JTF.ORG Forum
Torah and Jewish Idea => Torah and Jewish Idea => Topic started by: rafeli18 on July 14, 2013, 11:39:55 AM
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I'd just like to firstly say thank you to those who replied to my introductory thread. Like I mentioned my views haven't always been the same. Like many I genuinely believed that Israel was an evil state based on the coverage that news agencies like
the BBC wished to portray Israel as whilst in reality they were simply defending themselves from rocket attacks and suicide bombings like any other state would.I further believed in the liberal myth that the "nasty European Jews" had stolen Palestinian land however there was never a Palestinian State and there had always been a Jewish presence in the Holy Land. If I may endorse such a book it would have to be "The Case for Israel" by Alan Dershowitz who eloquently defends the right of Israel.
I am 18 years old and currently live in London, England. My mother is a fairly irreligious Roman Catholic whilst my father is halachically Jewish(his mother was Jewish but converted) but is now a lapsed Catholic.I, for the record was baptised but have since become lapsed like my father. Ever since the age of 13 I've been struck with a continuous form of spiritual and emotional void which I have desparately been trying to rid of. At first I simply dismissed it as nonsense and soon turned to atheism in the hope that I would forget my woes but this failed. I should perhaps add my older sister has always had a deep interest in Judaism and its cultural practises which eventually encouraged her to study Hebrew and Jewish Studies at university. Therefore, for a large part of my childhood I was surrounded by the works of Primo Levi, Chaim Potok and even classical scholars such as Philo. I feel it would be ridiculous to say this didn't at least have some impact upon me and indeed a book my sister recommended to me started to open my eyes." Essential Judaism" by George Robinson really fascinated me and helped me gain a clearer understanding of the religion and its long and unfortunately often tragic history. It seems the more I learn about Judaism, the lesser my spiritual problems are which may perhaps be perceived as a sign from G-D? I am also aware of the 7 Noahide laws and I try to abide by them but for me they're aren't fulfilling enough.Apologies If I have bored you with my predicament but what course of action would you perhaps advise?
Todah Raba
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Welcome to JTF.
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I'd just like to firstly say thank you to those who replied to my introductory thread. Like I mentioned my views haven't always been the same. Like many I genuinely believed that Israel was an evil state based on the coverage that news agencies like
the BBC wished to portray Israel as whilst in reality they were simply defending themselves from rocket attacks and suicide bombings like any other state would.I further believed in the liberal myth that the "nasty European Jews" had stolen Palestinian land however there was never a Palestinian State and there had always been a Jewish presence in the Holy Land. If I may endorse such a book it would have to be "The Case for Israel" by Alan Dershowitz who eloquently defends the right of Israel.
I am 18 years old and currently live in London, England. My mother is a fairly irreligious Roman Catholic whilst my father is halachically Jewish(his mother was Jewish but converted) but is now a lapsed Catholic.I, for the record was baptised but have since become lapsed like my father. Ever since the age of 13 I've been struck with a continuous form of spiritual and emotional void which I have desparately been trying to rid of. At first I simply dismissed it as nonsense and soon turned to atheism in the hope that I would forget my woes but this failed. I should perhaps add my older sister has always had a deep interest in Judaism and its cultural practises which eventually encouraged her to study Hebrew and Jewish Studies at university. Therefore, for a large part of my childhood I was surrounded by the works of Primo Levi, Chaim Potok and even classical scholars such as Philo. I feel it would be ridiculous to say this didn't at least have some impact upon me and indeed a book my sister recommended to me started to open my eyes." Essential Judaism" by George Robinson really fascinated me and helped me gain a clearer understanding of the religion and its long and unfortunately often tragic history. It seems the more I learn about Judaism, the lesser my spiritual problems are which may perhaps be perceived as a sign from G-D? I am also aware of the 7 Noahide laws and I try to abide by them but for me they're aren't fulfilling enough.Apologies If I have bored you with my predicament but what course of action would you perhaps advise?
Todah Raba
Welcome. The Noahide laws sustain society, but it's not overwhelming in the way of spirituality. Talk to Muman for Judaism, or The Noahide for that. Any questions you have about life or the religion, they probably know.
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Thanks. Would I be correct in assuming they're users here?
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Thanks. Would I be correct in assuming they're users here?
Yes, and apparently, others would be happy to talk to you as well.
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Shalom Rafeli,
If you are asking whether you need to convert to Judaism based on your ethnic background, the answer would be yes if your mother is not Jewish. One is only Jewish if their mother is Jewish or if they convert according to halacha.
If you are asking whether you should convert to Judaism based on your spiritual level, the answer is that only you can determine that, but since I am going through a similar spiritual journey I can offer a little advice. It is important that converts to Judaism not become "lapsed". The idea is that converts to Judaism must be loyal Torah-observant Jews for life. You are fairly young, and although you are welcome to convert, you may not be the exact same person in say 5 years that you are today. One thing you may want to try is living awhile as a Noahide in order to work through any obstacles (intellectual, financial, family-related, etc.) that might prevent you from becoming a good Jew. It would also be good to learn Hebrew. In my case I decided I wanted to become Jewish in my early 20's but won't be actually doing it until my mid-30's, and I'm glad I didn't convert earlier. I have also learned Hebrew. If you feel like you are ready, the next step would be to contact an Orthodox Beit Din that is officially recognized (including in Israel) to perform conversions, and they will fix you up with an appropriate rabbi to teach you how to become Jewish. I am not sure who a good British point of contact is for this, but I can give you the list of American and Canadian Batei Din and hopefully they can point you in the right direction:
http://www.judaismconversion.org/batei.din.html
Yes, my paternal grandmother was jewish until she converted whilst my grandfather is supposedly descended from Italian conversos.
Of course circumstances will change and I agree with you on this.For the time being you're right it would be wiser to perhaps explore more of the tents of Judaism whilst adhering to the 7 Noahide laws and after a while I'll see how things turn out. Regarding learning Hebrew when my sister comes back from her study leave she's apparently more than happy to give me some introductory lessons in the language since she herself is a fluent speaker.After having researched somewhat the different branches of Judaism would I be correct in stating that Reform Judaism is marginalised as being too deviant from the core teachings of Judaism? I'm aware of certain clauses within the movement that for example make belief in God optional.Thanks for the link you posted it had some interesting information.
Rafeli
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That explains why Israel therefore doesn't recognise reform conversions as a basis for marriage.Oh, I did a quick search and there are 2 synagogues in my area(1 Orthodox and 1 Liberal) but they don't really provide much information regarding conversions. Would I be impertinent of me to ask what your feelings were when you embraced Judaism?
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Could you perhaps elaborate on certain aspects? So I gather this would mean some wouldn't convert me. For me Judaism largely offers spiritual and emotional nourishment if that makes sense at all. I'm much more moved by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his own son for G-d than the Christian idea of vicarious redemption amongst the microcosm of strength in times of weakness as shown by David's victory over Goliath..I also admire the strong communal spirit that the Jewish community have for each other in that they're willing to support each other even in the most adverse conditions as we have witnessed. Their resilience is surely an admirable trait. I myself come from a diverse ethnic background whose reputation for togetherness is rampant( Italian, Chinese and Japanese) but for me it just doesn't feel the same.
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Oh ok thanks, I just looked them up and there are some centres that are not too far from me so I may ask them for some more information if I hopefully decide to change my life for the better. If memory serves they'll reject me 3 times?
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Beth Din is the official authority I gather. I've read Essential Judaism as well as A guide to Kabbalah, both of which made some references to conversion however would you recommend any books that primarily focus on converting?
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Thanks, I appreciate your advice and hopefully things will change for the better.
Asides from the aftermath of converting, how did you find the actual course of conversion? It's undoubtedly a very hard process that requires sincerity and determination. I'm willing to devote any amount of effort if the occasion ever arises.
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Thanks, I appreciate your advice and hopefully things will change for the better.
Asides from the aftermath of converting, how did you find the actual course of conversion? It's undoubtedly a very hard process that requires sincerity and determination. I'm willing to devote any amount of effort if the occasion ever arises.
I was born Jewish but I never knew anything about Judaism until I found JTF, so I can say, it's definitely a pleasure for me to read ideas from Torah and then commentaries from 5-20 rabbis on it that contradict or are on other levels, and then decide which ones I believe and try to develop a real understanding on why those words were put there and how they tell me to live more freely through morality, and do good for the Jewish people and their mission to make the world a better place and merit the coming of the Moshiah.
Someone link her to What does it mean to be Jewish by Rabbi Meir Kahane on youtube or his Mantle of heaven. Those are really what made me want to look further, and the more you do, the more you more you feel obligated to do many time-consuming things, and the more you wonder how you did more than half of anything right without it.
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Welcome Rafeli. You will find that a lot of people here will love to help you.
You are young and on your way to a great journey! About conversion, it is hard but there are many people who do complete the program. Naturally, a Rabbi will have to tell you about the possibility of remaining a Noahide. And you must keep an open mind of entertain the idea of remaining a Noahide. But if your soul yearns for more and if you persist and if the rabbis see that you persist, then they will help you become Jewish.
What you must do, if you don't do so already, is pray a lot. Every day. Morning and night. Place all your faith on Hashem, that He may give you what you need. I think a good book I can recommend is The Garden of Emuna, by Rabbi Shalom Arush. You must build on strengthening your your Emuna.
Obviously, study the Torah (even write down questions for when you are assigned a teacher by the Beis Din). Study the 613 mitzvot. And you will also have to experience the Jewish Holidays, to know their meanings, their observance and history.
I think a great way to learn about the 613 mitzvot is the 24 part lecture series by Rabbi Mizrachi on his website. Where he talks about all the mitzvot one by one. http://www.divineinformation.com/category/the-613-commandments-series/
What I will also recommend is that you start to give tzedakah to any organization you want.
The list goes on. I think you are in the right place to get help.
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I forgot to mention...
The conversion process could be a year or two. More or less, depending on your knowledge. So that is why it is better to build yourself up now and pray a lot (and give to charity) so that when you do meet with the Beis Din, Hashem will help you when meeting with them.
You also have to start becoming part of the Jewish community. Even if it is not a community that does conversions, at least start to become part of them. Go to the events, go to the services. Chabad is usually good for this, maybe they won't help you for the conversion but at least it is good to be part of their events so that when you do go to a Beis Din, they will be able to see that you have indeed been part of a Jewish community. They could be your reference as proof to a Beis Din that you have been part. Also, if you go to Chabad services, they do not charge you for a seat. And you could go for the High Holidays.
Lastly, save up money because you will have to move to a Jewish community. Eventually. Maybe you can find yourself a Jewish roomate and share a place that keeps a kosher kitchen. And is within walking distance of an Orthodox shul. Otherwise, no Beis Din will be able to convert you if you do not have a kosher kitchen and live close to a shul.
Also, note that your family will stop being your family. They will always be your blood relatives and will owe them your love and respect, but your new family will be your fellow Jews and your father and mother will be Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imanu.
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Thank you for your detailed and quite moving response. You mentioned joining a Jewish community a few days ago I signed up for the Israeli organisation Standwithus. Would the Beis Din consider this relevant as it involves different religions rather than having a primary Jewish focus.Also regarding your second main point though there are 2 synagogues within my area they're quite far. It would probably take me around 45 mins to reach the Orthodox one so this may become an issue. So would it therefore be advisable to perhaps keep looking for other areas whilst I'm at university? I'm quite interested in quite esoteric forms of Judaism such as Kabbalah. In fact wearing it around my wrist seemed to give me a lot of fortune when I was doing my exams which is part of the reason I started to believe in Hashem.
This site is really informative and quite helpful as you said :)
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Thanks. Would I be correct in assuming they're users here?
I quite stupid, what do you mean by "users"? :)
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I quite stupid, what do you mean by "users"? :)
Sorry, it's an english term for someone who has an account
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Sorry, it's an english term for someone who has an account
You mean like this... http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usury
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No of course not!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_(computing)
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/computer+user
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Thank you for your detailed and quite moving response. You mentioned joining a Jewish community a few days ago I signed up for the Israeli organisation Standwithus. Would the Beis Din consider this relevant as it involves different religions rather than having a primary Jewish focus.Also regarding your second main point though there are 2 synagogues within my area they're quite far. It would probably take me around 45 mins to reach the Orthodox one so this may become an issue. So would it therefore be advisable to perhaps keep looking for other areas whilst I'm at university? I'm quite interested in quite esoteric forms of Judaism such as Kabbalah. In fact wearing it around my wrist seemed to give me a lot of fortune when I was doing my exams which is part of the reason I started to believe in Hashem.
This site is really informative and quite helpful as you said :)
They may take into account the fact that you want to take up the Jewish cause. They would be more interested, however, in knowing that you have Jewish friends and living IN a Jewish community. Are you female? If so, get female Jewish friends. I do suggest you start looking to moving where you can move to, that would be a Jewish community, where you could walk to shul.
Also, I understand that people would be interested in the Kabbalah but let us keep in mind that the sages who studied it were Torah scholars who had a deep level of understanding of Judaism before they even started to study the kabbalah. If one does not have a deep level of understanding of the Torah and concepts of Judaism, they may be left confused by the words of the Kabbalah. And that is how you get Hollywood type of people who think they study "kabbalah" like Madonna etc.. But actually, they really do not know the gist of it.
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I'm an 18 year old male. Like I mentioned in my earlier posts my father is halachically Jewish since his mother was jewish but she converted to Catholicism. Some people at my school are Jewish and I sometimes speak to them but I have a feelin they're not really religious.On the other hand my sister studied Hebrew and Politics so a lot of her friends are Jewish.
I have heard about Madonna and her mad escapades. Coorect me if I'm wrong but is kabbalah only a small part of the yeshiva lifestlye anyway? So, my main focus must be on judaism as a whole.
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I'm an 18 year old male. Like I mentioned in my earlier posts my father is halachically Jewish since his mother was jewish but she converted to Catholicism. Some people at my school are Jewish and I sometimes speak to them but I have a feelin they're not really religious.On the other hand my sister studied Hebrew and Politics so a lot of her friends are Jewish.
I have heard about Madonna and her mad escapades. Coorect me if I'm wrong but is kabbalah only a small part of the yeshiva lifestlye anyway? So, my main focus must be on judaism as a whole.
Yes, Kabbalah is an in depth study, after you have learned and live a Torah life... And a lot of the fakes look at kabbalah as way to gain more in their own selfish ways, they don't care about HaShem, they care about themselves! They might as well study witchcraft!
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What is passed off as kabbalah today is not really kabbalah, even in religious circles. The focus should be on learning Torah and the commandments, especially for beginners.
That seems like a quite a wise thing to do to prevent people from deviating and focusing on smaller matters.
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Yes, Kabbalah is an in depth study, after you have learned and live a Torah life... And a lot of the fakes look at kabbalah as way to gain more in their own selfish ways, they don't care about HaShem, they care about themselves! They might as well study witchcraft!
Are people really that opportunistic when it comes to matters of G-d and religion?
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Are people really that opportunistic when it comes to matters of G-d and religion?
Heck yeah! Look at all the people that get rich from teaching and preaching their own version of the Bible... THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT G-D THEY CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES!
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Heck yeah! Look at all the people that get rich from teaching and preaching their own version of the Bible... THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT G-D THEY CARE ABOUT THEMSELVES!
Isn't there are an American Mizrahi rabbi that "advises" Hilary [censored] Clinton, Michael Jackson?
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Shalom Rafeli18,
Welcome to JTF. It sounds to me like you have a genuine interest in Judaism. I think that is a great thing. You must ask yourself if you are ready to take on the entire 613 commandments as given to us through Moses at Mt Sinai. If you are converting it is essential, from a religious standpoint, to ensure that those converting are sincere in their desire to take on the lifestyle of Torah.
Let nobody fool you, it is more restrictive than you may think. You will want to learn about the laws of Kashrut, the laws of prayer (times and rituals involved including tallis and tefillin), the laws of family purity, the laws of the holidays and Shabbat. Of course during a conversion you will be introduced to all of these things slowly and with a chance to absorb it before being 'obligated' to them. Many Rabbis may try to dissuade you from making the conversion, and this is a good thing.
I do believe that some Chabads may provide you with an opportunity to learn about Jewish law and custom. I am involved with Chabad in my area and they are certainly open to all people who are genuinely interested in Jewish education, while they always first recommend non-Jews accept the seven Noachide laws.
So I look forward to speaking with you in the future.
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I'm an 18 year old male. Like I mentioned in my earlier posts my father is halachically Jewish since his mother was jewish but she converted to Catholicism. Some people at my school are Jewish and I sometimes speak to them but I have a feelin they're not really religious.On the other hand my sister studied Hebrew and Politics so a lot of her friends are Jewish.
I have heard about Madonna and her mad escapades. Coorect me if I'm wrong but is kabbalah only a small part of the yeshiva lifestlye anyway? So, my main focus must be on judaism as a whole.
Pay no attention to the 'maddonas' we have no such thing in Judaism... She is a mockery of Jewish belief. Her desecration of all that is Jewish will cause her much distress in the next world...
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Isn't there are an American Mizrahi rabbi that "advises" Hilary [censored] Clinton, Michael Jackson?
I don't know, and if they do they are sellouts! The best Rabbi for America was the Lubavitch Rabbi. IMO.
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I don't know, and if they do they are sellouts! The best Rabbi for America was the Lubavitch Rabbi. IMO.
Found him-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmuley_Boteach
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Found him-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shmuley_Boteach
Okay I have you, but NO!
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Okay I have you, but NO!
I've been reading about Meir Kahane. His ideas were good but people demonised him.
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I've been reading about Meir Kahane. His ideas were good but people demonised him.
He told religious truth, and if you do that you are demonized!
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He told religious truth, and if you do that you are demonized!
He was fair as well to the Arabs .They could leave or accept Hashem
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He was fair as well to the Arabs .They could leave or accept Hashem
Yes he was. And they should leave it's not their land. They only came for work after the Jews came back!
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Yes he was. And they should leave it's not their land. They only came for work after the Jews came back!
Would he have accepted arab converts fully given the tensions?
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Would he have accepted arab converts ?
I can't speak for him... but I don't see why not, if they truly want and believe in Hashem, why not...
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I can't speak for him... but I don't see why not, if they truly want and believe in Hashem, why not...
That's the difference between Judaism and Islam. It takes literally 2 minutes to convert and once you become a Mooslim you can't leave :o
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Shalom Rafeli18,
Welcome to JTF. It sounds to me like you have a genuine interest in Judaism. I think that is a great thing. You must ask yourself if you are ready to take on the entire 613 commandments as given to us through Moses at Mt Sinai. If you are converting it is essential, from a religious standpoint, to ensure that those converting are sincere in their desire to take on the lifestyle of Torah.
Let nobody fool you, it is more restrictive than you may think. You will want to learn about the laws of Kashrut, the laws of prayer (times and rituals involved including tallis and tefillin), the laws of family purity, the laws of the holidays and Shabbat. Of course during a conversion you will be introduced to all of these things slowly and with a chance to absorb it before being 'obligated' to them. Many Rabbis may try to dissuade you from making the conversion, and this is a good thing.
I do believe that some Chabads may provide you with an opportunity to learn about Jewish law and custom. I am involved with Chabad in my area and they are certainly open to all people who are genuinely interested in Jewish education, while they always first recommend non-Jews accept the seven Noachide laws.
So I look forward to speaking with you in the future.
Thank you for your kind words. My interest in Judaism has slowly increased over the years due to several factors.I admire the spirit of Judaism and the resilience of the Jewish people against such adversity. My grandmother was Jewish until she converted so there was some influence on my life but it was relatively minimal. I am aware of the 613 commandments from Hashem that maintain order and holiness. Whilst at such a early stage in my life I could make a rash decision I sincerely hope that my perseverance will shine through especially when faced with the 3 rejections scenario. I am currently reading Essential Judaism which is really insightful. Would you recommend any others? It's the holidays now so I have more free time.
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Pay no attention to the 'maddonas' we have no such thing in Judaism... She is a mockery of Jewish belief. Her desecration of all that is Jewish will cause her much distress in the next world...
She claims to be religious whilst posing half naked on stage. Chutzpah or what?
I do admire her humanitarian stance however but she's over the top
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Shalom Rafeli18,
Yes indeed Rabbi Kahane was a tzadik (Righteous Man) and he what he said was pure Torah truth. He did not mince his words, he spoke the truth from the hip, and knew that his words were the Torah of Moses from Sinai.
I am what is called a Baal Teshuva, a born Jew who went off the path during his mid life, and came back (Did Teshuva/Repentence/Return) to the faith of my forefathers. I have a long story about what brought me to do teshuva, but one thing was the fact that my brother was a victim of 9/11 (he worked in the WTC). That event, along with some other personal travesties, brought me to return, and accept an Orthodox lifestyle (which a bit of bumps and potholes along the way).
I find that the only answer to the haters, both the nazi Jew haters, and the islamic Jew haters, is to concentrate on our Torah, bettering ourselves, and being strong against all of our enemies and never backing down in the face of terrorism or threats. Jews can tap into untold Blessings from the Holy One, Blessed is he. We were promised this in the Torah, and my ten years of study of the Torah teach me that through our own betterment we can reap the rewards of this physical world, and at the same time we ensure our eternal world and reward.
If you would like to learn about a major focal point of the Torah, and the faith of Jews, you should begin by studying the history of the destruction of our Holy Temple. We are currently in a period just prior to the date, which is this Tuesday (starting Monday night), when both of our Temples were destroyed (first by the Babylonians and second by the Romans).
Jews who mark this occasion do not study any Torah except for the book of Lamentations, and other Talmud and Prophets portions which recall those very sad times.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WBf6okMwBeM/TtLWS60vMcI/AAAAAAAAAu8/Q6QpU-QYV_I/s800/Rabbi%2520Kahane_Poster_2.jpg)
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I'm sorry to hear of the tragic circumstances you went through.
I recall learning about the injustices of the destruction of Solomon's temple. I will certainly attempt to read The Book of Lamentations. I suppose in a sense these 2 events are symbolic of the steadfastness of the Jewish people. The ability to strive even after terror has struck. When I'm sometimes sad I listen to songs like Hava Nagila or Shalom Aleichem and the cadence motivates me to get on with my life. I guess it sounds really cliche but it's true.
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She claims to be religious whilst posing half naked on stage. Chutzpah or what?
I do admire her humanitarian stance however but she's over the top
She went back to Catholic beliefs that copied early gnostic christian beliefs that were shut down by the Church, because they were to Jewish!
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I also have to add! :::D
Rebuild the Temple!
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She went back to Catholic beliefs that copied early gnostic christian beliefs that were shut down by the Church, because they were to Jewish!
Really ? Either she's doing it for attention or she's a bit mad :dance:
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I also have to add! :::D
Rebuild the Temple!
http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/a-new-muslim-vision-rebuilding-solomons-temple-together/2013/03/12/
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I'm sorry to hear of the tragic circumstances you went through.
I recall learning about the injustices of the destruction of Solomon's temple. I will certainly attempt to read The Book of Lamentations. I suppose in a sense these 2 events are symbolic of the steadfastness of the Jewish people. The ability to strive even after terror has struck. When I'm sometimes sad I listen to songs like Hava Nagila or Shalom Aleichem and the cadence motivates me to get on with my life. I guess it sounds really cliche but it's true.
Thank you Rafeli18... I appreciate it.
We are currently working towards the rebuilding of the Temple. Us (I'm sorry if I'm talking for everyone) religious Zionists believe that the current state of Israel is a step toward the final redemption as prophesied by our Prophets of the Tanach. Even though there seem to be a lot of problems with the modern state of Israel, we see them as the travails which the Talmud spoke about in the period before the coming of the Moshiach (annointed king of Israel).
This is why I believe it is important to remember these calamities which befell us because of the various things which broke the close bonds we had with our 'father in heaven'. Judaism is a faith which believes that everything was created by the ONE G-d, creator of Heaven and Earth, and there is no force which he is not the master of. Thus we can see that even the so-called bad which has occured, there is a greater story which we will finally see when we reach the world to come. We will navigate these 'bad times' in the knowledge that ultimately we will witness the 'good times' of the redemption and we are responsible for being a part of that redemptive process.
The Kahanists and religious Zionists believe that we are working for the goal of the final redemption, when all Jews will unite in learning and teaching the Torah, and the world will accept the One G-d of Israel and want to connect through offerings, and Israel will be safe because all wicked nations will be destroyed. We are working with the political process , the natural process, in order to bring this about.
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Have you considered reading the Torah and Tanakh? It really does not take long to read if you do it every day
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Rafeli, in addition to learning the religion and language, it is also important for a potential convert to learn about Jewish history. Here is a series of short videos which are a crash course in Jewish history for whenever you have time.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0FA8227766E8EC2E
Thanks, the videos seem quite concise so it'll be easier to fit in my schedule
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Have you considered reading the Torah and Tanakh? It really does not take long to read if you do it every day
Do you recommend any good online translations?
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Thank you Rafeli18... I appreciate it.
We are currently working towards the rebuilding of the Temple. Us (I'm sorry if I'm talking for everyone) religious Zionists believe that the current state of Israel is a step toward the final redemption as prophesied by our Prophets of the Tanach. Even though there seem to be a lot of problems with the modern state of Israel, we see them as the travails which the Talmud spoke about in the period before the coming of the Moshiach (annointed king of Israel).
This is why I believe it is important to remember these calamities which befell us because of the various things which broke the close bonds we had with our 'father in heaven'. Judaism is a faith which believes that everything was created by the ONE G-d, creator of Heaven and Earth, and there is no force which he is not the master of. Thus we can see that even the so-called bad which has occured, there is a greater story which we will finally see when we reach the world to come. We will navigate these 'bad times' in the knowledge that ultimately we will witness the 'good times' of the redemption and we are responsible for being a part of that redemptive process.
You're very eloquent in the way you write. You're right tragedies are not entirely bad. As you say it acts as a binding factor which strengthens communities as well as being indicative of a greater good to come.
I sound this may sound naive but how do you rebuild the temple whilst the dome of the rock is on top of the original structures?
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Do you recommend any good online translations?
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/63255/jewish/The-Bible-with-Rashi.htm
I think this is a good translation and it also has Hebrew text on the left side that you will be able to understand more well you learn Hebrew. There is also commentary from Rashi which you can read if something seems confusing. Honestly, I have never read this translation and am not sure if it is plagued with errors but it can't be as bad as the KJV (which I think some people may actually beleive is the original Bible). Also keep in mind that if you were to just buy a regular bible the order of the Jewish Bible and Christian Bible differ. Here is an interesting site which has several interpretations and comments on the Torah that I would recommend reading.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/The_Written_Law.html
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You're very eloquent in the way you write. You're right tragedies are not entirely bad. As you say it acts as a binding factor which strengthens communities as well as being indicative of a greater good to come.
I sound this may sound naive but how do you rebuild the temple whilst the dome of the rock is on top of the original structures?
That abomination is on a ticker. The temple dedicated to idolatrous worship of a rock and hating non-muslims, whose golden roof was placed during the holocaust by a mudrat Nazi who wanted Nazis in Israel, is on a ticker. May the holy temple be rebuilt speedily in our days.
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http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/63255/jewish/The-Bible-with-Rashi.htm
I think this is a good translation and it also has Hebrew text on the left side that you will be able to understand more well you learn Hebrew. There is also commentary from Rashi which you can read if something seems confusing. Honestly, I have never read this translation and am not sure if it is plagued with errors but it can't be as bad as the KJV (which I think some people may actually beleive is the original Bible). Also keep in mind that if you were to just buy a regular bible the order of the Jewish Bible and Christian Bible differ. Here is an interesting site which has several interpretations and comments on the Torah that I would recommend reading.
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/The_Written_Law.html
Thanks,the KJV is indeed a corrupted version made to suit the monarch at the time so I take it with a pinch of salt but the translation on the website you listed seems good as well as jewish virtual library which I go on regularly.In your opinion what pace should I be going?
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That abomination is on a ticker. The temple dedicated to idolatrous worship of a rock and hating non-muslims, whose golden roof was placed during the holocaust by a mudrat Nazi who wanted Nazis in Israel, is on a ticker. May the holy temple be rebuilt speedily in our days.
Yasser Arafat's uncle I believe. The trouble is that most muslims are too stupid to see that in the koran Israel is cited as the land of the jewish people
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Chabads on-line Torah resources are translated very well according to everyone I speak with. I myself use an Artscroll Chumash to study with although when I daven with Chabad I use their siddur and their Chumash.
http://www.artscroll.com/Books/stoh.html
(http://www.jewishsoftware.com/products/images/productshots/stonechumasha.jpg)
Yes, this is a hard-copy version... But you are not permitted to use an electronic version when studying/davening on Shabbat. So you should get a hard-copy of the Chumash (which includes the haftarah portions also and very good commentary).
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KJV is not recommended for Jews, it is mistranslated to make it seem like it is talking about the false messiah.
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KJV is not recommended for Jews, it is mistranslated to make it seem like it is talking about the false messiah.
I still don't get how people think Jesus was the messiah given the forgery of the gospels to make to prophecies fit
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I use this one, and it's not that expensive.
http://www.jewishpub.org/product/9780827602526/tanakh-the-holy-scriptures-cloth-edition
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I still don't get how people think Jesus was the messiah given the forgery of the gospels to make to prophecies fit
JTF respects the beliefs of non-Jews even those who believe in Christianity. So we should not spend too much time discussing this aspect of your conversion. So long as you disassociate yourself from those beliefs and are sure that Hashem is the ONE G-d and there is nothing beside him, you are on the right path toward Jewish faith.
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I use this one, and it's not that expensive.
http://www.jewishpub.org/product/9780827602526/tanakh-the-holy-scriptures-cloth-edition
My only question is why have 'non-Jewish' interpretations in the Torah? Doesn't that cause some problems?
In executing this monumental task, the translators made use of the entire range of biblical interpretation, ancient and modern, Jewish and non-Jewish. They drew upon the latest findings in linguistics and archaeology, as well as the work of early rabbinic and medieval commentators, grammarians, and philologians. The resulting text is a triumph of literary style and biblical scholarship, unsurpassed in accuracy and clarity.
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JTF respects the beliefs of non-Jews even those who believe in Christianity. So we should not spend too much time discussing this aspect of your conversion. So long as you disassociate yourself from those beliefs and are sure that Hashem is the ONE G-d and there is nothing beside him, you are on the right path toward Jewish faith.
Indeed, tolerance is one of the many characteristics of the Jewish faith so I meant no offence. I disassociated myself with my catholicism years ago
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Not that I want to knock your Tanach Ephraim, but from what I can tell about JPS it appears they are compromised. They work with Reform and Conservative and all kinds of progressive branches (maybe even messianic) and thus I would not use their books (I insist on actual Orthodox sources, of which Artscroll is)...
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Two of my favorite publishers of Orthodox books:
http://www.artscroll.com
http://www.feldheim.com/
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Not that I want to knock your Tanach Ephraim, but from what I can tell about JPS it appears they are compromised. They work with Reform and Conservative and all kinds of progressive branches (maybe even messianic) and thus I would not use their books (I insist on actual Orthodox sources, of which Artscroll is)...
Oh, I didn't know. That's probably why I can buy it here, because there is only a Reform Synagogue. Do you think the Hebrew to English translations are incorrect?
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At what pace would you recommend I read the torah given also the commentaries?
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At what pace would you recommend I read the torah given also the commentaries?
I would recommend you get in tune with the weekly cycle of Torah readings. We have a Calendar where we read a portion starting at the Beginning of the Year at Beresheit (Genesis) and end at the end of the year at the end of Devarim (Dueteronomy).
I post a weekly Torah portion thread in this forum which reviews the portion of the week. I have been studying Chumash like this for almost 10 years now. Every year you learn a little more of the deep secrets of the Torah...
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At what pace would you recommend I read the torah given also the commentaries?
Read as much as you want, but especially the weekly Torah portion. ?? ?
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http://www.chabad.org/library/howto/wizard_cdo/aid/365942/jewish/Torah-Reading.htm
The Five Books of Moses are divided into 54 portions. One portion (called a Parsha) is read every week so that the entire Torah is completed in a year. On certain weeks two portions are combined and read as one. For this week's Torah Portion click here
The Torah reading service begins when a member of the congregation is given the honor of opening the Ark and taking out the Torah, with much respect and ceremony. The Torah is then taken to the podium (Bimah), which is situated in the center of the sanctuary. On the occasion when it is necessary to read two or three different portions, two or three scrolls may be taken from the Ark. One or two additional members of the congregation are then honored with carrying the additional Torah Scrolls to the podium.
As the Torah Scroll passes by, members of the congregation kiss it as a sign of love and respect.
Said Rabbi Shimon [bar Yochai]:
"When the Congregation takes out the Scroll of the Torah to read in it, the Heavenly Gates of Mercy are opened, and G-d's love is aroused." -- Zohar
Thus, the opening of the Ark and taking out the Torah to read is a very special time, a time of Heavenly mercy and love, when our prayers are especially acceptable.
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This week we read Portion Vaetchanan :
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default_cdo/jewish/Torah-Portion.htm
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This week we read Portion Vaetchanan :
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default_cdo/jewish/Torah-Portion.htm
Thanks. Is there a clear cut difference between the azkhenazi customs and the sephardim? Most shuls in the Uk are azkhenazi so I was just curious? I am aware of differences in the mourning prayers, the kaddish. Sephardim mourners will stand whilst azkhenazis will all stand/ Btw, my grandmother was azkhenazi but on my grandfathers side there was some sephardim(converso)
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Thanks. Is there a clear cut difference between the azkhenazi customs and the sephardim? Most shuls in the Uk are azkhenazi so I was just curious? I am aware of differences in the mourning prayers, the kaddish. Sephardim mourners will stand whilst azkhenazis will all stand/ Btw, my grandmother was azkhenazi but on my grandfathers side there was some sephardim(converso)
There are slight differences in Minhagim (Customs) between Ashkenazi and Sephardi. I daven with a mixed minyan (mostly Ashkenazi) so some of my friends daven using a different Siddur (prayer book) and they have slightly different customs (as you point out when to stand, etc.).
I am fully Ashkenazi, my great grand-parents came from Ukraine (Uman) and Poland...
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There are slight differences in Minhagim (Customs) between Ashkenazi and Sephardi. I daven with a mixed minyan (mostly Ashkenazi) so some of my friends daven using a different Siddur (prayer book) and they have slightly different customs (as you point out when to stand, etc.).
I am fully Ashkenazi, my great grand-parents came from Ukraine (Uman) and Poland...
Oh ok so whilst there are minor differences the customs are essentially very similar.
Oh, have you ever visited Rabbi Nachmann's grave?
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Oh ok so whilst there are minor differences the customs are essentially very similar.
Oh, have you ever visited Rabbi Nachmann's grave?
I would love to some day. I try to learn Breslov Chassidus because of my roots to Uman.
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I would love to some day. I try to learn Breslov Chassidus because of my roots to Uman.
Interesting. I gather a lot of mizrahim take pilgrimage as well. The process of pilgrimage seems so intense and spiritually satisfying as shown on a british documentary a few years back
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLSlbXk7IsE
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I actually know Rabbi Nachman, I talk to him all the time... Na Nach Nachman Meuman!
http://youtu.be/mMRlTjkOEqw
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I actually know Rabbi Nachman, I talk to him all the time... Na Nach Nachman Meuman!
http://youtu.be/mMRlTjkOEqw
numa numa :)
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While discussing the Breslov Chassidus (including the Nah Nah Nachman 'cult') it is important to realize that Breslovers are more than just dancing fools, there is a rich history and mesorah passed down from the disciples of Rabbi Nachman and his teachings in Likuti Moran.
To learn more I would recommend the Yeshiva Chut Shel Chessed who's Rosh Yeshiva is Rabbi Shalom Arush, and his assistant Rabbi Lazer Brody.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalom_Arush
Shalom Arush (Hebrew: שלום ארוש) is an Israeli Breslov rabbi and founder of the Chut Shel Chessed Institutions.[1] He spreads the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov among Sephardic and Ashkenazic baalei teshuva around the world through his books and speaking appearances. Arush is considered one of today's leading Hasidic spiritual guides, inspiring hundreds of thousands through his books, audio CDs and online presence.[2]
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The Chut Shel Chessed Institutions includes a yeshiva, a kollel for married men, a boarding school for teenage boys, and a Talmud Torah for younger boys.[7] The organization specializes in nurturing youth at risk, and has graduated students who have gone on to become noted writers, actors and musicians.[6] Among Arush's celebrity students is Shuli Rand, star of the film "Ushpizin".[5]
In 1998 Arush opened a branch of Chut Shel Chesed in Ashdod, Israel, and appointed his student Rabbi Lazer Brody, another combat soldier-turned-baal teshuva, to head the rabbinical program. In 2006 this branch merged with the Jerusalem yeshiva and Brody became the mashpia (spiritual guide) for Arush's students and the translator of Arush's books into English.[5][8]
This is their website @ http://www.breslev.co.il/default.aspx
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMYplUJlQI
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numa numa :)
I was totally messing around :::D I don't pray to Rabbi Nachman, but I do love Breslov!
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While discussing the Breslov Chassidus (including the Nah Nah Nachman 'cult') it is important to realize that Breslovers are more than just dancing fools, there is a rich history and mesorah passed down from the disciples of Rabbi Nachman and his teachings in Likuti Moran.
To learn more I would recommend the Yeshiva Chut Shel Chessed who's Rosh Yeshiva is Rabbi Shalom Arush, and his assistant Rabbi Lazer Brody.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalom_Arush
This is their website @ http://www.breslev.co.il/default.aspx
Thanks , i was a bit dubious of that video. It seemed too jolly:)
Previous posters have recommended i need to learn hebrew. In reality how much is required?Apologies if this sounds a little naive.My sister is willing to teach me but she's busy though.
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I was totally messing around :::D I don't pray to Rabbi Nachman, but I do love Breslov!
i know lol
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I am not actively involved with any Breslov groups currently (as I am involved with Lubavitch/Chabad Chassidus) although I do keep the commandment of Peyot (Sides of the beard) and let them grow long as a Breslov Chassid (I am the only one in my community to do so).
JTF frowns generally on posting personal images on the forum. But to make a point I have taken one of my images and blurred my face so you can get an idea how I keep my Peyot...
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gw3SXKR6Hms/UeSk21pEGmI/AAAAAAAABoI/wm63FYz7-XI/s640/Face_Blurred.jpg)
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I am not actively involved with any Breslov groups currently (as I am involved with Lubavitch/Chabad Chassidus) although I do keep the commandment of Peyot (Sides of the beard) and let them grow long as a Breslov Chassid (I am the only one in my community to do so).
JTF frowns generally on posting personal images on the forum. But to make a point I have taken one of my images and blurred my face so you can get an idea how I keep my Peyot...
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CTjUggWXRJ4/UeSeEfgjYCI/AAAAAAAABng/3C0PjujK50w/s400/Face_Blurred.jpg)
Why do you think you're the only one?
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Why do you think you're the only one?
My last name is 'Uman' thus I feel a special attraction to the Breslov community even though I don't know anyone who is a Breslov Chassid. I live in Northern California (virtually the middle of nowhere in terms of Jewish community) and thus I have to join the local Chabad community. Chabad doesn't have a minhag of growing the peyot long (as the Breslovers do). They keep short Peyot and cut them with scissors (which is an acceptable way of cutting them). We have had 'argument/discussions' here concerning Peyot. There is no command to grow them 'long' but it is definately a commandment to not cut them (with a razor).
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http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/81570/jewish/The-Prohibition-Against-Shaving-the-Edges-of-Ones-Head.htm
The Prohibition Against Shaving the edges of One's Head
By Eli Touger
Leviticus 19:27 states: “Do not round off [the hair] at the edges of your heads.” Our Rabbis interpreted the term “edges” to refer to the hair between the ears and the hairless portion of the face. Maimonides writes:1
Our Sages did not determine the amount of hair which must be left at the corners of our temples. We have heard, however, from our elders that one must leave at least forty hairs.2
One may remove the [hairs from] the edges [of our heads] with scissors. The prohibition applies only to total removal with a razor.
In one of his responsa, Maimonides clarifies that the forbidden area is about the size of a thumb. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De’ah 181:1) explains that we are speaking about the area where the skull is joined to the jawbone. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 170:1 states that the area which is forbidden to be shaven extends until below the ear, the place from which the jaw protrudes.
Although the person who violates the prohibition is the one who actually shaves the hair off, if the person having his head shaved moves his head to assist the person doing the shaving, he also is considered as having transgressed. Even if a person does nothing at all, it is forbidden for him to allow the edges of his head to be shaven.3
Maimonides4 considers this prohibition as one of the safeguards against idolatry. He explains that it was customary for pagan priests to shave the corners of their heads. Hence, the Torah commanded the Jewish people to shun this practice.5 The Chasam Sofer6 explains this concept further: Since pagans could not have their idols grow hair, it was customary for them to shave their own hair, so that they would resemble the images they worshipped. Others offer different rationales for the practice.
The rationale, however, is not significant. The prohibition is one of the 613 mitzvos of the Torah,7 incumbent on all Jewish males, at all times and in all places.
As mentioned above, the upsherinish is instituted to train the child to observe this prohibition. But the prohibition applies not only in childhood, but throughout our lives. And unfortunately, it is violated sometimes, unknowingly all too often. For when a barber shaves the hair at the side of the ears, a transgression, equal in severity to partaking of pork or shrimp, is committed.
In many communities, because the Torah singled out this portion of the hair for distinction, it is customary to allow the hair to grow long, thus creating the “earlocks” (peyos) that have become part of the stereotype image of the observant Jew. Significantly, this custom is practiced by Jews from such far-removed origins as Yemen, Morocco, and Eastern Europe.
The AriZal, however, would not grow his peyos below his ears. Instead, he would trim them with a scissors.8 The Lubavitch custom is to follow this example.9
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My last name is 'Uman' thus I feel a special attraction to the Breslov community even though I don't know anyone who is a Breslov Chassid. I live in Northern California (virtually the middle of nowhere in terms of Jewish community) and thus I have to join the local Chabad community. Chabad doesn't have a minhag of growing the peyot long (as the Breslovers do). They keep short Peyot and cut them with scissors (which is an acceptable way of cutting them). We have had 'argument/discussions' here concerning Peyot. There is no command to grow them 'long' but it is definately a commandment to not cut them (with a razor).
It seems an intricate and highly thought out matter.
Previous posters have recommended I learn hebrew. In reality how much is required?Apologies if this sounds a little naive.My sister is willing to teach me but she's busy though.
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MUMAN! You're laying to much out there, IMO. And the pic is pretty clear...
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Thanks , i was a bit dubious of that video. It seemed too jolly:)
Previous posters have recommended i need to learn hebrew. In reality how much is required?Apologies if this sounds a little naive.My sister is willing to teach me but she's busy though.
Gotta say that understanding Hebrew is a great help to understanding the prayers. I learned Hebrew the hard way (and I dont think I know it enough to speak modern Hebrew). I picked up Hebrew by reading the prayers (phonetically). Learn the letters, all 22 of them, and the vowel marks and you can read the words (right to left)...Over the 10 years since my return I have learned the translations of the prayers and can read them in Hebrew while my mind is cognizant of the 'kevanah' intention of the words.
Of course if you have time to learn Hebrew from a class I would invest it.
Start with the Aleph-Beit:
(http://www.jewfaq.org/graphics/hebrew.gif)
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MUMAN! You're laying to much out there, IMO. And the pic is pretty clear...
I will smudge it up a little more...
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Gotta say that understanding Hebrew is a great help to understanding the prayers. I learned Hebrew the hard way (and I dont think I know it enough to speak modern Hebrew). I picked up Hebrew by reading the prayers (phonetically). Learn the letters, all 22 of them, and the vowel marks and you can read the words (right to left)...Over the 10 years since my return I have learned the translations of the prayers and can read them in Hebrew while my mind is cognizant of the 'kevanah' intention of the words.
Of course if you have time to learn Hebrew from a class I would invest it.
Start with the Aleph-Beit:
(http://www.jewfaq.org/graphics/hebrew.gif)
Are there any online resources you would recommend ?
My sister is funnily enough more fluent in biblical hebrew even though all her jewish friends are irreligious
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http://www.aish.com/jl/heb/hl/Speak-Hebrew-with-Moshe-and-Leah.html
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Again i offer my thanks . The lessons seem nice and easy for the beginner
Todah Raba
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Again i offer my thanks . The lessons seem nice and easy for the beginner
Todah Raba
You are welcome. May your journey into learning Judaism be enlightening and provide you much inner joy.
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You are welcome. May your journey into learning Judaism be enlightening and provide you much inner joy.
Hopefully hashem will permit this.Just reading about judaism gives me joy though i have one problem
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Hopefully hashem will permit this.Just reading about judaism gives me joy though i have one problem
What's that?
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What's that?
My family
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My family
In what way?
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In what way?
My father has a disdain for judaism even though he's halachically jewish.My mother hasn't got time for religion though she still considers the church to be important.My sister is more complicated; she speaks hebrew, revisionist zionist , loves judaism but she's shown no sign of even considering being a giyur
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My father has a disdain for judaism even though he's halachically jewish.My mother hasn't got time for religion though she still considers the church to be important.My sister is more complicated; she speaks hebrew, revisionist zionist , loves judaism(studied jewish studies ) but she's shown no sign of even considering being a giyur
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My father has a disdain for judaism even though he's halachically jewish.My mother hasn't got time for religion though she still considers the church to be important.My sister is more complicated; she speaks hebrew, revisionist zionist , loves judaism but she's shown no sign of even considering being a giyur
What about your Grandparents? Most them may of converted out of fear or convince...
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My father has a disdain for judaism even though he's halachically jewish.My mother hasn't got time for religion though she still considers the church to be important.My sister is more complicated; she speaks hebrew, revisionist zionist , loves judaism but she's shown no sign of even considering being a giyur
What doesn't he like about Judaism? Either way, I'm in a similar situation, and when you want something, people will ask questions at first to make sure you're for real, but they back off in time. If you feel that's the best way for you to serve G-d, then do it. If you think that's too much for you and it's going to keep you back, maybe you should try living as a Noahide until you're freer. I won't question your reasons, because mine go on for a while, but if you want to follow Torah now, there's always a way.
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What about your Grandparents? Most them may of converted out of fear or convince...
my grandmother was born of a jewish mother and italian catholic father so she is jewish but she converted quite young even though she still retained some jewish customs. My great grandfather was adopted in southern italy
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What doesn't he like about Judaism? Either way, I'm in a similar situation, and when you want something, people will ask questions at first to make sure you're for real, but they back off in time. If you feel that's the best way for you to serve G-d, then do it. If you think that's too much for you and it's going to keep you back, maybe you should try living as a Noahide until you're freer. I won't question your reasons, because mine go on for a while, but if you want to follow Torah now, there's always a way.
He respects the jewish communal spirit but finds the hasidim ridiculous in that he kinda giggles when he sees one. Ironically, when he was younger and I have pictures him and his sister used to dress in a very similar fashion especially the hair. Once my auntie told me when they used to go out shopping in east london which was the heart of jewish life in britain people used to talk to her in yiddish I've looked at other religions( Shintoism, catholicism, islam to a degree, budhhism) but the one I find the most interesting and spiritually soothing has to be judaism. I had a school project in which I could do anything I deliberately choose to do the history of european jewry. I know I'm too young which is why for a few years I want to learn more about judaism whilst studying at uni, etc and see if this is the right choice. Hopefully it will be. Noahide laws are a sound stucture but they lack any sense of spirituality which is something my heart wants.
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my grandmother was born of a jewish mother and italian catholic father so she is jewish but she converted quite young even though she still retained some jewish customs. My great grandfather was adopted in southern italy
Would they help you, in wanting you to be Jewish? I'm pretty sure my Mothers, mothers, mothers, mom was a Hungarian Jew that never came to America. So I'm very mixed up as well.
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Would they help you, in wanting you to be Jewish? I'm pretty sure my Mothers, mothers, mothers, mom was a Hungarian Jew that never came to America. So I'm very mixed up as well.
they're dead now
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He respects the jewish communal spirit but finds the hasidim ridiculous in that he kinda giggles when he sees one. Ironically, when he was younger and I have pictures him and his sister used to dress in a very similar fashion especially the hair. Once my auntie told me when they used to go out shopping in east london which was the heart of jewish life in britain people used to talk to her in yiddish I've looked at other religions( Shintoism, catholicism, islam to a degree, budhhism) but the one I find the most interesting and spiritually soothing has to be judaism. I had a school project in which I could do anything I deliberately choose to do the history of european jewry. I know I'm too young which is why for a few years I want to learn more about judaism whilst studying at uni, etc and see if this is the right choice. Hopefully it will be. Noahide laws are a sound stucture but they lack any sense of spirituality which is something my heart wants.
You want to hear something totally stupid? I kept taking online religious tests, and every time the result was I was Jewish. :::D :::D :::D
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You want to hear something totally stupid? I kept taking online religious tests, and every time the result was I was Jewish. :::D :::D :::D
lol, how kosher are they?
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I just did one
top 3; sikhism , orthodox judaism and reform :::D
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He respects the jewish communal spirit but finds the hasidim ridiculous in that he kinda giggles when he sees one. Ironically, when he was younger and I have pictures him and his sister used to dress in a very similar fashion especially the hair. Once my auntie told me when they used to go out shopping in east london which was the heart of jewish life in britain people used to talk to her in yiddish I've looked at other religions( Shintoism, catholicism, islam to a degree, budhhism) but the one I find the most interesting and spiritually soothing has to be judaism. I had a school project in which I could do anything I deliberately choose to do the history of european jewry. I know I'm too young which is why for a few years I want to learn more about judaism whilst studying at uni, etc and see if this is the right choice. Hopefully it will be. Noahide laws are a sound stucture but they lack any sense of spirituality which is something my heart wants.
The Noahides do have a degree of spirituality and you can read up on Judaism without being Jewish. Practicing the religion is a serious commitment, so, in the end, the spirituality in Judaism is very interesting and eye-opening, but you will end up needing more reason than that to really be orthodox.
Wearing black clothes and big hats isn't Judaism. They have their reasons, but unless your ancestors went through exactly what they did in Europe, there's no actual reason to dress like a Cossack lawyer.
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Agreed, it's not a trivial decision to make but there's that abstract thing i get from learning about judaism . The sense of belonging that doesn't bide for me with other religions.Say listening to shloime gertner brings out emotions that were seldom expressed by me before but now are open.The names for g-d; Hashem , hashem, adoni seem more powerful than most other words. I'm starting to become more of a positive person though I of course want to think this through.Another user here converted in his mid 30's i believe .I know this may sound stupid but would say conservative judaism be more appropriate ?
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Agreed, it's not a trivial decision to make but there's that abstract thing i get from learning about judaism . The sense of belonging that doesn't bide for me with other religions.Say listening to shloime gertner brings out emotions that were seldom expressed by me before but now are open.The names for g-d; Hashem , hashem, adoni seem more powerful than most other words. I'm starting to become more of a positive person though I of course want to think this through.Another user here converted in his mid 30's i believe .I know this may sound stupid but would say conservative judaism be more appropriate ?
Reform and conservative aren't actually Judaism. If you want to not follow the bible and call yourself Jewish, you don't need them, and the shallow phony spirituality makes you gag after a while. If you want Judaism, try it, but don't get a pro-Fraudestinian lesbian woman rabbi to explain you how mitzvahs means G-d loves you and whats you to do the opposite of what he says. It's one thing to not be living righteously, it's worse to call unrighteousness righteous, and then do something wrong and get convinced that it's good.
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Reform and conservative aren't actually Judaism. If you want to not follow the bible and call yourself Jewish, you don't need them, and the shallow phony spirituality makes you gag after a while. If you want Judaism, try it, but don't get a pro-Fraudestinian lesbian woman rabbi to explain you how mitzvahs means G-d loves you and whats you to do the opposite of what he says. It's one thing to not be living righteously, it's worse to call unrighteousness righteous, and then do something wrong and get convinced that it's good.
Agreed, a lot of religious leaders are hypocritical apart from muslims of course. A lot of jewish writers seem to place them on equal setting though.Could i ask you a favour?
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Agreed, a lot of religious leaders are hypocritical apart from muslims of course. A lot of jewish writers seem to place them on equal setting though.Could i ask you a favour?
You've got to know the source. There are many different opinions on everything, but the opinion "is my religion fake" means you really shouldn't be calling yourself part of that religion.
What would you like?
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You've got to know the source. There are many different opinions on everything, but the opinion "is my religion fake" means you really shouldn't be calling yourself part of that religion.
What would you like?
Indeed, doubting the authenticity of your religion poses serious problems.
Could you recommend any prayers or materials that might be useful in helping me come to terms with myself and my relationship with G-d?
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Indeed, doubting the authenticity of your religion poses serious problems.
Could you recommend any prayers or materials that might be useful in helping me come to terms with myself and my relationship with G-d?
Rabbi Kahane books and vids did it for me. I follow Mumans weekly parasha postings here... ask him. He's like my enacting rabbi. Watch the yoke of heaven.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oguHBnL5UYc&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLF02B180A3309D74A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-HjYbbIpDM&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLF02B180A3309D74A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOvR5sgy7Z8&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLF02B180A3309D74A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAAg7EDW9Co&feature=c4-overview-vl&list=PLF02B180A3309D74A
After, try reading Torah, and then commentaries on any of the 70+ ways it can be understood. It's said that it's better to give up Judaism and keep G-d than be Jewish and give up his laws, because through the laws, you find your way back to G-d. A connection with G-d is an indescribably powerful state of being, and you can find out about G-d in one place in particular. The chapter of Esther deals with coverts too, so that is also an interesting place to start, considering your situation.
I need more detail on what you mean by coming to terms with yourself, but here's the bottom line: if you become Jewish, the majority of the world will hate you without having met you, and you will have many new obligations, which not keeping as a Jew is a sin, but not in any way for you now. If you aren't already convinced, you have to ask Muman about the spirituality before you convert.
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Shalom LKZ,
I feel honored for your compliment. I hope I can help everyone find a way to get close to Hashem, because the world is a better place when we know him and through this, we know ourselves and each other.
I have an 'Ask muman613' thread in the 'Ask Posters' forum where people, from time to time, ask me questions about Jewish beliefs. I always try my best to provide an answer based on sources which I find and provide links to additional material supporting my explanation. If anyone has any question which you think I could answer then go ahead and post the question in my thread.
Regarding Jewish prayer. The first and foremost 'central' prayer to Judaism is called the Shema prayer. This prayer is central to several Jewish commandments including the commandments of Mezuzah, Tefillin, and Tzit-Tzits. It is these portions which are written on parchment which is inserted in the mezzuzah (case with scroll attached to door-post) and also inserted into the boxes of Tefillin (Phalactyries) and the Tzit-Tzits are the ritual fringes we wear on our four-cornered garment.
The Shema prayer asserts the ABSOLUTE ONENESS of Hashem, the Master of the Universe, and affirms our connection with him.
The first sentence reads:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/224/Hjvf2247220.jpg)
SHEMA YISRAEL HASHEM ELOKAINU, HASHEM ECHAD!
HEAR, O ISRAEL, THE LORD IS OUR G-D, THE LORD IS ONE!
COMMENTARY:
(of course when I write the word HASHEM we actually say the word A-D-O-N-A-I (which is also not actually the pronunciation of the 'name' but means 'Our Master/Lord') The real name is called the Tetragrammaton (four letter name) which we call Yud-Kay-Vav-Kay (again I use the letter Kay, which should be read Hey). Jews do not openly use the name of Hashem as we lost the actual pronunciation after the Temple was destroyed, and as a means of preventing 'erasing of the name' which the Torah forbids. If someone should print this page and burn it, if the actual name was contained it could be considered 'CHILLUL HASHEM' or desecration of the name.
The next paragraph discusses the commandments of Tefillin and Mezuzah, and also establishes the system of reward and punishment... Here is the transliteration from Chabad
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/sgKw4670018.jpg)
V'a-hav-ta eit A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha,
B'chawl l'va-v'cha,
u-v'chawl naf-sh'cha,
u-v'chawl m'o-de-cha.
V'ha-yu ha-d'va-rim ha-ei-leh,
A-sher a-no-chi m'tsa-v'cha ha-yom, al l'va-ve-cha.
V'shi-nan-tam l'-va-ne-cha, v'di-bar-ta bam
b'shiv-t'cha b'vei-te-cha,
uv-lech-t'cha va-de-rech,
u-v'shawch-b'cha uv-ku-me-cha.
Uk-shar-tam l'ot al ya-de-cha,
v'ha-yu l'to-ta-fot bein ei-ne-cha.
Uch-tav-tam, al m'zu-zot bei-te-cha, u-vish-a-re-cha.
You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.
Second Paragraph:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/RxSE4670019.jpg)
V'ha-ya, im sha-mo-a tish-m'u el mits-vo-tai
a-sher a-no-chi m'tsa-veh et-chem ha-yom
l'a-ha-va et A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem
ul-awv-do b'chawl l'vav-chem, u-v'chawl naf-sh'chem,
V'na-ta-ti m'tar ar-ts'chem b'i-to, yo-reh u-mal-kosh,
v'a-saf-ta d'ga-ne-cha,
v'ti-ro-sh'cha v'yits-ha-re-cha.
V'na-ta-ti ei-sev b'sa-d'cha liv-hem-te-cha,
v'a-chal-ta v'sa-va-'ta.
Hi-sha-m'ru la-chem pen yif-te l'vav-chem, v'sar-tem,
va-a-vad-tem E-lo-him a-chei-rim, v'hish-ta-cha-vi-tem la-hem.
V'cha-rah af A-do-nai ba-chem, v'a-tsar et ha-sha-ma-yim,
v'lo yi-h'yeh ma-tar, v'ha-a-da-ma lo ti-tein et y'vu-la,
va-a-vad-tem m'hei-ra mei-al ha-a-rets ha-to-va
a-sher A-do-nai no-tein la-chem.
V'sam-tem et d'vara ei-leh, al l'vav-chem v'al naf-sh'chem,
uk-shar-tem o-tam l'ot al yed-chem,
v'ha-yu l'to-ta-fot bein ei-nei-chem.
V'li-mad-tem o-tam et b'nei-chem, l'da-beir bam
b'shiv-t'cha b'vei-te-cha, uv-lech-t'cha va-de-rech
u-v'shawch-b'cha uv-ku-me-cha.
Uch-tav-tam, al m'zu-zot bei-te-cha, u-vish-a-re-cha.
L'ma-an yir-bu y'mei-chem, vi-mei v'nei-chem, al ha-a-da-ma
a-sher nish-ba A-do-nai la-a-vo-tei-chem, la-teit la-hem
ki-mei ha-sha-ma-yim al ha-a-rets.
And it will be, if you will diligently obey My commandments which I enjoin upon you this day, to love the L-rd your G-d and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, I will give rain for your land at the proper time, the early rain and the late rain, and you will gather in your grain, your wine and your oil. And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be sated. Take care lest your heart be lured away, and you turn astray and worship alien gods and bow down to them. For then the L-rd's wrath will flare up against you, and He will close the heavens so that there will be no rain and the earth will not yield its produce, and you will swiftly perish from the good land which the L-rd gives you. Therefore, place these words of Mine upon your heart and upon your soul, and bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, to speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise. And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates - so that your days and the days of your children may be prolonged on the land which the L-rd swore to your fathers to give to them for as long as the heavens are above the earth.
Third Paragraph:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/lvfG4670017.jpg)
Va-yo-meir A-do-nai el Mo-she lei-mor:
Da-beir el b'nei Yis-ra-eil, v'a-mar-ta a-lei-hem
v'a-su la-hem tsi-tsit, al kan-fei vig-dei-hem l'do-ro-tam,
v'na-t'nu al tsi-tsit ha-ka-naf p'til t'chei-let.
V'ha-ya la-chem l'tsi-tsit, ur-i-tem o-to
uz-char-tem et kawl mits-vot A-do-nai, va-a-si-tem o-tam,
v'lo ta-tu-ru a-cha-rei l'vav-chem,
v'a-cha-rei ei-nei-chem
a-sher a-tem zo-nim a-cha-rei-hem,
L'ma-an tiz-k'ru, va-a-si-tem et kawl mits-vo-tai
vi-h'yi-tem k'do-shim lei-lo-hei-chem.
A-ni A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem,
a-sher ho-tsei-ti et-chem mei-e-rets Mits-ra-yim
li-h'yot la-chem lei-lo-him;
A-ni A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem… Emet
The L-rd spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to attach a thread of blue on the fringe of each corner. They shall be to you as tzizit, and you shall look upon them and remember all the commandments of the L-rd and fulfill them, and you will not follow after your heart and after your eyes by which you go astray - so that you may remember and fulfill all My commandments and be holy to your G-d. I am the L-rd your G-d who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your G-d; I, the L-rd, am your G-d. True.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/706163/jewish/In-Hebrew.htm
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/706162/jewish/Translation.htm
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/282822/jewish/Transliteration.htm
My first attempt at transliterating the second paragraph
Veyahavta Et Hashem Elokecha, Bechol Levavecha, U'Bechol Nafshecha U'Bechol Meodecha.
V'Hayu HaDevarim HaEleh Asher Anachi Mitzecha HaYom Al Levavecha. Veshnetam Livaneycha
Vidibarta Bam, Bishvitecha, Baderech, UBishcivecha UBikomecha U'Kishritam Laot Al Yidecha, VaHu L'Taphot Bein Anecha, UCetavatam Al Mezuzot Beitecha, Uvshiurecha.
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Get accustomed to Shema prayer, we say it morning and night (as we rise in the morning, and when we lay down to sleep). It is also a Jewish custom to say Shema right before we die.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfF6-TkAnBM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJuUoZRBHeg
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPXpQq6t8a4
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7po2EZ4Y-KU
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You should also learn the 'Modeh Ani' or 'I gratefully acknowledge':
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13U82-pNQrQ
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My suggestion is that you go to the London Beth Din & speak with them.
If conversion is needed & I assuming it is if you wish to be Jewish then LBD is the best place for you to go to as LBD convesions as universally accepted worldwide.
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My suggestion is that you go to the London Beth Din & speak with them.
If conversion is needed & I assuming it is if you wish to be Jewish then LBD is the best place for you to go to as LBD convesions as universally accepted worldwide.
Yes, rafeli18 has indicated he is interested in conversion. I think it has been said that Torah Judaism only recognizes Orthodox Conversion and I would not recommend anything less than a full, recognized Halachic Conversion.
I think it would be helpful for a prospective convert to know what is expected from a religious Jew. Maybe the secular Jews have given a wrong impression but we, the Orthodox and religious Zionists. place a great deal of importance on Mitzvot observance and Torah study. No other category of Jews (reform, progressive, conservative, reconstruction) will survive because they all support intermarriage and do not place any importance on the Torah lifestyle. I really believe that the only Jews who will be left in the future will be the small remnant of the Orthodox Jewish people. All others will have melded into the host countries population.
I have learned that some converts can make excellent Jews. There is a Jewish soul which sometimes is placed in a non-Jewish body (according to some beliefs in Gilgul) so that this is one reason some converts want to join us so intently.
I hope that rafeli18 does an actual Conversion recognized by the Beit Din. I know several men who have gone through with it.
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BTW,Everybody including the Israeli Rabbanut recognizes conversions done by the London Beth Din who have very strict procedures governing giyur.
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Yes, rafeli18 has indicated he is interested in conversion. I think it has been said that Torah Judaism only recognizes Orthodox Conversion and I would not recommend anything less than a full, recognized Halachic Conversion.
I think it would be helpful for a prospective convert to know what is expected from a religious Jew. Maybe the secular Jews have given a wrong impression but we, the Orthodox and religious Zionists. place a great deal of importance on Mitzvot observance and Torah study. No other category of Jews (reform, progressive, conservative, reconstruction) will survive because they all support intermarriage and do not place any importance on the Torah lifestyle. I really believe that the only Jews who will be left in the future will be the small remnant of the Orthodox Jewish people. All others will have melded into the host countries population.
I have learned that some converts can make excellent Jews. There is a Jewish soul which sometimes is placed in a non-Jewish body (according to some beliefs in Gilgul) so that this is one reason some converts want to join us so intently.
I hope that rafeli18 does an actual Conversion recognized by the Beit Din. I know several men who have gone through with it.
I fully acknowledge that at my age it would be wiser to continue studying before converting but otherwise my intentions still stand. There's a fantastic british site called the Jewish Volunteering Network which I have signed up to and they cover a wide range of activities within the jewish community. I have expressed an interest in Standwithus amongst some charities. Do you feel partaking in such activities will help me become closer to jewish life which will in turn help me ascertain whether or not becoming a giyur is the right path for me?
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I need more detail on what you mean by coming to terms with yourself, but here's the bottom line: if you become Jewish, the majority of the world will hate you without having met you, and you will have many new obligations, which not keeping as a Jew is a sin, but not in any way for you now. If you aren't already convinced, you have to ask Muman about the spirituality before you convert.
[/quote]
After searching a variety of religions it seems Judaism including its history, tenets and beliefs resonate with me the most in terms of my heart. For years I've been enduring what I would call an existential crisis but ever since I've learnt more and more about judaism my anxieties and worries have slowly vanished. I understand I'm a complete novice with regards to knowing completely the core tenets of the religion but these are my feelings at the moment. How often does Muman come on to this forum?
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Rafeli18,
I am quite active on the forum. I have been involved since 2008 and have been online virtually every day except for Shabbat and Yom Tovim (Holidays) so feel free to drop me a PM or a question in the forum. As I said previously, I sincerely hope that I can help Jews and Noachides and those seeking to learn for conversion purposes. I try to reply as soon as I realize there is a question, and on occasions when I can't answer myself I will ask my Rabbi for his opinion on the topic.
But I think there are also several others here who can help you also. So let us move forward on this journey. As LKZ pointed out being Jewish is both a blessing and a curse, keeping commandments may just necessitate your separating from some of the activities you involved yourself with prior to conversion.
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Rafeli18,
I am quite active on the forum. I have been involved since 2008 and have been online virtually every day except for Shabbat and Yom Tovim (Holidays) so feel free to drop me a PM or a question in the forum. As I said previously, I sincerely hope that I can help Jews and Noachides and those seeking to learn for conversion purposes. I try to reply as soon as I realize there is a question, and on occasions when I can't answer myself I will ask my Rabbi for his opinion on the topic.
But I think there are also several others here who can help you also. So let us move forward on this journey. As LKZ pointed out being Jewish is both a blessing and a curse, keeping commandments may just necessitate your separating from some of the activities you involved yourself with prior to conversion.
I'm really appreciative of all your help that you've given me these past 2 days. The links you've given me seem to convey a fountain of knowledge of the religion which I sincerely hope will aid me on this path to spiritual fulfilment. I also can see where you're coming from with regards to being jewish as both a blessing and curse. It would indeed be foolish of me to think that adhering to the 613 commandments laid down by Hashem would be easy which is clearly not the case. To be honest anti-Semitism in London is increasing under the guise of being pro-palestinian and anti zionist and this has led to a rise in attacks towards jews especially by the muslim community.
Given your expertise in the field of conversion have you ever encountered someone my age before and if so did they ever appear before the beth din and pass the criteria become jewish?
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I'm really appreciative of all your help that you've given me these past 2 days. The links you've given me seem to convey a fountain of knowledge of the religion which I sincerely hope will aid me on this path to spiritual fulfilment. I also can see where you're coming from with regards to being jewish as both a blessing and curse. It would indeed be foolish of me to think that adhering to the 613 commandments laid down by Hashem would be easy which is clearly not the case. To be honest anti-Semitism in London is increasing under the guise of being pro-palestinian and anti zionist and this has led to a rise in attacks towards jews especially by the muslim community.
Given your expertise in the field of conversion have you ever encountered someone my age before and if so did they ever appear before the beth din and pass the criteria become jewish?
Not to disrespect anybody here but IMHO your best bet is to go www.theus.org.uk & find your closest Orthodox synagogue & talk to the local rabbi there about teaching you & sponsoring you to go to the London Beth Din.
Before you go to the Beth Din you will need a sponsoring rabbi & the above website is your best bet as I said.
The above website is the congregational arm of the Beth Din.
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I'm really appreciative of all your help that you've given me these past 2 days. The links you've given me seem to convey a fountain of knowledge of the religion which I sincerely hope will aid me on this path to spiritual fulfilment. I also can see where you're coming from with regards to being jewish as both a blessing and curse. It would indeed be foolish of me to think that adhering to the 613 commandments laid down by Hashem would be easy which is clearly not the case. To be honest anti-Semitism in London is increasing under the guise of being pro-palestinian and anti zionist and this has led to a rise in attacks towards jews especially by the muslim community.
Given your expertise in the field of conversion have you ever encountered someone my age before and if so did they ever appear before the beth din and pass the criteria become jewish?
I am not an expert in the field of conversion, just am familiar with helping people in my community who have sought this option. I agree that the best course of action for you is to get in contact with an Orthodox Rabbi, while I recommend Chabad for just about everything, any valid Orthodox Rabbi should be able to provide you with the actual resources required.
Conversion to Judaism is not a thing which I think can be done with Online courses alone. Judaism is a communal religion where you must be involved with your community in order to be counted among the Jewish people. This requires you to invest time on Shabbat to learning with your community, taking part in the Sabbath services and Torah reading. Most good Orthodox Rabbi's do a thing called Kiruv (outreach) where they will bring people into their homes on Sabbath in order to provide an environment conducive to Jewish spiritual and intellectual growth.
When I first returned to Judaism I hooked up with a nearby 'progressive liberal' synagogue. But I quickly realized that it was not fulfilling to me to practice a man-made religion (reform) which so obviously did not come from the Torah. Luckily for me there was an Orthodox Rabbi who would come to that shul on occasions and invite members to come to his Shabbatons at his home. He also was the Campus Rabbi for a local college and I got quite involved with that schools Jewish life. Eventually that Rabbi moved away and a Chabad Rabbi took his position, and thus I got more involved with Chabad.
Find yourself a real Rabbi with whom you feel comfortable. We can help you with questions here, but nothing can compare to having a real Rabbi (especially when you really want to convert).
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Kiruv more specifically relates to a Jew reaching out to another Jew, but Chabad should be able to help non-Jews who want to be a part of the Jewish people.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/676588/jewish/What-is-Kiruv.htm
What is "Kiruv"?
By Baruch S. Davidson
Kiruv is a Hebrew word that means "bringing close," and can mean any form of bringing someone or something close—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. With regards to other people, kiruv is the fulfillment of the biblical obligation to "Love your fellow as yourself."
The term is commonly used in reference to Jewish outreach, which is aimed at bringing other Jews closer to G‑d and their Jewish heritage. Out of love for your friends, you share with them the beauty of the Torah and its precepts, knowledge that you are lucky enough to be privy to.
Although encouraging fellow Jews to strengthen their commitment to Judaism has always been a Jewish value, this concept has reached new dimensions in the last sixty years, and has become what is referred to by many as the "Kiruv Movement."
The upheaval created by two world wars, and specifically the destruction of the religious Eastern European Jewish communities, left a societal split in the Jewish community, with a historically unparalleled trend leaving many Jews estranged to the teaching and traditions of their ancestors. Sensing that this was the call of the hour, the sixth Rebbe of Chabad-Lubavitch, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (1880-1950), started the idea of organized Jewish outreach. Disregarding both the counsel of well-intentioned friends as well as the ridicule of antagonists, he encouraged his followers, young and old, to dedicate their lives to reversing the erosion of Torah life in the Jewish community.
This idea was cultivated by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak's son-in-law and successor, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch. Teaching that no Jew is "secular," and that the Torah is the birthright of every Jewish soul, the Rebbe, through his shluchim, or emissaries, founded educational centers for Jews of all ages, and brought mitzvot to the streets and to the homes of Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations. Currently, there are more than 3000 Chabad Centers around the world, all devoted to advancing this goal.
With the passage of years, this approach was, thank G‑d, adopted by many segments of the Jewish community, and the outreach attitude has now become all but universal.
To conclude, R. Aizik Homiler, a venerated chassid of the first three Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbes, would relate an oft-repeated adage he had heard from older chassidim:
Have affection for a fellow Jew and G‑d will have affection for you.
Do a kindness for a fellow Jew and G‑d will do a kindness for you.
Befriend a fellow Jew and G‑d will befriend you.1
Best wishes,
Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson
FOOTNOTES
1.
Hayom Yom, 27th of Cheshvan.
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I am not an expert in the field of conversion, just am familiar with helping people in my community who have sought this option. I agree that the best course of action for you is to get in contact with an Orthodox Rabbi, while I recommend Chabad for just about everything, any valid Orthodox Rabbi should be able to provide you with the actual resources required.
Conversion to Judaism is not a thing which I think can be done with Online courses alone. Judaism is a communal religion where you must be involved with your community in order to be counted among the Jewish people. This requires you to invest time on Shabbat to learning with your community, taking part in the Sabbath services and Torah reading. Most good Orthodox Rabbi's do a thing called Kiruv (outreach) where they will bring people into their homes on Sabbath in order to provide an environment conducive to Jewish spiritual and intellectual growth.
When I first returned to Judaism I hooked up with a nearby 'progressive liberal' synagogue. But I quickly realized that it was not fulfilling to me to practice a man-made religion (reform) which so obviously did not come from the Torah. Luckily for me there was an Orthodox Rabbi who would come to that shul on occasions and invite members to come to his Shabbatons at his home. He also was the Campus Rabbi for a local college and I got quite involved with that schools Jewish life. Eventually that Rabbi moved away and a Chabad Rabbi took his position, and thus I got more involved with Chabad.
Find yourself a real Rabbi with whom you feel comfortable. We can help you with questions here, but nothing can compare to having a real Rabbi (especially when you really want to convert).
This is why I told him to go the United Synagogue www.theus.org.uk (No relation to United Synagogue in the US,the UK United synagogue is Orthodox & includes many Chabad rabbis & is exclusively Orthodox).
United Synagogue in the UK is the synagogue arm of the London Beth Din under the auspecies of the Chief Rabbi & is strictly Orthodox & recognized worldwide including the Israeli rabbanut.
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You provided me with the wisdom to help immeasurably change my life for the better. You deserve more than words, and I am forever in your debt.
Shalom LKZ,
I feel honored for your compliment. I hope I can help everyone find a way to get close to Hashem, because the world is a better place when we know him and through this, we know ourselves and each other.
I have an 'Ask muman613' thread in the 'Ask Posters' forum where people, from time to time, ask me questions about Jewish beliefs. I always try my best to provide an answer based on sources which I find and provide links to additional material supporting my explanation. If anyone has any question which you think I could answer then go ahead and post the question in my thread.
Regarding Jewish prayer. The first and foremost 'central' prayer to Judaism is called the Shema prayer. This prayer is central to several Jewish commandments including the commandments of Mezuzah, Tefillin, and Tzit-Tzits. It is these portions which are written on parchment which is inserted in the mezzuzah (case with scroll attached to door-post) and also inserted into the boxes of Tefillin (Phalactyries) and the Tzit-Tzits are the ritual fringes we wear on our four-cornered garment.
The Shema prayer asserts the ABSOLUTE ONENESS of Hashem, the Master of the Universe, and affirms our connection with him.
The first sentence reads:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/224/Hjvf2247220.jpg)
SHEMA YISRAEL HASHEM ELOKAINU, HASHEM ECHAD!
HEAR, O ISRAEL, THE LORD IS OUR G-D, THE LORD IS ONE!
COMMENTARY:
(of course when I write the word HASHEM we actually say the word A-D-O-N-A-I (which is also not actually the pronunciation of the 'name' but means 'Our Master/Lord') The real name is called the Tetragrammaton (four letter name) which we call Yud-Kay-Vav-Kay (again I use the letter Kay, which should be read Hey). Jews do not openly use the name of Hashem as we lost the actual pronunciation after the Temple was destroyed, and as a means of preventing 'erasing of the name' which the Torah forbids. If someone should print this page and burn it, if the actual name was contained it could be considered 'CHILLUL HASHEM' or desecration of the name.
The next paragraph discusses the commandments of Tefillin and Mezuzah, and also establishes the system of reward and punishment... Here is the transliteration from Chabad
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/sgKw4670018.jpg)
V'a-hav-ta eit A-do-nai E-lo-he-cha,
B'chawl l'va-v'cha,
u-v'chawl naf-sh'cha,
u-v'chawl m'o-de-cha.
V'ha-yu ha-d'va-rim ha-ei-leh,
A-sher a-no-chi m'tsa-v'cha ha-yom, al l'va-ve-cha.
V'shi-nan-tam l'-va-ne-cha, v'di-bar-ta bam
b'shiv-t'cha b'vei-te-cha,
uv-lech-t'cha va-de-rech,
u-v'shawch-b'cha uv-ku-me-cha.
Uk-shar-tam l'ot al ya-de-cha,
v'ha-yu l'to-ta-fot bein ei-ne-cha.
Uch-tav-tam, al m'zu-zot bei-te-cha, u-vish-a-re-cha.
You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be upon your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children, and you shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes. And you shall write them upon the doorposts of your house and upon your gates.
Second Paragraph:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/RxSE4670019.jpg)
V'ha-ya, im sha-mo-a tish-m'u el mits-vo-tai
a-sher a-no-chi m'tsa-veh et-chem ha-yom
l'a-ha-va et A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem
ul-awv-do b'chawl l'vav-chem, u-v'chawl naf-sh'chem,
V'na-ta-ti m'tar ar-ts'chem b'i-to, yo-reh u-mal-kosh,
v'a-saf-ta d'ga-ne-cha,
v'ti-ro-sh'cha v'yits-ha-re-cha.
V'na-ta-ti ei-sev b'sa-d'cha liv-hem-te-cha,
v'a-chal-ta v'sa-va-'ta.
Hi-sha-m'ru la-chem pen yif-te l'vav-chem, v'sar-tem,
va-a-vad-tem E-lo-him a-chei-rim, v'hish-ta-cha-vi-tem la-hem.
V'cha-rah af A-do-nai ba-chem, v'a-tsar et ha-sha-ma-yim,
v'lo yi-h'yeh ma-tar, v'ha-a-da-ma lo ti-tein et y'vu-la,
va-a-vad-tem m'hei-ra mei-al ha-a-rets ha-to-va
a-sher A-do-nai no-tein la-chem.
V'sam-tem et d'vara ei-leh, al l'vav-chem v'al naf-sh'chem,
uk-shar-tem o-tam l'ot al yed-chem,
v'ha-yu l'to-ta-fot bein ei-nei-chem.
V'li-mad-tem o-tam et b'nei-chem, l'da-beir bam
b'shiv-t'cha b'vei-te-cha, uv-lech-t'cha va-de-rech
u-v'shawch-b'cha uv-ku-me-cha.
Uch-tav-tam, al m'zu-zot bei-te-cha, u-vish-a-re-cha.
L'ma-an yir-bu y'mei-chem, vi-mei v'nei-chem, al ha-a-da-ma
a-sher nish-ba A-do-nai la-a-vo-tei-chem, la-teit la-hem
ki-mei ha-sha-ma-yim al ha-a-rets.
And it will be, if you will diligently obey My commandments which I enjoin upon you this day, to love the L-rd your G-d and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, I will give rain for your land at the proper time, the early rain and the late rain, and you will gather in your grain, your wine and your oil. And I will give grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be sated. Take care lest your heart be lured away, and you turn astray and worship alien gods and bow down to them. For then the L-rd's wrath will flare up against you, and He will close the heavens so that there will be no rain and the earth will not yield its produce, and you will swiftly perish from the good land which the L-rd gives you. Therefore, place these words of Mine upon your heart and upon your soul, and bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for a reminder between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, to speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road, when you lie down and when you rise. And you shall inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates - so that your days and the days of your children may be prolonged on the land which the L-rd swore to your fathers to give to them for as long as the heavens are above the earth.
Third Paragraph:
(http://w3.chabad.org/media/images/467/lvfG4670017.jpg)
Va-yo-meir A-do-nai el Mo-she lei-mor:
Da-beir el b'nei Yis-ra-eil, v'a-mar-ta a-lei-hem
v'a-su la-hem tsi-tsit, al kan-fei vig-dei-hem l'do-ro-tam,
v'na-t'nu al tsi-tsit ha-ka-naf p'til t'chei-let.
V'ha-ya la-chem l'tsi-tsit, ur-i-tem o-to
uz-char-tem et kawl mits-vot A-do-nai, va-a-si-tem o-tam,
v'lo ta-tu-ru a-cha-rei l'vav-chem,
v'a-cha-rei ei-nei-chem
a-sher a-tem zo-nim a-cha-rei-hem,
L'ma-an tiz-k'ru, va-a-si-tem et kawl mits-vo-tai
vi-h'yi-tem k'do-shim lei-lo-hei-chem.
A-ni A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem,
a-sher ho-tsei-ti et-chem mei-e-rets Mits-ra-yim
li-h'yot la-chem lei-lo-him;
A-ni A-do-nai E-lo-hei-chem… Emet
The L-rd spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to attach a thread of blue on the fringe of each corner. They shall be to you as tzizit, and you shall look upon them and remember all the commandments of the L-rd and fulfill them, and you will not follow after your heart and after your eyes by which you go astray - so that you may remember and fulfill all My commandments and be holy to your G-d. I am the L-rd your G-d who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your G-d; I, the L-rd, am your G-d. True.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/706163/jewish/In-Hebrew.htm
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/706162/jewish/Translation.htm
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/282822/jewish/Transliteration.htm
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This is why I told him to go the United Synagogue www.theus.org.uk (No relation to United Synagogue in the US,the UK United synagogue is Orthodox & includes many Chabad rabbis & is exclusively Orthodox).
United Synagogue in the UK is the synagogue arm of the London Beth Din under the auspecies of the Chief Rabbi & is strictly Orthodox & recognized worldwide including the Israeli rabbanut.
I've read their page on the conversion process which goes into great detail about the varying stages before the beth din. Without rushing into things I will eventually contact my nearest shul provided I feel this is the right decision to make which I hope it will be. In the mean time I've signed up for various jewish programmes in London. I was thinking about birthright but I have a feeling i'm not eligible
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I've read their page on the conversion process which goes into great detail about the varying stages before the beth din. Without rushing into things I will eventually contact my nearest shul provided I feel this is the right decision to make which I hope it will be. In the mean time I've signed up for various jewish programmes in London. I was thinking about birthright but I have a feeling i'm not eligible
Pfft birthright lets deform Jews and everyone in. The good thing about the trip is Israel. Nothing can take away from Israel and that proved it to me.
Figure out what's special about Israel, and here's where the spirituality comes in, or you'll just be a tourist in a nice resort.
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Pfft birthright lets deform Jews and everyone in. The good thing about the trip is Israel. Nothing can take away from Israel and that proved it to me.
Figure out what's special about Israel, and here's where the spirituality comes in, or you'll just be a tourist in a nice resort.
Indeed, even from a superficial perspective Israel is breathtakingly beautiful and one could argue that this in itself induces some form of spirituality in the heart. Would you say visiting Israel is essential in terms of conversion?
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Indeed, even from a superficial perspective Israel is breathtakingly beautiful and one could argue that this in itself induces some form of spirituality in the heart. Would you say visiting Israel is essential in terms of conversion?
The beauty gives you peace, which is probably useful in experiencing spirituality. The land itself is rejoicing to see you, and you're filled with pride and feel invincible. It's important to first understand what you're experiencing.
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The beauty gives you peace, which is probably useful in experiencing spirituality. The land itself is rejoicing to see you, and you're filled with pride and feel invincible. It's important to first understand what you're experiencing.
Indeed, the negev desert for example is breathtaking. It's enough to make you weep with joy even from looking at photos.How often do you visit y'eretz israel ?
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Indeed, the negev desert for example is breathtaking. It's enough to make you weep with joy even from looking at photos.How often do you visit y'eretz israel ?
Hopefully, forever soon.
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Hopefully, forever soon.
This is something the world needs and quickly otherwise evil will flourish.Obama's vile in demanding a pre 1967 retreat. Don't you think?
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It doesn't take a genius to know Jerusalem is the capital of Judaism and indeed Israel.
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I've read their page on the conversion process which goes into great detail about the varying stages before the beth din. Without rushing into things I will eventually contact my nearest shul provided I feel this is the right decision to make which I hope it will be. In the mean time I've signed up for various jewish programmes in London. I was thinking about birthright but I have a feeling i'm not eligible
Wise move & currently you are not eligible,however if after you convert & providing you are the right age which I think is up until 21 or 22 you would be.
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Wise move & currently you are not eligible,however if after you convert & providing you are the right age which I think is up until 21 or 22 you would be.
My father's technically jewish however. Ideally, would it be advisable to go to israel first before making this decision?
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My father's technically jewish however. Ideally, would it be advisable to go to israel first before making this decision?
First of all you would need proof of that if you were intending to immigrate here,however just to visit anybody can visit here.
If you could prove it it would not help as you can not get married here or be buried in a Jewish cemetary unless your mother is Jewish or you had a proper recognized conversion which is why I suggested go to the United Synagogue & London Beth Din.
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First of all you would need proof of that if you were intending to immigrate here,however just to visit anybody can visit here.
If you could prove it it would not help as you can not get married here or be buried in a Jewish cemetary unless your mother is Jewish or you had a proper recognized conversion which is why I suggested go to the United Synagogue & London Beth Din.
Oh no sorry I was referring to birthright. What I meant was before making the decision to convert with the beth din would you advise visiting Israel to ascertain the extent of my spiritual connection?
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Oh no sorry I was referring to birthright. What I meant was before making the decision to convert with the beth din would you advise visiting Israel to ascertain the extent of my spiritual connection?
It may not be a bad idea.
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Jerusalem would obviously be my first port of call although if B.O. gets his way we'll see
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Jerusalem would obviously be my first port of call although if B.O. gets his way we'll see
By BO do you mean body odor or Barack Obama?
:::D
Seriously not to worry Obama will not have has way G-d forbid.
Jerusalem is a good place to start.
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Body odour is far more tolerable. :)
I've read about online conversions. Are they recognised as being legitimate?
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For obvious reasons ?
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Dan,
I already have urged him to find a competent Orthodox Rabbi and gave him the save advice you just gave (not that repeating it is bad). I believe that it would be best for Rafeli18 to do this as soon as possible.
http://jtf.org/forum/index.php/topic,70460.msg602335.html#msg602335
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I'm thankful for your advice but I was just curious as "online conversions" seem to be on the rise which to me seems a bit dubious.It trivialises the process.
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I'm thankful for your advice but I was just curious as "online conversions" seem to be on the rise which to me seems a bit dubious.It trivialises the process.
I have never heard of online conversions...
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http://convertjudaism.org/
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Seems like the online conversion is under the "reform" movement. Such that even the Masorti/Conversatives would not even such a convert...let alone Orthodox.
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Seems like the online conversion is under the "reform" movement. Such that even the Masorti/Conversatives would not even such a convert...let alone Orthodox.
Thus a no go area. To be honest it seems like a bit of a con. Don't you think? I emailed them a few weeks ago and they claimed I could convert within a few weeks or even a fortnight. :laugh:
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Body odour is far more tolerable. :)
I've read about online conversions. Are they recognised as being legitimate?
Absolutely not.
Such conversions are fraudulent.
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Actually the guy that runs that site is a Conservative and does YouTube videos, but it says they also offer Reform conversions if desired. Notice that they DON'T offer Orthodox. That says it all right there.
I couldn't have said it better.
It is a total farce.
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I couldn't have said it better.
It is a total farce.
People fall for anything
"Cough"Obama supporters
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Actually the guy that runs that site is a Conservative and does YouTube videos, but it says they also offer Reform conversions if desired. Notice that they DON'T offer Orthodox. That says it all right there.
Though i hear people do this as a loophole
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Basically...
Yes some people resort to these type of fake conversions. Some people just don't know any better. They really want to be Jewish and the first shul they find is a reform or conservative. They go to a few lessons etc..and then convert. But years later this brings much pain, when their children (who grow up thinking they are Jewish) want to get married or move to Israel or become frum and study at a yeshiva etc. Suddenly, their entire world collapses when they learn "your mother did not do a real conversion, you are not Jewish".
So all these reform, conservatives and charlatans like Asher Meza of "bejewish.org" and others (who I can name privately) are actually doing a lot more harm than good.
Some have good intentions while others know what they are doing fooling people and do it for the money or for the attention.
Real conversion is very very hard! It may take a year, a year and a half in not more. Real rabbis will not allow anyone to just convert. It will also require money. Moving to a community, paying your conversion teachers, paying the conversion application fee, paying for the mikvah etc..
Even after one coverts, one may always get people who forget that they need to be welcoming and will always make rude remarks about "converts". When you meet someone new and they know you converted, the first thing they want to know is "so, did you convert to get married?" or they will try to quiz you on your knowledge. Others will always try to correct you when you say something or do something Jewish. (like a blessing etc)
The point is, this is a hard road. It's not all open doors. It will have a lot of doors closing in front of you- but if you have faith in Hashem, you will find that the right doors will open for you. This is never like when people "convert" to some xstian religion and everyone is loving and welcoming. You will find that Torah Jews will always be welcoming. Because of the law to love the convert who converted (note, it is convert who converted, not gentile who converted. Since gerim are as if they had always had a Jewish soul). In fact, to be a convert who converted means that the person always had a potential neshama inside. Others even think that the souls of ALL Jews, even those who would eventually convert, were at Mt Sinai as well. So Torah Jews who know the commandment to love the gerim will be open and welcoming. And pray to Hashem that you find such people. But be prepared for the few rotten apples who try to put you down. Ignore them. Remember that everything is from Hashem and people are just messengers. Also note, that after conversion, no one is ever allowed to remind you of when you were not Jewish. Furthermore, no one should ever embarrass you either. Sadly, I have heard of such cases. It is better to be informed and ready than taken by surprise later on...or sugar coat it.
I must also warn you. In Israel, conversions done by reform or conservatives have to be legally accepted by the state but are NOT accepted by the Israeli religious system. Meaning that if you convert in your home country and live a year in a Jewish community (unless you have the right of return through your father and can immigrate now) the religious courts would not be able to recognize you. But the state would. Which essentially means nothing other than have an ID that says you're Jewish. Not because one is, but because the government is forced to recognize it- yet having no halachic standing. However, when it comes to Orthodox conversion across the world, the state of Israel will only recognize the Orthodox Batei Din that the Israeli rabbinical court choose to recognize. This means that not just any orthodox rabbis can actually do the conversion. It has to be someone on the actual list of authorized courts by the rabbinical court in Israel.
The reason for this is because...the Orthodox courts have no say in what reform or conservatives do...thus the state of Israel accepts them. But the Orthodox courts in Israel DO have a say in Orthodox courts around the globe; and the state will consider what the Orthodox courts rule in regards as who is a Jew (based on what Orthodox court one chose.
This is a very selective list. I would recommend you double check that your nearest Orthodox Beis Din will be accepted in Israel.
Also, a big controversy in Israel has been the religious courts voiding some conversions. This is only in cases when someone who converted comes back to a court for whatever reason, and under questions reveal that while they converted, they do not keep Shabbat or Niddah etc. Yes, there have been some cases of these people being told their conversions are revoked. If I am not mistaken, there was a similar case in the UK.
Basically, double check where you end up going.
I know that all these conservatives and reformists claim they can do easy and fast conversions. But that's just the problem. It's not fast or easy. To do a halachic conversion, one must do the process the Beis Din has set forth. Maybe it won't be overnight, but if one really has a Neshama inside, it can be done.
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He is in England & the only ones that do conversions are the London Beth Din which is recognized worldwide & in Israel by the rabbanut.
If he does it via the LBD absolutely no problem.
They are the gold standard when it comes to halachic conversions.
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He is in England & the only ones that do conversions are the London Beth Din which is recognized worldwide & in Israel by the rabbanut.
If he does it via the LBD absolutely no problem.
They are the gold standard when it comes to halachic conversions.
I agree.
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I'm aware of the potential consequences that could arise if I were to convert which is why I surely don't want to rush this through. Up until now all the books about judaism have been rather general paying no real amount of attention to the different strands if you like of Judaism. Therefore, would you advise any good books focusing on orthodox judaism?
Like I said converting to judaism is a tremendous effort which whilst having the potential to be fulfilling takes a lot of perseverance which I hope Hashem will give me.
I don't know I have a neshama inside of me but I still have a deep sense of connection with judaism and the jewish people that has to be said.
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I'm aware of the potential consequences that could arise if I were to convert which is why I surely don't want to rush this through. Up until now all the books about judaism have been rather general paying no real amount of attention to the different strands if you like of Judaism. Therefore, would you advise any good books focusing on orthodox judaism?
Like I said converting to judaism is a tremendous effort which whilst having the potential to be fulfilling takes a lot of perseverance which I hope Hashem will give me.
I don't know I have a neshama inside of me but I still have a deep sense of connection with judaism and the jewish people that has to be said.
The book of Rachel has a lot on converts. There's one book in particular about orthodox Judaism, lol. My personal favorite.
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Praises to Hashem. I just received some good news. One of the jewish charities I applied for has offered me an interview! :dance:
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The book of Rachel has a lot on converts. There's one book in particular about orthodox Judaism, lol. My personal favorite.
Thanks, I'll look into it
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I'm aware of the potential consequences that could arise if I were to convert which is why I surely don't want to rush this through. Up until now all the books about judaism have been rather general paying no real amount of attention to the different strands if you like of Judaism. Therefore, would you advise any good books focusing on orthodox judaism?
Like I said converting to judaism is a tremendous effort which whilst having the potential to be fulfilling takes a lot of perseverance which I hope Hashem will give me.
I don't know I have a neshama inside of me but I still have a deep sense of connection with judaism and the jewish people that has to be said.
I dont know what you are asking. Do you want academic books on what the world thinks about Orthodox Judaism or do you want books about worshiping Hashem as an Orthodox Jew?
Also I don't know what LKZ is referring to the 'book of rachel'.... There is no such book in the canon of Jewish holy writing. I think he is referring to the 'Book of Ruth' which is indeed a Jewish holy book and it does discuss the merit of the great convert Ruth who is the great grandmother of King David and thus the matriarch of the Messianic line.
Jewish books are divided into different categories. Some discuss Halacha (Jewish law) others discuss issues of Faith and Trust (Emmunah and Bitachon) and still others are called Mussar (books which concentrate on refining character traits).
I have already provided two links to two Kosher Orthodox Book publishers...
ArtScroll @ http://www.artscroll.com
Feldheim @ http://www.feldheim.com/
Go to those sites and browse... You will find Orthodox Jewish books there.
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Just looking at the Feldheim site I found the following which may be of interest to you:
The Choice To Be
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/the-choice-to-be.html
(http://www.feldheim.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/245x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/2/6212_1.jpg)
Winner of the 2011 National Jewish Book Award for Modern Jewish Thought and Experience
A sweeping exploration of the intellectual issues raised by a Torah worldview.
Written for both the serious outsider looking in, as well as for orthodox individuals interested in the basic questions of faith raised by modern experience. Rabbi Kagan, principal of Midreshet Tehillah seminary, brings together years of experience in education with the perspective gained from his transition from a student of philosophy at Yale University to a student of Torah in Jerusalem . The result is a compelling formulation of ancient ideas in modern idiom, capable of meeting the unique challenges of our times.
The Way of G-d
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/way-of-g-d-derech-hashem.html
(http://www.feldheim.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/245x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/4/5414_1.jpg)
This classic 18th century philosophical work by The Ramchal presents his keen understanding of the complex topic of God and His workings -Divine regulation of the world.
With marginal notes by Rabbi Yosef Begun. Vowelized, facing Hebrew and English texts.
Bible Basics
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/bible-basics.html
(http://www.feldheim.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/245x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/8/0873067487.jpg)
An ideal introduction to the world of the Torah and our rich heritage. Contains maps, timelines, lists of mitzvos and character traits, genealogy, and an English translation of the first three Torah portions.
Why Be Jewish
http://www.feldheim.com/jewish-thought-outlook/basic-judaism/why-be-jewish.html
(http://www.feldheim.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/245x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/0/6056.jpg)
Why be Jewish? Strange question, perhaps. After all, if you’re Jewish … you’re Jewish.
And yet, the question is not as strange as it once was. An increasing number of people regard being Jewish – and certainly openly identifying as such – as a lifestyle choice rather than an unchangeable fact. Jewish identity no longer survives automatically. To stay Jewish today, one needs to find his or her own reasons why our heritage is important, inspirational, and relevant.
Punchy, upbeat, and full of memorable stories, anecdotes, and jokes, this book is the consummate guide to the beauty and importance of Judaism. It's a thought-provoking, inspiring read - ideal for Kiruv Rechokim, Kiruv Krovim, and Chizuk for anyone.
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http://www.chabad.org/theJewishWoman/article_cdo/aid/2142/jewish/The-Book-of-Ruth.htm
Our sages note several interesting connections between the biblical Book of Ruth and the festival of Shavuot:
a) Shavuot falls in the harvest season, and is defined by the Torah as the culmination of a seven-week count beginning with the first barley harvest; the story of Ruth unfolds against the background of the barley harvest in ancient Judea, with the mitzvah of leket (allowing the poor to "glean" the stalks that fall to the ground during the harvest) playing a pivotal role in the narrative.
b) Ruth is the ancestress of King David; David was born on the festival of Shavuot of the year 2854 from creation (907 BCE), and passed away on the same date 70 years later.
c) Ruth is the paradigm of the ger tzeddek, the "righteous convert" who with great sacrifice forsakes her or his former life and identity to be born anew as a Jew; in essence, however, we are all gerei tzeddek, having undergone that very process ourselves on the first Shavuot of history when we assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to be born anew as G-d's people.
The entire Book of Ruth is included in the Tikkun Leil Shavuot, the Torah digest studied on the night of the festival. In many communities it is publicly read in the course of the morning services on Shavuot day.
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Some good books I recommend from ArtScroll:
Gateways To Judaism
http://www.artscroll.com/Products/GTJH.html
(http://www.artscroll.com/images/covers/g/gtjh.gif)
Questions are the gateways to knowledge. After years of responding to the queries of people from all walks of life, Rabbi Becher saw the need for a single volume that would explain the fundamentals of Jewish living; the philosophy behind Jewish tradition, along with practical explanations of how Jews actually live. Gateway to Judaism offers an engaging insider's look at the mindset, values, and practices of Judaism in the 21st century.
Some of the fascinating questions which Rabbi Becher addresses in Gateway to Judaism are:
In the age of modern conveniences do we really need a Sabbath?
What is Judaism's view on death and the afterlife?
Why is Judaism so full of laws?
Why should I pray? Does God really want to hear my complaints?
Can Judaism enhance my marriage?
What does Judaism say about raising and educating children?
Isn't circumcision just an ancient rite of initiation? What relevance does it have today?
Why is Israel so central to Judaism? Does a religion need a land?
How can I conduct a Passover Seder if I can barely read Hebrew?
Each chapter includes:
* An overview and philosophical introduction to the topic, including rationale and sources
* Practical laws and instructions
* Extensive endnotes, which provide a valuable reference tool for scholars, teachers and students of Judaism
* Vignettes of the lively Levy family demonstrate how these topics apply in daily life
Rabbi Becher demonstrates the relevance of Judaism's timeless principles and its ability to transform and elevate the individual, the family and the community. His book opens the door for the newcomer to Judaism, while at the same time providing new insights into its significance for those already familiar with the joy of Jewish living.
Example Page
(http://www.artscroll.com/images/insides/g/gtjh-ex-1.jpg)
Understanding Judaism
http://www.artscroll.com/Products/UNDH.html
(http://www.artscroll.com/images/covers/u/undh.jpg)
What does the Torah say that makes it relevant to today?
* How can we understand the mitzvos?
* Why should I believe?
* Why be Jewish?
* What does a Jew have to do?
* Is science an enemy of Judaism?
JEP -- the famous Jewish Education Program – has introduced thousands of young people to the exciting adventure of Torah Judaism. In addition to trips, Shabbatons, and rousing song and dance, it has presented the basics of Jewish history and belief in an attractive, compelling manner. This captivating book is the essence of the best of JEP. It distills the faith and experience of the Torah nation in a manner that makes it an excellent primer for adolescents and adults.
This book is filled with good question and better answers. Compiled by the leader of JEP, Rabbi Mordechai Katz, it contains the best teaching of Rabbi Katz and his colleagues, filtered though the wisdom of their spiritual leaders and relived by the reaction of tens of thousands of young people over many years.
Best of all, it’s a book that’s a pleasure to read, packed with stories and ideas. As an introduction to Judaism, Understanding Judaism is a great starting point. But it’s not just for beginners. The cast majority of yeshivah-trained observant Jews will find it filled with new information and approaches. And for anyone in a setting where he or she must answer questions about Judaism, it will be an invaluable aid.
Long awaited and much needed, this book is the answer to many a prayer.
Sample Page:
(http://www.artscroll.com/images/insides/u/undh-ex-1.jpg)
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"To be a Jew" is a good book too.
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I dont know what you are asking. Do you want academic books on what the world thinks about Orthodox Judaism or do you want books about worshiping Hashem as an Orthodox Jew?
Also I don't know what LKZ is referring to the 'book of rachel'.... There is no such book in the canon of Jewish holy writing. I think he is referring to the 'Book of Ruth' which is indeed a Jewish holy book and it does discuss the merit of the great convert Ruth who is the great grandmother of King David and thus the matriarch of the Messianic line.
Jewish books are divided into different categories. Some discuss Halacha (Jewish law) others discuss issues of Faith and Trust (Emmunah and Bitachon) and still others are called Mussar (books which concentrate on refining character traits).
I have already provided two links to two Kosher Orthodox Book publishers...
ArtScroll @ http://www.artscroll.com
Feldheim @ http://www.feldheim.com/
Go to those sites and browse... You will find Orthodox Jewish books there.
Thanks. There is a Book of Ann on amazon which to a degree does talk about conversions it seems but focuses on Jewish history so I think you'll probably right with regards to the Book of Ruth.
http://www.amazon.com/THE-BOOKS-OF-RACHEL-ebook/dp/B004ASN9L0
In answer to your question I was referring to books which reference worshiping Hashem as an orthodox jew which are the links you provided me.
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That book of Rachel is a fictional account... I thought you were interested in non-fictional books about Jewish belief, tradition, and ritual.
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That book of Rachel is a fictional account... I thought you were interested in non-fictional books about Jewish belief, tradition, and ritual.
I am but this was the book that was recommended to me
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That book of Rachel is a fictional account... I thought you were interested in non-fictional books about Jewish belief, tradition, and ritual.
What do you mean the book of Rachel is fictional. Wasn't that David Ha Melech's grandmother?
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What do you mean the book of Rachel is fictional. Wasn't that David Ha Melech's grandmother?
It's not biblical at all. It merely uses her name to convey a fictional story it seems
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What do you mean the book of Rachel is fictional. Wasn't that David Ha Melech's grandmother?
NO, Ruth was David HaMelechs great grandmother... THE BOOK OF RUTH (not Rachel)...
http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/16453
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http://www.torah.org/learning/ruth/
Ruth: Its message and significance for our lives.
The book of Ruth has great universal appeal. On the surface, it is the story of a young virtuous maiden who leaves her family and her nation to cast her lot with a people and religion that she has not previously known. Her purity of thought, noble behavior and charming character gain her the role of the progenitor of a royal dynasty. A reader identifies with the risk that she took, is impressed by her dignity and refined bearing, and is drawn to her purity and strength of faith. The book of Ruth leaves one with a sense of optimism, hope, and trust, and a feeling of fulfillment and completion. There is; however, much, much more to the story of Ruth, for it is first and foremost a story of redemption and restoration. It is precisely this element, at times explicitly identified, at other times only dimly surmised, that tugs at our heartstrings and awakens that sense of identification and relevance to our own individual and personal lives, our own struggles with alienation and despair, our own longing and search for restoration. We take Ruth personally because on some level we sense that it is our own story. We also long to transition out of the foreign land to the place of greater purpose and serene trust. We, like Ruth, have traveled away from our Father (in Hebrew Mo Ab). Like her, we long to return to the Land of promise. The book of Ruth teaches us that personal redemption must occur within a family, community, and nation. No man is an island. We are nurtured and shaped by our families, national identities and cultural backgrounds. These are personal limitations but we can approach Him together with others. Ruth became the ancestor of kings because she gave kindness and devotion to others. The way is not out of Moab but into Judea; not by leaving society behind but by joining in, and the means to redemption is kindness. R. Zeirah said: "This scroll contains neither laws of purity or impurity, neither what is permitted or forbidden. Why was it written? To teach the reward of those who deal kindly with others (Yalkut Shimoni Ruth 601)."
Ruth, as we said, is a story of redemption; however, it is a complex story, within which can be discerned three interconnected cycles. The first is the seed of Elimelech returning to his people. He and his sons left his nation but his widow, daughter-in-law and their progeny return. The second circle that is closed is the return of the prodigal daughter of Lot to her rightful position in the family of Abraham. Lot's branch of the family descended into licentiousness and carnality (see Genesis 19). Thus, it separated itself from Abraham's messianic destiny for humanity. Through Ruth and David it now came back to rejoin it. This return, like all returns, was not easy and required struggle. Traces of their Moabite heritage were a stumbling block for David and Solomon. Their task was to wholly purify themselves from the daughters of Lot within. Solomon married many wives and they turned his heart away from Hashem. Moabite lust destroyed the lives of David's other descendants: Adonijah, Amnon, and Absalom. David himself was tested in trials of Michal, Abigail and, of course, Bathsheba. Knowing his background, we can appreciate his ultimate success in overcoming temptation even more.
Another lesson that this book teaches us - redemption requires separation. Ruth kissed Naomi and went with her to her future but Orpah kissed her and turned back to her past. The Sages tell us that that very night she again became Lot's daughter. A hundred men impregnated her and out of that seed came Goliath who faced David upon the fateful field of battle.
We face choices every day of our lives and these choices have consequences. We reclaim and redeem but we also must reject; this is not an easy process and there are many pitfalls. God assists man in this daily struggle but it is largely up to us. No amount of Divine assistance can allow us to escape the duty to face the truth that we already know but the heart reveals not to the mind. Before redemption comes separation of good from evil, of that which must be redeemed from that which must be rejected and abandoned.
The third element is the Messianic redemption for David, which stands at the fulcrum of history. Mystics teach us that the three phonemes of Adam stand for the three stages of human history - A for Adam, D for David and M for Messiah. The redemption of Ruth is thus a parable for the entire panorama of human history and this element is not far from the surface of this book.
The book of Ruth must be approached differently than the book of Jonah that we just merited to have competed. Whereas there are few traditional commentaries on Jonah, we are fortunate to possess a number of Midrashic works on Ruth. Our task, therefore, will be less to innovate than to uncover the profound wisdom of the Sages who spoke in parables and allusions. The fountain of living truth has not ceased and we must draw from it. Our study of Ruth will therefore be an opportunity to learn how to extract from the deep wellsprings of Rabbinic literature. I hope that as I attempt to draw up these deep and living waters, you, dear readers, will come to be impressed by the wisdom and righteousness of the Rabbanim, as much as I repeatedly continue to be.
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The book of Rachel has a lot on converts. There's one book in particular about orthodox Judaism, lol. My personal favorite.
Is the book you're referring to?http://www.amazon.com/THE-BOOKS-OF-RACHEL-ebook/dp/B004ASN9L0
Just to clarify
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Is the book you're referring to?http://www.amazon.com/THE-BOOKS-OF-RACHEL-ebook/dp/B004ASN9L0
Just to clarify
No... the tanach lol.
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No... the tanach lol.
Rachel is Joseph's and Benjamin's mother.
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Rachel is Joseph's and Benjamin's mother.
Ok this is getting a little humorous. Sorry to say...
The 'Book of Rachel' is a piece of fiction, not a part of Tanach. It is true that Rachel is the name of one of Jacobs wives, that is not what 'Book of Rachel' is about (as derived from visiting the site which Rafaeli18 linked to).
The 'Book of Ruth' is a part of the Jewish canon called 'TaNaK' which is a word which stands for the following three parts of the entire Jewish bible.
1) Torah (or Chumash the five books of Moses)
2) Neviim (or Prophets which contain the prophetic writings)
3) Ketuvim (or Writings which contain the other books including Ruth, Esther, Proverbs, Song of Songs, etc.)
Ruth is a book of Tanach, not Rachel...
Are there any questions about this?
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http://www.torah.org/learning/basics/primer/torah/bible.html
The 24 Books of the Hebrew Bible
In their simplest form, the twenty-four books of the Jewish Bible - the Tanach - present a history of the first 3500 years from creation until the building of the second Temple in Jerusalem. The books also relate the history of the Jewish nation from its earliest stage, through the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and until the end of the first commonwealth.
But the Tanach is much more than just history. In it one can learn about G-d's plan for the world and of His relationship with mankind, specifically, His chosen nation - the Jews.
Here is where G-d tells us what He wants us to do!
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your G-d want of you? Only to fear the Lord your G-d, to go in all His ways and to love Him and to serve the Lord your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul. To guard the commandments of G-d and His statutes..." (Deuteronomy 10 12-13)
Presented here is a very short overview of each of the books of Tanach, divided into three main categories: the Chumash, the Prophets and the Writings.
The Five Books of Moses (Chumash)
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
The Eight Books of the Prophets (Neviim)
Joshua
Judges
Samuel
Kings
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Ezekial
The Twelve (minor prophets) Trei-Assar
The Eleven Books of the Writings (Kesuvim)
Psalms - Tehilim
Proverbs - Mishlei
Job - Iyov
Song of Songs - Shir HaShirim
Ruth - Rus
Lamentations - Eicha
Ecclesiastes - Koheles
Esther
Daniel - Doniel
Ezra/Nehemia
Chronicles - Divrei Hayamim
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Regarding the Torah's Rachel I bring the following insight:
http://www.inner.org/times/cheshvan/rachel58.htm
Our matriarch, Rachel's day of passing is the 11th of Cheshvan, which has been established as Jewish Mother's Day
Rachel is the spiritual matriarch of the Jewish People who are scattered throughout the world. Rachel personifies the cry for the spiritual and physical return of all Jews. Rachel is she who refuses to be comforted until the ingathering of her children is realized (see Jeremiah 31:14).
Following is a deeper understanding of the symbolism connected with Rachel Imenu, Rachel our matriarch.
For the Jewish People, our matriarch Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, personifies the innate power of the soul and its conscious devotion to arouse God's mercy to redeem His children from exile and bring them to the promised land. This she does with tears and heartfelt prayer.
In the words of the prophet Jeremiah:
So says God: "A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping; Rachel weeps for her children, she refuses to be comforted, for her children, who is not." So says God: "Keep your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for there is reward for your effort, says God; and they shall return from the land of the enemy. And there is hope for your future, says God, and the children shall return to their border."
We recite this prophecy as the Haftorah of the second day of Rosh HaShanah.
Rosh HaShanah, the "day of remembrance," is the day that Rachel, after having been barren for many years, was remembered by God to bear a son. Thirty years afterwards, on the very day of Rosh HaShanah, her son, Joseph, was released from prison and appointed viceroy of Egypt.
The phrase "for her children, who is not," over whom Rachel cries in the above prophecy, refers to Joseph in particular, the spiritual representative of the exiled tribes of Israel.
In Kabbalah, we learn that the twelve months of the Jewish year possess two heads or "parent"-months: the month of Nissan is the "father" of all the months of the year, whereas the month of Tishrei is the "mother" of all the months of the year. The shofar of Rosh HaShanah symbolizes in Kabbalah the womb of the mother; its blast--the birth of a new (blessed) year.
The numerical value of Rosh HaShanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָׁנָה) is 861 and is the trinagle of 41, the sum of all the integers from 1 to 41. 41 is the gematria of "mother" (אֵם). 861 is also the value of "the Holy Temple" (בֵּית הַמִקְדָשׁ), for the woman, the mother, symbolizes the home and builds for her family a holy sanctuary.
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Ok this is getting a little humorous. Sorry to say...
The 'Book of Rachel' is a piece of fiction, not a part of Tanach. It is true that Rachel is the name of one of Jacobs wives, that is not what 'Book of Rachel' is about (as derived from visiting the site which Rafaeli18 linked to).
The 'Book of Ruth' is a part of the Jewish canon called 'TaNaK' which is a word which stands for the following three parts of the entire Jewish bible.
1) Torah (or Chumash the five books of Moses)
2) Neviim (or Prophets which contain the prophetic writings)
3) Ketuvim (or Writings which contain the other books including Ruth, Esther, Proverbs, Song of Songs, etc.)
Ruth is a book of Tanach, not Rachel...
Are there any questions about this?
Ruth... Ruth... need some R & R myself, it seems.