How welcoming is Judaism of new members?
I’ve been interested in judaism for a long time, not least because of my perception that, becoming a jew would make me part of a huge family of people with a common, spiritual view who also subscribe to a certain warmth and set of human values I find very reassuring in these disoriented times.
Now, let’s just imagine I’d convert to judaism; in your opinion, would I find what I am looking for, or would I be disappointed?
I’m an atheist who has no Jewish roots, religious or ethnic. To the best of my knowledge, my family has been Roman Catholic on both sides for ages.
However, I attend synagogue regularly, almost every week, both Friday evening and Saturday mornings.
The people I attend with, have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts, even though I am not Jewish, even though I’ve been forthright that I am not interested in converting because I don’t agree with the idea that there is a deity, even though there is nothing about me that any of them would consider jewish, except my love for the culture and religion despite my not believing it.
If this is my experience, how much more I imagine they must embrace their new family members when people convert.
February 7th, 2010 at 8:18 am
not so good but stick in there, u have to remember that it is a race based religion although the bible says act like a jew and u are a jew it can be stressful for newbies
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February 7th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Yes a convert is considered 100% Jewish so would be treated like another member of the family.
_()_
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JPAS
February 7th, 2010 at 9:45 am
I’m an atheist who has no Jewish roots, religious or ethnic. To the best of my knowledge, my family has been Roman Catholic on both sides for ages.
However, I attend synagogue regularly, almost every week, both Friday evening and Saturday mornings.
The people I attend with, have welcomed me with open arms and open hearts, even though I am not Jewish, even though I’ve been forthright that I am not interested in converting because I don’t agree with the idea that there is a deity, even though there is nothing about me that any of them would consider Jewish, except my love for the culture and religion despite my not believing it.
If this is my experience, how much more I imagine they must embrace their new family members when people convert.
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February 7th, 2010 at 10:24 am
I thought you had to be a slave or someone within the house of the Jewish person to be considered a Jew? or born of a Jewish Mother. How does the conversion thing work?
As for your second deep question, we never find what we are looking for in places, people or things. It is the curse of this life-it makes us chase after the wind-read some of King Solomons works especially Ecclesiastes. Try a relationship with the God of Judaism not just the people. People are people and they will disappoint.
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February 7th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Im glad to hear that you are interested in Judaism. But, your question gives me just a little bit of pause. You wrote "becoming a jew would make me part of a …set of human values I find very reassuring in these disoriented times" Yes this is very true, but Judaism is much more than that. Being a Jew means accepting the good as well as accepting the bad. In disorienting times Judaism is comforting and in good times we are told to be ever mindful to realize that everything is in the hands of Hashem. Judaism is a way of life that encompasses more than just human values, there are ideals values rituals and many restrictions and rules. Judaism weaves philosophy, ritual and practice into a rich and full tapestry.
While I do encourage you to continue your study of Judaism I would gently remind that according to Judaism a non-Jew that embraces the Noahide laws is considered a righteous person by Jewish standards. You may find what you are looking for in this context. Please do not embrace conversion to Judaism without understanding the full commitment that you are choosing.
That having been said if you do decide that Judaism is right for you, then I wish you much success! As you may know a convert to Judaism is in many respects held in higher esteem than someone who is born into Judaism, because despite understanding all the rules and restrictions the convert still chose to embrace Judaism.
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February 7th, 2010 at 11:10 am
answer: the odds are more than good. Like anywhere, a lot depends on the congregation, the people within but I’ve have nothing but acceptance and warmth in my synagogue and other converts I know have nothing but positive stories about their conversion and how they were welcomed into "the tribe", the family.
You will be disappointed by some people. Jews are like everyone else, there are wonderful people and there are jerks. Jews are human. They’re also embracing of converts – remembering that Abraham and Sarah were the first converts and one of the most treasured convert was Ruth (without whom there would be no King David, Solomon, etc).
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February 7th, 2010 at 11:19 am
Our community is no different from any other community. You may like some of us and not others. Do you like debate? It’s true about two Jews having three opinions!
Why not check out the Noahide option?
http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/noahide.html
http://www.noachspace.com/
http://www.noahidenations.com/content/index.php
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