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Letter from Jerusalem Masorti Giyur

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Marriage may be the official reason most candidates seek Masorti (Conservative) conversion in Israel, but a decade of interviews reveals far more complex motivations rooted in Jewish ancestry, cultural connections, and spiritual searching. Drawing from extensive participant observation and in-depth conversations with prospective converts between 2010-2020, distinct patterns emerged among key demographic groups: European women marrying Israelis, Germans wrestling with historical legacy, Eastern Europeans reclaiming lost Jewish heritage, and Israeli families pursuing non-Jewish adoption. The Masorti movement's approach diverges notably from Diaspora Conservative conversion by prioritizing national identification over religious observance—creating tension between candidates seeking normative Israeli integration and educators focused on religious commitment. Despite serving a crucial social justice function for diverse populations seeking Jewish identity, the movement faces significant institutional challenges including Orthodox monopolistic practices, legal recognition battles, and resource constraints that limit its broader potential impact. These findings derive from qualitative methodology including sustained teaching experiences with conversion candidates, documenting both individual journeys and systemic obstacles in contemporary Israeli society.

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    Published 2005

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    Yehiel Grenimann