By Benjamin Schuman-Stoler Just when we thought the diverse Jewish spectrum of beliefs could prepare us for anything, the Mormons have out-weirded us. The Church of Latter Day Saints has a ritual that baptizes dead ancestors so families can meet in the afterlife. The problem is that an independent researcher discovered that the database of names the Mormons use includes names of Italian, Polish, Dutch, and Greek Jews who died in the Holocaust. "Hey," you might think, "what's the big deal? Let them do what they do." Well, it's not that simple. Jews aren't exactly thrilled with the idea of afterlife baptisms. AP (via CNN) says, "In 1995, Mormons and Jews inked an agreement to limit the circumstances that allow for the proxy baptisms of Holocaust victims." And at least one organization cries foul: Ernest Michel, honorary chairman...

Continue reading