A leader of the conservative branch of Judaism is traveling the United States to prepare synagogues for a potentially divisive change: allowing the ordination of openly homosexual rabbis. Rabbi Jerome Epstein, executive vice president of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, says a committee of scholars who interpret Jewish law will likely loosen the current prohibition when they vote in December. But he expects the scholars to also let synagogues that believe Jewish law condemns same-sex relationships hire only heterosexual rabbis. In recent years, many Conservative Jews have joined the more liberal Reform stream, which has surpassed the Conservative branch as the largest in America. The Reform movement ordains homosexuals. For Conservative Jews seeking more rigorous observance, the Orthodox branch has become a popular choice. The Orthodox strictly adhere to Jewish law, prohibiting women and homosexuals from becoming rabbis.

- AP