Story perspectives

Orthodox Ruling Sparks Controversy Over Conversions in Argentina

1/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

On January 13, Yosef Chehebar, Argentina's Sephardic chief rabbi, reaffirmed a century-old ruling that only conversions performed in Israel are recognized.
The ruling provoked backlash from non-Orthodox groups, who say it undermines local conversions and asserts Orthodox authority over a non-Orthodox community.
Rabbi Isaac Sacca defended the ruling as a necessary safeguard for conversion practices.
The Masorti movement contends that their conversion processes meet high standards and should be recognized.

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Story summary

On January 13, Yosef Chehebar, Argentina's Sephardic chief rabbi, reaffirmed a century-old ruling that only conversions performed in Israel are recognized.
The ruling provoked backlash from non-Orthodox groups, who say it undermines local conversions and asserts Orthodox authority over a non-Orthodox community.
Rabbi Isaac Sacca defended the ruling as a necessary safeguard for conversion practices.
The Masorti movement contends that their conversion processes meet high standards and should be recognized.