Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie

Op-Ed: Conversion wars undermine Israel and its image

Published on July 26, 2010

Who won the latest round of the conversion wars?

Is There No Other Site for a Museum of Tolerance?

Published on February 11, 2009

If one were intent on undermining Israel’s claim to Jerusalem, there would be no better way to accomplish this goal than to build a Jewish museum atop a historic Muslim cemetery in the heart of the city.

Reform Jews must refashion Shabbat

Published on December 20, 2007

Communal leaders outside of the synagogue love to talk the language of corporate strategy. They engage in endless debates on the latest demographic study. They plan elaborate conferences and demand new ideas. But sometimes we don't need new ideas; we need old ideas. We need less corporate planning and more text and tradition, less strategic thinking and more mitzvot, less demographic data and more Shabbat. Because we know in our hearts that in the absence of Shabbat, Judaism withers.

Time has come to stress Islam’s positive side

Published on September 8, 2007

We know nothing of Islam -- nothing. That is why we must educate our members, and we need your help. And we hope in doing so we will set an example for all Americans. Because the time has come to put aside what the media says is wrong with Islam and to hear from Muslims themselves what is right with Islam. The time has come to listen to our Muslim neighbors speak from their heart and in their own words about the spiritual power of Islam and their love for their religion.

‘Jews Only’ JNF land plan counters Israel’s values

Published on August 9, 2007

It is unthinkable that Israel will be a country where purchasing land will require a paper from the chief rabbinate certifying one's Jewish status. It is unthinkable that Christian and Muslim Israelis, non-Jewish foreign investors and the 700,000 Russian immigrants whose religious status is unclear will be prohibited from leasing public lands. It is unthinkable that a people who has suffered from similar discriminatory laws throughout its history, including in Iran and Saudi Arabia today, will now impose them on others.