In a letter to Israeli leaders, Rabbi Esor Ben-Sorek, president of the Long Island Board of Rabbis, urged the officials "to use your good offices to prevent any changes in the status quo regarding the definition of `Who is a Jew' or `Who is a Rabbi.'"

Although the letter was signed by Ben-Sorek as president of the board of rabbis, he said the letter reflected only his personal views. The Long Island Board of Rabbis represents more than 200 rabbis of non-Orthodox Long Island congregations. {CORRECTION-The Long Island Board of Rabbis represents Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis. A story in Tuesday's Newsday incorrectly explained its membership. (12/15/88 P 2 NS)}

At issue are efforts by Orthodox factions in Israel to change the Law of Return so that only those converted to Judaism by Orthodox rabbis will be entitled to automatic Israeli citizenship. Currently, any Jew may automatically become an Israeli citizen.