How are halakhic decisions made by the CJLS?
The committee discusses all questions of Jewish law that are posed by members of the Rabbinical Assembly or arms of the Conservative Movement. When a she’elah (question) comes before the CJLS, it may be answered by the chairperson, citing past decisions of the committee. Or the chairperson may refer the question to a subcommittee that is specifically charged with responsibility for that subject. The chairperson may also ask an individual to research the question. In either case, a teshuvah is written by a member of the CJLS. The committee then debates that paper, usually at two meetings, and offers constructive criticism and give-and-take with the authors. As a result, the final papers often reflect the collective wisdom of the committee. Papers are approved when a vote is taken with six or more members voting in favor. Six votes represent a valid position within the Conservative rabbinate. There are times when papers are approved with significant opposition—and sometimes even with con
