier, for
the benefit of any citizen of the State of Israel. Religious services are
for all Jews in Israel and anyone can use them. I emphasize that the
religious services provided are within parameters of Jewish law. "

In response to a question from Attorney Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Masorti
movement, on immersion baths for conversion, Rabbi Ben Dahan said, "Every
Jew, every stream, both Conservative and Reform could use the baths,
including for the purpose of conversion." Mr. Hess welcomed Rabbi Ben
Dahan's statements, "I welcome the declaration of the Deputy Minister of
Religious Affairs, who has explicitly stated that from now on there will be
access for non-Orthodox streams in ritual bath usage, including non-Orthodox
conversions. If so, this is a real change. We look forward to seeing these
new regulations applied as soon as possible. "

End quote

(Note: Up until now, the ladies in charge of mikvahs routinely took upon
themselves to decide who gets to use the mikvah and who does not. Unmarried
women and women who were converted by C and R rabbis were often barred. No
more. ).

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/268757#.UZzkyUrnZc8



Jay