Conservative Judaism/Conservative judaism

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Expert: - 3/29/2011


Question
I come from a traditional/orthodox Iranian family. Over the last few years most of my friends have moved to Conservative Synagogues. I would like to do so, and, what i like to know is, do the conservatives follow the halacha the same way or no. Also, where can i read more about the objectives of the movement in America. I have done a lot of reseach and cannot find anything
Thank You

Ebby

Answer
Dear Ebby,

Thanks for writing.

If you are searching for a Conservative congregation that meets your standards of what is halachah and what is minhag - go and visit either the synagogue and experience the tefilah. Or, make an appointment to meet with different synagogue Rabbis in which you might be interested.

Not knowing where you live, how many choices you have and what is your definition of "traditional/orthodox" I cannot answer precisely for you.

Also, keep in mind that there is a broad range of "traditional/orthodox" practices and standards in the Orthodox community, including Rabbis who call themselves Orthodox while other Orthodox Rabbis would not accept their standards, e.g. for kashrut.

The task, it would seem to me, is to find a synagogue which meets the standards and needs for you and your family - which may or may not be Conservative or be with your friends. You have to be true to yourself and compromise only when there is no choice.

Best wishes and good luck

Rabbi Dov

Conservative Judaism

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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner

Expertise

Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.

Experience

I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)

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