Some religious groups and organizations insist on strict adherence to their particular views. Disagree with those, or fail to follow their practices exactly and you may find yourself unwelcome in their company. But the Jewish educational organization Aish HaTorah takes a different approach. While they’re founded on strictly Orthodox principles, they welcome all who come to them seeking support or to learn more about the Jewish faith. That spirit of tolerance and acceptance is a main reason that Ira Riklis, who considers himself to fall somewhere between Conservative and Orthodox in his beliefs and practices, has been a long-time supporter of the organization.
Despite these differences, Ira Riklis
‘ life has been enriched through his studies with some of the group’s Rabbis and has often turned to them for support during trying times. For him, as well as for Aish HaTorah, Judaism is not all or nothing; it is a path one follows throughout life at your own pace.