Why Can’t We All Get Along?

I’ve long subscribed to the belief that the world is all too eager to make life difficult for the Jews. Which makes it all the more ridiculous and counter-productive for us to make life difficult for each other.

As a Reform Jew and as a Zionist, for instance, I’ve had a lot of trouble accepting the idea that it wouldn’t be easy, or even possible, to be married in a religious ceremony led by a Reform rabbi in Israel (of all places). So when the new issue of Moment magazine arrived in my mailbox the other day, I was quite naturally drawn to the article on “A Marriage Made in Cyprus: The Israeli Mecca for Civil Ceremonies.” If you’re looking for some insight into the history and practical implications of marriage laws in Israel, this piece will be worth a read.

Which is not to say you won’t be left still questioning the system.