tio Remaining Optimistic Rabbi Philip Spectre of the Masorti movement talks of conflicts in Israel. PHIL JACOBS Editor • • R abbi Philip Spectre, brother of Adat Shalom's Rabbi Efry Spectre, gives a guarded, but optimistic, message on pluralism. Rabbi Spectre, the international director of the Masorti (Conservative) movement within Israel, is on a worldwide mission explaining his movement's reactions to recent events in Israel. They include Jewish conversions and the exclusion of non-Orthodox individuals from religious councils. For 14 years, Rabbi Spectre was the spiritual leader in Ashkelon, making his synagogue the national example of Conservative Judaism within Israel. Since his start there, there are now some 50 Conservative shuls in the country. . "There's been a constant and steady growth of the movement within Israel," said Rabbi Spectre. "Even the size of our Camp Ramah has doubled. It's something that's taking strength. We're 20,000 mem- bers with some 60,000 participating in our services. In Israel, 80 percent will say they are Masorti or tradi- tional." In the United States, Rabbi Spectre is spreading the word on Masorti. Yet the main topic that American Jews want to talk to him about is pluralism. "There's obviously the conversion issue and then the issue of who can serve on religious councils. We feel sometimes like we're being given a death sentence here. In the mean- time, we weren't getting any signs that we were being taken seriously by the Netanyahu government." Decisidns on the pluralism issue have been postponed until the end of the year when they will come before the Israeli Supreme Court. Committees of religious leaders are struggling to find a compromise before the case reaches the court. "At this point we have to bite our lip," said Rabbi Spectre. "But there are human beings involved, children involved. There's got to be a move- ment towards Jewish unity. It can't be about disenfranchisement. All we're asking is reciprocal respect. "I realize that is a big order for some, but it's a small order for the unity of our people. I feel if you call yourself Orthodox, Reform or Conservative, you are at a crossroads as a Jew." What happens after Dec. 31, if the rulings go against plurality? "We have plans, we have strategies," he said. "They're being uncom- promising. It would- n't be good if there was no compromise. We've played a key role in trying to bring everyone together." In his travels through the United States, he's hearing concern, but he's also feeling optimistic. "The cause of plural- ism is getting support here not only from the Conservative movement but also from the Reform, the modern Orthodox and others. When the western world talks about the futur6pf Judaism, they see it is necessaryto solve this problem. "We need shalom bay'it [peace in our house]. But the main thing is education now. We have to educate the Israeli government; we have to educate Jews around the world. need eed to know the facts about Israel, and they need to know how to become involved." El Rabbi Philip Spectre remains hopeful. kathryn scott fine apparel for women 148 Pierce Street, Birmingham 248 - 642 - 3064 Hours: Mon. — Sat. 9:30 - 6 Thurs. 'til 8, Sun. 12 — 5 Krandall's Rocks WithValue! 236 heart shape sapphire - Retail $1,180. Sale $472! 1.44 carat heart shape diamond - Retail $3,287. Sale $986! .85 emerald cut emerald - Retail $2,938. Sale WM! 1.56 carat pear shape diamond - Retail $14,325. Sale $8,593! FOURTH KlaNdill& Sem-4c- GENERATION JEWELERS 248 • 362 . 4500 755 West Big Beaver • Troy, Michigan 48084-0072 Main Floor, Top of Troy Tower 11/14 1997 15