Breaking Orthodox Monopoly....

[Phx_Dem]

Breaking Orthodox Monopoly, Israeli Reform and Conservative Congregations Get Government Land Grants

Modi’in, Israel — For the first time in Israel’s history, the Orthodox monopoly on state provision for prayer facilities has been broken, as land and premises have been assigned to congregations run by the Reform and Conservative movements.

These movements are heralding the development as far more than a financial coup: They describe it as a small step toward their recognition as legitimate streams of Judaism in Israel.

“This claims moral ground for these movements, and moral ground is important for them. It is not just a matter of money, but a symbol of legitimacy for non-Orthodox Judaism,” said Bar-Ilan University sociologist Ephraim Tabory, who is researching the standing of Reform and Conservative Judaism in Israel.

http://www.forward.com/articles/14021/