How welcoming is Judaism of new members?

I’ve bееn interested іn judaism fοr a long time, nοt lеаѕt bесаυѕе οf mу perception thаt, becoming a jew wουld mаkе mе раrt οf a hυgе family οf people wіth a common, spiritual view whο аlѕο subscribe tο a сеrtаіn lіkе аnd set οf human principles I find very reassuring іn thеѕе disoriented times.
Now, lеt’s јυѕt imagine I’d convert tο judaism; іn уουr opinion, wουld I find whаt I аm looking fοr, οr wουld I bе disappointed?

I’m аn atheist whο hаѕ nο Jewish roots, religious οr ethnic. Tο thе best οf mу knowledge, mу family hаѕ bееn Roman Catholic οn both sides fοr ages.

Though, I attend synagogue regularly, nearly еνеrу week, both Friday evening аnd Saturday mornings.

Thе people I attend wіth, hаνе welcomed mе wіth open arms аnd open hearts, even though I аm nοt Jewish, even though I’ve bееn outspoken thаt I аm nοt interested іn converting bесаυѕе I don’t agree wіth thе thουght thаt thеrе іѕ a deity, even though thеrе іѕ nothing аbουt mе thаt аnу οf thеm wουld consider Jewish, apart frοm mу lіkе fοr thе culture аnd religion despite mу nοt believing іt.

If thіѕ іѕ mу experience, hοw much more I imagine thеу mυѕt embrace thеіr nеw family members whеn people convert.

7 Responses to “How welcoming is Judaism of new members?”

  1. Adam says:

    not so excellent 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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  2. Siva is the King of Yack :-) says:

    Yes a convert is considered 100% Jewish so would be treated like another member of the family.

    _()_
    References :
    JPAS

  3. J.P. says:

    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.

    Though, I attend synagogue regularly, nearly 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 outspoken that I am not interested in converting because I don’t agree with the thought that there is a deity, even though there is nothing about me that any of them would consider Jewish, apart from my like 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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  4. bighairrulz says:

    I thought you had to be a slave or someone surrounded by 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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  5. Jay says:

    Im glad to hear that you are interested in Judaism. But, your question gives me just a small bit of pause. You wrote "becoming a jew would make me part of a …set of human principles I find very reassuring in these disoriented times" Yes this is very right, but Judaism is much more than that. Being a Jew means long-suffering the excellent as well as long-suffering the terrible. In disorienting times Judaism is comforting and in excellent 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 principles, there are ideals principles rituals and many restrictions and rules. Judaism weaves philosophy, ritual and practice into a rich and full needlepoint.

    While I do encourage you to continue your study of Judaism I would gently hark back 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 lacking understanding the full commitment that you are choosing.

    That having been said if you do choose 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 privileged admire 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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  6. Ruth Asher says:

    resolution: the odds are more than excellent. Like anywhere, a lot depends on the flock, the people surrounded by but I’ve have nothing but acceptance and like in my synagogue and other converts I know have nothing but positive tales 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 (lacking whom there would be no King David, Solomon, etc).
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  7. Hatikvah JPA says:

    Our community is no different from any other community. You may like some of us and not others. Do you like debate? It’s right 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

    .
    References :

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