The conversion controversy currently raging in Israel may seem confusing to the general public. What are the ultraorthodox, the modern Orthodox, the conservative and Reform all arguing about? How does one become a Jew, universally accepted?

What does Judaism think?

Some people want to construct a huge mega--Mosque a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City. Many are furious about this, feeling that profane at the memory of those who were killed on September 11, 2001. After all, it was Moslems who perpetrated those attacks. Without a doubt, if the plan had called for a cathedral or a synagogue, there would have been far less controversy. This is a true challenge to democracy!

So what does Judaism think?