Comments on: How welcoming is Judaism of new members?

By: Hatikvah JPA

Hatikvah JPA — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:19:59 +0000

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

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By: Ruth Asher

Ruth Asher — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:10:59 +0000

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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By: Jay

Jay — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:50:59 +0000

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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By: bighairrulz

bighairrulz — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:24:59 +0000

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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By: J.P.

J.P. — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:45:59 +0000

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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By: Siva is the King of Yack :-)

Siva is the King of Yack :-) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:02:59 +0000

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

_()_
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JPAS

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:18:59 +0000

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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