Klal Israël

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"OJK Klal Israel" (Dutch: Open Joodse Kerkgenootschap Klal Israël. English: Open Jewish Religious Society Klal Israel) is a Jewish religious movement founded in July 2007, based in the Netherlands. Its administrative and executive body is Foundation Mayim be Sasson (Stichting Mabas), which comprises a halachic board for conversions (Bet Din le Giyur).

OJK has grown to a nation-wide movement from a single independent, unaffiliated congregation founded at the end of 2005, OJG Klal Israël (Dutch: Open Joodse Gemeente Klal Israël. English: Open Jewish Congregation Klal Israel). This congregation originally comprised two communities, but following an unexpectedly rapid growth, in 2007 the two communities split into two separate congregations (OJG Delft and OJG Assen), and adhered as constituents to OJK. OJG Delft holds services twice a month in the Delft synagogue, Koornmarkt 12 in Delft. OJG Assen holds services once a month at Bethel Church (formely Beet El Synagogue), Groningerstraat 14 in Assen. OJK also hosts a fullscale replica of the Second Temple in the virtual world of Second Life: Holy City. This is used for education and as a community centre by Jews from all over the world. [1].

The synagogue in Delft.
The synagogue in Delft.


Contents

[edit] Founders

OJG Klal Israël was founded by Issachar ('Ies') Tal van Kekem at the end of 2005. Since 06-01-2006 Ies acts as the congregation's prayer leader of OJG Delft and is also known als the Rooie Rebbe (Red Rebbe) for his socialist and progressive views on a large number of moral and ethical questions. He published a book in which he outlines his ideas, Alle Mensen Joden (All People Jews) [2]. On 28 February 2008 in Jerusalem Issachar passed his rabbinical examinations by three orthodox rabbis, and was given smikha - rabbinic ordaination.

[edit] Position within Judaism

OJK Klal Israël is part of Progressive Judaism, and holds progressive views on, among many issues, conversion, homosexuality, the role of women and the role of non-Jewish family members in the congregation. Its essential moral foundations are: equity and justice, equality, democracy and peace [3].

OJK defines itself as unaffiliated, staunchly independent -- and "reformodox". It largely follows the Dutch liberal liturgy. It views the Torah and halakhah as a binding blueprint for a righteous and meaningful Jewish life, but (in accordance with the talmudic injunction not to accept jurisprudence unquestioningly) it maintains that the interpretation of the law must be shaped by a dynamic and critical process that takes into account the needs and peculiarities of the modern world, and of the evolving Jewish civilization.

The name of OJK ("OPEN") is a deliberate response to the historically closed world of Dutch Jewry. In particular, OJK maintains that every person who sincerely and seriously desires to become a member of the Jewish nation (and a fortiori descendants of Jews who do not have halakhic status but are determined to claim their place among the Children of Israel) should be guided in friendship through the halakhic requirements, rather than be discouraged with abstruse bureaucratic impediments.


[edit] Conversion issues

As laid down in the Talmud, the Bet Din le Giyur of Stichting Mabas comprises three Jews suitably knowledgeable in conversion rules, and enforces halachic standards. For conversions, Stichting Mabas will require : 1) a minimum of 12 months of active participation in public worship (a full liturgical year), 2) personal commitment, and 3) completion of a program of study or instruction tailored to the background of the candidate. 4) Finally, the candidate will have to undergo (under supervision of the board) the ritual requirements of Brit Milah (for males; if already circumcised, Hatafat Dam); Tevilah and Kabbalat ol Mitzvot.

[edit] See also


[edit] References

  1. ^ Digital Synagogue at Second Life. Algemeen Dagblad. Accessed 7th June 2007 (Dutch)
  2. ^ Book gives unorthodox view on contemporary Judaism. Accessed 22th May 2007 (Dutch)
  3. ^ Joods.nl on Klal Israël. Accessed 22th May 2007 (Dutch)


[edit] External links

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