MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) - More than a century ago, Reform rabbis of the most liberal major branch of Judaism rejected traditional rituals in conversion as meaningless.
On Wednesday, Reform Jewish rabbis came to a different conclusion: that rituals do have meaning for many, and should be observed.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis overwhelmingly approved guidelines that suggest converts be examined by a panel of learned Jews, immerse themselves in a ritual bath, and, for men, undergo circumcision.
The organization of 1,800 clergy says it represents about 1.5 million Reform Jews. About 450 rabbis enthusiastically applauded after the guidelines were approved.
``This statement says we take this process very seriously,'' said Rabbi Aaron Panken, dean of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York. ``It isn't just anything goes.''
The guidelines reverse a position the group has held for 108 years - that traditional conversion rituals are unnecessary. The vote also comes two years after the conference revised its ``Statement of Principles'' to put renewed emphasis on tradition and the study of Hebrew.
``This is a recognition that we are in larger and larger numbers using these rituals and that they deserve our attention,'' said Rabbi Richard Shapiro, who led the committee that drafted the recommendations.
But he added: ``These are not in any way intended to tell individual Reform rabbis what you must do.''
Conversion is especially important in the Reform movement. It is the branch of Judaism most receptive to interfaith couples and openly courts gentiles who express interest in becoming Jews.
Orthodox and many Conservative rabbis reject Reform converts because of the lack of ritual in their conversions and the absence of any requirement to obey Jewish laws, such as keeping kosher.
The new Reform approach encourages converts to adopt Jewish practices, but does not go far enough for the Orthodox to change their position on converts. Reform leaders hope Conservatives will be more accepting.
Rabbi Philip Posner, of Chattanooga, Tenn., was one of only three rabbis at the meeting who voted against the new guidelines.
``Given the incredible, historic importance we have placed on freedom of choice in matters of ritual, I believe I cannot vote for this document,'' Posner said.
Under the guidelines, prospective Jews will study the religion for at least a year. The convert will then be questioned by a Bet Din, a panel of three rabbis or other learned Jews, to gauge his or her commitment to Judaism.
Men will be circumcised or, if they have already undergone the procedure, will undergo a symbolic circumcision, in which a single drop of blood is drawn from where foreskin was removed. Immersion in the ritual bath, or mikveh, will follow.
Rabbis also will be encouraged to immediately consider a gentile's request to convert. Jews have an ancient tradition of turning away a candidate three times to test his or her sincerity.
Next, the conversion committee plans to focus on issues such as how to put together the panel of learned Jews, and what questions it should ask, as well as advanced courses of study for people after they have converted.
Rabbi Beth Singer of Seattle said she plans to incorporate some of the suggestions in the guidelines, such as one that recommends prospective converts meet in support groups.
``We need guidelines of how to be welcoming and how to help a person really come in and feel legitimately, authentically part of a people,'' she said. ``That's what I think the document really does.''
AP-NY-06-28-01 0502EDT
Copyright 2001 The Associated Press.