Jewish News Channel Exclusive:
The OU responds to Open Orthodox embrace By Shmerel Ding - December 11, 2017
In light of Hebrew Institute of Riverdale’s embrace of to’eva relationships. The Orthodox Union OU has been prodded to confront the schism Open Orthodoxy is making within Judaism, as previously reported by Jewish News Channel.
Below is the official statement sent out today to the inquiring public.
Thank you for contacting the OU.
The OU has been in touch with Hebrew Institute of Riverdale to discuss the OU’s recent policy statement, as set forth below. The discussions have been respectful, with the exchange of differing perspectives. The OU is pleased that the issue has been resolved in accordance with the OU’s policies, as set forth in its statement, as HIR has agreed to refrain from the practice we addressed. HIR has requested that we note that it was not their intention to create a public discussion or controversy.
December 5 OU Statement: It is the OU’s unequivocal position that support for, or celebration of, halachically proscribed conduct is fundamentally inappropriate. Accordingly, the institutional endorsement or encouragement (implicit or explicit) of any conduct that is contrary to halacha is activity that no Orthodox synagogue should allow. With this principle in mind, we are currently in the process of reviewing our synagogue standards to determine whether further comment, or other action, is appropriate.
Sincerely,
The Web(be) Rebbe
Orthodox Union Kashruth Division
The Torah is unequivocal in its condemnation of same gender relationships. The Torah is non negotiable and not open for talks and policy discussions. It is still unclear if the OU will do the right thing and expel Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and others who accept expression of forbidden behavior or will the OU adopt a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy” allowing individual congregations free rein to trample the Torah as long as it doesn’t create bad publicity?
We will be following this issue closely and hope the Orthodox Union does the correct thing so the wider orthodox public can continue relying on them for kashrus services. Amongst bnei torah the void felt by Rav Yisroel Belsky’s passing is only growing
Jewish News Channel
People mistakenly believe that my uncle, Rabbi Belsky, controlled the Orthodox Union. Not only did he not control the OU organization as a whole, but even the Kashrus department he did not control. OU Kashrus was and is controlled by Rabbi Genack of Teaneck, a Yesiva University alumnus. I am told that according to YU standards, Rabbi Genack is a centrist.
ReplyDeleteDear Va'ad
ReplyDeleteWho is the one that said ' say little and do a lot'?