Master thesis | Theology and Religious Studies (Master)
open access
Conversion to Judaism is a very important topic when discussing the modern state of Israel. The Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel decides who is recognized as a Jew within the State of Israel...Show moreConversion to Judaism is a very important topic when discussing the modern state of Israel. The Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel decides who is recognized as a Jew within the State of Israel and, because of this, decides how conversions should take place. The conversion procedures the Chief Rabbinate of the State of Israel supports is extremely stringent, and the Chief Rabbinate also annuls conversions they deem too lenient. This is a stark contrast to what was practiced with regards to conversion a few decades ago. Throughout Jewish history, conversion procedures were never as stringent as they are today, and annulments of conversions were unheard of. This paper seeks to explain why the stringent approach to conversion in place today arose. To do this, there will be an examination of Jewish history, religious texts, and the politics of the religious sphere of the modern state of Israel. In answering this question, this paper wants to push a two-fold theory that can be used in examining other religions. This two-fold theory examines the way religions interact with other religions, as well as how religions will interact with other cultures. The two-fold theory, thus, can be used to explain culture as being inherently intertwined with religion.Show less
