Choosing Judaism is no Simple Act of Faith with Rabbi Galia Sadan

Every Shavuot, we read the Book of Ruth—the ancient story of a woman who chose to join the Jewish people with the words: “Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.” But in today’s Israel, conversion is no simple act of faith. It’s a legal, political, and deeply personal challenge.In this special Shavuot episode of The Pluralist, Orly Erez-Likhovski, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, reflects on her own connection to Ruth’s story and the ongoing struggle for inclusive conversion in Israel. She’s joined by Rabbi Galia Sadan, head of the Reform Movement’s Beit Din for Conversion and rabbi at Congregation Beit Daniel in Tel Aviv.Together, they explore:Why the Chief Rabbinate's monopoly on conversion excludes so manyHow the Reform Movement provides a meaningful, welcoming path to JudaismWhat recent Supreme Court victories mean for converts—and what challenges remainThe real-life stories behind the headlines🎧 Tune in to hear how the spirit of Ruth is alive today—and why keeping the gates open matters more than ever.