Australian Orthodox Rabbis Gather For Annual Conference

From AJN:

AUSTRALIA’S Orthodox rabbis gathered in Sydney late last month for the biennial National Rabbinic Conference.

And over the course of the two-day conference -– arranged by the roof body Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia (ORA) -– a number of resolutions were passed.

In a first-ever motion, ORA resolved to interact with the community lay-leadership, namely with representatives of Executive Council of Australian Jewry in ongoing liaison.

In relation to education, ORA said that with a substantial percentage of children not attending Jewish day schools, it resolved to provide for their education through both personal assistance and by facilitating further enrolments.

The conference also resolved to form a subcommittee to explore the practical and halachic issues associated with organ transplantation and donation in Australia.

In regards to abortion, ORA resolved to issue a public statement regarding the Torah view.

Regarding same-sex relationships, ORA reaffirmed that all Jews were part of the Jewish community and klal Yisrael, and were “welcome in our synagogues”.

However ORA reaffirmed that a same-sex commitment ceremony, “in any form, has no place in Judaism”.

ORA also resolved that the rabbinic state bodies should form a subcommittee to deal with potential chillul Hashem and unethical public behaviour. 

About Luke Ford

Raised a Seventh-Day Adventist at Avondale College in Australia, Luke Ford moved to California in 1977. He graduated from Placer High School in 1984, reported the news at KAHI/KHYL radio for three years, attended Sierra College and UCLA, was largely bedridden by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for six years, and converted to Judaism in 1993. From 1997-2007, Luke made his living from blogging. Living by Beverly Hills (Alexander90210.com), he now teaches the Alexander Technique (moving the way the body likes to move). Lessons cost $100 each and last about 45 minutes. In 2011, Luke completed a three-year teaching course at the Alexander Training Institute of Los Angeles. His personal Alexander Technique website is Alexander90210.com. Luke is the author of five books, including: » The Producers: Profiles in Frustration » Yesterday’s News Tomorrow: Inside American Jewish Journalism
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