With regard to difficult situations or in struggles between people, we often say the same thing – that the words that come out of our mouths can have a tremendous influence and effect on others.

 

However, I am obliged to admit that on a personal level, I had never been conscious until now of the true depth of the meaning of the sentence, “Words have an effect.”

 

When we were in the middle of preparations for the seminar for “Italian Rabbis” that took place during the month of Shevat, I became more and more nervous as the date drew closer. I wondered over and over again whether there would be difficult problems with the subject of conversion and the many loopholes that specifically exist in Italy. Who knew whether we would have an influence with regard to this painful subject? Who knew if there would be any response at all to this important issue? With Divine help, however, I was proven wrong. The thirst to know, to be connected and attentive to the difficulties arising within the realm of conversion and seeking solutions to them were a concern of every single one of the dozens of Rabbis that took part in this important conference. I saw how much power words have to make an effect and the extent that words that are spoken in an honest and responsible manner can bring about true changes in people’s consciousness.

 

Very often, when we hear that there are certain problems in communities throughout Europe with regard to anything related to halachic values, the first response is always to get ready for a battle to uproot these difficulties. But what is so amazing is to see how, in an effective way, with true understanding and focusing, the problems and matters that need improvement can be discussed and understood fully. It is possible to achieve far more this way than by getting into unnecessary struggles. At this amazing seminar, the difficult problems that exist with conversions were raised and examined in an honest fashion. The Rabbis gave an amazing explanation of the seriousness of Jewish law regarding anything to do with conversions and sphere of personal Jewish family life.

 

With true recognition of the need to create an atmosphere of mutual trust in order to solve the complications within these fields, and with an unequivocal understanding that only with the help of a consulting Rabbi can halachic conclusions be made and solutions be found, practical methods and ideas were raised regarding the prevention of the terrible spreading phenomenon of assimilation that is destroying a large part of orthodox Jewry.

 

Many opinions were heard at the conference, which provided major support to Italy’s Rabbis. The actual conference and its goal of highlighting and raising issues relating to the various fields within the personal status of the Jewish nation were expressed by the seminar’s success.

 

Listening to community Rabbis being very enthusiastic about the actual conference and praising this important idea of gathering together to discuss and find ways of dealing with these issues is newsworthy within itself.

“We have never gathered to discuss and talk about spiritual current issues,” said one of the Rabbis who addressed the participants.

 

I feel the need to thank from the depths of my heart the Rabbinical Council of Europe, its Rabbis, supporters and activists, of which I am a part. They agreed to raise the gauntlet and organize this important conference and seminar. This followed last summer, when we visited the Rabbis of Europe and sensed the problems that are on the agenda and we felt it was possible to arrange a conference and seminar for the Rabbis in Italy at which these difficulties could be discussed and solutions be found.

 

On a personal level, I am pleased that I managed to reach this important understanding of how much we can have an influence and the extent of our abilities through effective words spoken with wisdom and honesty to build confidence and change. This is what is necessary, and we hope that we will succeed.