I аm looking tο learn more аbουt Judaism bυt I find οn thе internet thеrе іѕ јυѕt ѕο much аnd I аm looking fοr a book thаt focuses οn thе main mοѕt vital раrtѕ οf Judaism. Thіѕ сουld bе a basic book bυt one аlѕο involving conversion bесаυѕе I аm looking tο find out more tο potentially convert.
Becoming a Jew bу Lamm
Tο Bе A Jew bу Donin
Thіѕ Iѕ Mу God bу Wouk
аrе a three books аnу Orthodox rabbi wіll require.
Hοnеѕtlу though, converts аrе treated lіkе crap іn Jewish social circles.
Here is a splendid website
Judaism 101
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
Conversion
In general, Jews do not try to convert non-Jews to Judaism. In fact, according to halakhah (Jewish Law), rabbis are supposed to make three dynamic attempts to dissuade a person who wants to convert to Judaism.
As the discussion above clarified, Jews have a lot of responsibilities that non-Jews do not have. To be considered a excellent and righteous person in the eyes of G-d, a non-Jew need only follow the seven Noahic commandments, whereas a Jew has to follow all 613 commandments given in the Torah. If the potential convert is not going to follow those extra rules, it’s better for him or her to stay a gentile, and since we as Jews are all reliable for each other, it’s better for us too if that person stayed a gentile. The rabbinically mandated attempt to dissuade a convert is intended to make sure that the prospective convert is serious and keen to take on all this extra responsibility.
Once a person has chose to convert, the proselyte must start to learn Jewish religion, law and customs and start to observe them. This teaching administer generally takes at least one year, because the prospective convert must experience each of the Jewish holidays; though, the actual amount of study required will vary from person to person (a c
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(a convert who was raised as a Jew might not need any further education, for example, while another person might need several years).
After the teaching is complete, the proselyte is brought before a Beit Din (rabbinical court) which examines the proselyte and determines whether he or she is equipped to become a Jew. If the proselyte passes this oral examination, the rituals of conversion are performed. If the convert is male, he is circumcised (or, if he was already circumcised, a pinprick of blood is drawn for a symbolic circumcision). Both male and female converts are immersed in the mikvah (a ritual bath used for spiritual refining). The convert is given a Jewish name and is then introduced into the Jewish community.
In scheme, once the conversion procedure is complete, the convert is as much a Jew as anyone who is born to the religion. In practice, the convert is sometimes treated with caution, because we have had some of terrible experiences with converts who shortly return to their former faith in whole or in part. Though, it is vital to remember that Abraham himself was a convert, as were all of the matriarchs of Judaism, as was Ruth, an ancestor of King David.
I just googled converting to judaism and got lots of them.
Google is your friend.
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Resolution: determine which branch of Judaism is calling to you – Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist or Reform. Find a synagogue of that branch near you and talk with the rabbi.
Typically, there is an Intro to Judaism class that can last 16 education (with a break in the winter or spring, depending on when the class starts). During that time you’ll be expected to attend Shabbat services and holiday observances at the synagogue and bringing more and more of the mitzvot (commandments) into your life, moving quicker and quicker to living life as a Jew.
After the class you’ll work one-on-one with the rabbi or an elder on any areas you might need more study. When the rabbi considers you are equipped, you will be referred to a rabbinical court (who aren’t out to sink anyone). They determine if the candidate understands enough about Judaism and is living life as a Jew (apart from for saying the blessings on Shabbat).
If the candidate is male and approved, they will have to been circumcised or a ritual drop of blood drawn from the genitals (with appropriate numbing agent applied). Men and women converts then go to a mikvah, a ritual interest in water with appropriate prayers. When one emerges, they are considered 100% Jewish.
Now, the different branches don’t all recognize conversions by other branches (much like some Christian denominations don’t consider other denominations as REAL Christians).
Orthodox – recognize only Orthodox conversions.
Conservative – recognize Conservative and Orthodox conversions
Reconstructionist – recognize all conversions
Reform – recognize all conversions.
The State of Israel recognizes all conversions as legitimate but only Orthodox Jews can marry in Israel or be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Non-Orthodox go to Cyprus, get married and their marriage is then recognized in Israel.
Orthodox = 2 – 3 years to convert
Conservative = 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reconstructionist – 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reform – 1 – 1 1/2 years
Side note: “Messianic Jews” are NOT Jewish and are NOT accepted in any branch of Judaism. They are Christian sects with Christian beliefs and some are intentionally deceptive in their attempts to convert Jews. “Messianics” are NOT recognized as Jewish by any Jewish branch nor by Israel nor by the US military. They are Christians despite calling their churches synagogues and their ministers “rabbis”
Recommended books: The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism (a real book by a rabbi); Choosing Judaism; Living Judaism; Jewish Literacy; What is Special about Judaism; What is a Jew; The Jewish Home (Amazon.com used books is a splendid resource – odds are these or most of these will be required in your class and the synagogue can order them for you)
Aravah, Jew by Choice
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The best book is "Gerus Steps" but it is only available on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/orthodoxconversiontojudaism/
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"The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism" by Rabbi Benjamin Blech.
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Becoming a Jew by Lamm
To Be A Jew by Donin
This Is My God by Wouk
are a three books any Orthodox rabbi will require.
Honestly though, converts are treated like crap in Jewish social circles.
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convert
There’s a really excellent book about conversion to judaism by Rabbi Marc Angel.
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