Torah and Jewish Idea > Torah and Jewish Idea
Is a conversion appropriate in this circumstance?
rafeli18:
--- Quote from: Dan Ben Noah on July 14, 2013, 01:10:12 PM ---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
--- End quote ---
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
rafeli18:
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?
rafeli18:
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.
rafeli18:
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?
rafeli18:
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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