Conservative US Jews open the door to non-Jews.
The umbrella organization of the Conservative Jewish Congregation in the United States for the first time encourages communities to officially accept non-Jewish friends. The decision was taken on March 1 and is not compulsory. It leaves all the communities free to have their own independent policy. Internet voting member communities attended the general meeting of the Union of Synagogues of Conservative Judaism (USCJ). According to the JTA Jewish news, bill passed by an overwhelming majority of 94 versus 8, with one abstention. 15 member communities did not participate in the general meeting.
“We celebrate the diversity between and within communities and encourage contact with anyone who is looking for a spiritual home in an authentic Jewish environment”, the JTA website comments. “We urge all communities to open their doors wide open to anyone who wishes to enter. Let us do our best to realize the vision of Isaiah “My house will be called Prayer House by all the nations.”
Source: הארץ./ Translation: Br. Joel Moreira, NDS.
