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Masorti response to Oct. 24 article, THE MASORTI CHOICE
by Rabbi Reuven Hammer (Head of the Response Committee, Masorti Movement) Jerusalem Post, Letter to the editor, Oct. 26, 2004
Sir, "The Masorti choice" (Editorial, October 25) was laudable in correctly identifying Israel's need for the Masorti movement and many of the obstacles facing the movement, as well as its considerable accomplishments.
It was incorrect, however, in asserting that the movement and its leaders are involved in partisan politics.
The prayer that was disseminated had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with ethics and morality. It did not call for supporting any particular policy but asked that we decry hatred and violence.
Furthermore, stating that some rabbis have been or were connected to political groups ignores the fact that in their professional capacities they are totally divorced from partisan politics.
Both rabbis and lay leaders of the movement can be found on all sides of the political spectrum; but the movement itself takes no sides in strictly political matters.
We are proud of the fact that we have members of the Likud, Labor, Shinui, Meimad and the National Union in our midst, and all feel comfortable because they know Masorti takes stands on religious, moral and ethical matters, but not on purely political questions.
It is unfortunate that by making an incorrect assertion concerning our "overt orientation" you have presented a distorted picture of our movement.
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