How does one become a jew?

[Lost]

What is involved and can anyone join up?

[yonah_mishael]

What is involved and can anyone join up?
If this is a serious question, you should consult a rabbi rather than asking on here. (1) We do not seek converts. If you want to convert, you have to be serious about it. (2) The process is long and hard so that you won't take it lightly.

Yonah

[Lost]

Thanks for the reply.
I have started researching Judaism on the web.
I seem to have come to the point where I don't believe that Jesus was divine and that Paul was not exactly who is portrayed to be.
I seem to have thrown out the whole new testament.
Yet I still pray to God and I see Him as the God of the old testament, I can't accept evolution, I'm therefore left with no option - I can't accept aetheism.
Judaism seems very complex tho - looks a bit daunting - not just as simple as accepting the ten commandments.
I guess the only other option is to remain a human who obeys the God of the old testament.

[Gavriel]

What is involved and can anyone join up?

Just a word of caution, you will get varied responses on this question depending on who you ask. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Karaite, etc all have different standards and procedures for converts.

Here are some general requirements that most movements agree upon and the Torah passages where they come from.

Circumcision

If you are a male, and haven't been circumcised this will be required. If you've been circumcised as a non-Jew by anyone other then a qualified Rabbi you will have to get a ceremonial prick at time of conversion to make your old circumcision valid per say.

This is My covenant, which you shall observe between Me and between you and between your seed after you, that every male among you be circumcised. Genesis 17:10

Accepting all Mitzvot (Laws)

This is sometimes referred to taking on the "yolk of the Torah"

So Moses come and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances, and all the people answered in unison and said, "All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do." Exodus 24:3

And he took the Book of the Covenant and read it within the hearing of the people, and they said, "All that the Lord spoke we will do and we will hear." Exodus 24:7

Immersion in a Mikveh

This is not baptism, but it's the best analogy for what it is. It's a ritual immersion into water.

God said to Moses, 'Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Let them [even] immerse their clothing. Exodus 19:10

Beit Din (Jewish Court)

Before immersion, you will be questioned by a 3 judge panel known as a Beit Din about your sincerity and motives.

No verse in Torah.

[Lost]

thanks for the helpful reply.
I will take it slowly and read a lot first.

[yonah_mishael]

thanks for the helpful reply.
I will take it slowly and read a lot first.
You must realize that you do not have to convert to Judaism just because you no longer believe in Jesus as a deity. These two ideas are not continuous. It does follow, however, that you should serve only one God, and you can do this by means of the commandments that have been given to the sons of Noah (http://www.auburn.edu/~allenkc/noahide.html) (all mankind). You do not have to become a Jew just because you left Christianity. Judaism is more than Christianity minus Jesus.

Yonah

[Conductor42]

It also depends on who you ask. If you asked an Orthodox Jew, a Conservative Jew, a Reform Jew, or a Karaite Jew - you'd get different answers from all of them.

[Goose]

A relationship with the Creator is a walk. I recommend studying the Covenant of Noah and the laws concerning that first.

[Lost]

I have been used to relating to God as my Father.
Is that sort of relationship compatible with Judaism?
Is it still a Father son type of relationship or is it a bit more austere than that?
Not that I mind - whatever it is then thats what it is - just wondering thats all.

[yonah_mishael]

It also depends on who you ask. If you asked an Orthodox Jew, a Conservative Jew, a Reform Jew, or a Karaite Jew - you'd get different answers from all of them.I don't know about the Karaite, but for Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform, the process is essentially the same: long period of study and preparation, circumcision, ol hatorah, mikveh, beit din, ceremony, life-long commitment.

I know nothing about the Karaite belief system, so I can't comment.

Yonah

[yonah_mishael]

I have been used to relating to God as my Father.
Is that sort of relationship compatible with Judaism?
Is it still a Father son type of relationship or is it a bit more austere than that?
Not that I mind - whatever it is then thats what it is - just wondering thats all.We regularly refer to God in our liturgy as אבינו מלכנו avínu malkénu "our Father, our King" and אב הרחמים av ha-rachamím "Compassionate Father" (lit., "father of compassion/mercies"). The terminology that was adopted into early Christianity often came from Judaism. Thus, when the early Christians referred to God as אבא abba, they did so because the Jews of the time sometimes did this as well.

You will notice, though, with avínu malkénu that the first term ("our Father") is one of intimacy while the second term ("our King") is one of transcendence. This is how we view God — both near to us in our everyday lives and far from anything that we could ever understand. He is so close to us that we cannot fathom life with Him, but at the same time, He is so far away that we cannot even begin to describe Him in any understandable terms. "Oh, majestic splendor!"

Yonah

[Bubbelori]

What is involved and can anyone join up?
I advise you to first find a Reform congregation and ask to take an Intro to Judaism class. This is not an endorsement of the Reform movement per se, only that in my experience the Reform class is the best STARTING POINT for someone who has a Christian background. Usually there is a mix of people in the class, a lot of times there are Jews who haven't had a religious education, non-Jews with a Jewish spouse/significant other, and people like yourself who are searching. If it resonates with you it will provide ways to further study. We don't seek converts, but neither do we turn away the stranger in our midst.

[mitzi]

I advise you to first find a Reform congregation and ask to take an Intro to Judaism class. This is not an endorsement of the Reform movement per se, only that in my experience the Reform class is the best STARTING POINT for someone who has a Christian background. Usually there is a mix of people in the class, a lot of times there are Jews who haven't had a religious education, non-Jews with a Jewish spouse/significant other, and people like yourself who are searching. If it resonates with you it will provide ways to further study. We don't seek converts, but neither do we turn away the stranger in our midst.

Yes and No. Shouldn't you have some understanding about each denomination at the start and basically the approach to studying Torah & what to observe, for example: light candles on Shabbat and prayer within the congregation. Once you begin the process of conversion that initial encounter with the Rabbi would be or should be to start the process and how he wants you to participate within the community.

I do agree in some areas that (your approach) would be the right way but in other areas I would recommend to become familiar within your own community. The process to convert takes along time and even longer to become familiar with the members.

Thanks
Mitzi

[mitzi]

I advise you to first find a Reform congregation and ask to take an Intro to Judaism class. This is not an endorsement of the Reform movement per se, only that in my experience the Reform class is the best STARTING POINT for someone who has a Christian background. Usually there is a mix of people in the class, a lot of times there are Jews who haven't had a religious education, non-Jews with a Jewish spouse/significant other, and people like yourself who are searching. If it resonates with you it will provide ways to further study. We don't seek converts, but neither do we turn away the stranger in our midst.


Acouple of add-on's:

Each Jewish denomination accepts (a degree) of the principle of faith and each shares a common goal to make this world a better place to live. However, some denominations will differ greatly on ritual practices or religious observance (or adherence to Jewish law, particularly kashrut and Shabbat regulations), biblical authorship, textual criticism, the nature of Moshiach and the Messianic age, and Jewish services (especially the languages in which services are conducted).

Not all Jewish communities are alike. Hopefully this might prompt potential converts to check out each religious denomination and then to discuss any information that they might feel needs to be addressed in regards to conversion with a local rabbi or from the major religious groupings within Judaism. This way converts may feel more comfortable about their decision and will hopefully gain a little bit more knowledge. Talk about your thoughts and feelings with your partner, your friends, and your family. It is important, for example, to discuss your feelings openly. Remember conversion must be your own free choice, not done because of pressure, but out of a genuine desire to embrace Judaism. Visit a Jewish congregation to sample a service or attend a Jewish ceremony, such as a Passover Seder or a Sabbath meal.


Hope this helps
Mitzi

You made some very good points,Bubbelori,which I thought about. The Reform congregations are "very" active within our community and they are certainly a good start. But again, do you're research and talk "openly" with a Rabbi. Once you’ve established yourself with a good Rabbi, then will you take the first initial steps to a successful conversion.

[Bubbelori]

In the Intro to Judaism class all sects of Judaism are studied and given equal respect. The practices and beliefs of all are explained - briefly, of course. The prayers that are in all liturgies are studied and explained and usually the student is able to see the Torah, visit a mikveh, and study with both Jews and non-Jews. While some people do go on to convert, it is not a conversion class per se. It is not a Torah study class or an in depth immersion - more like a wading pool.

[mitzi]

In the Intro to Judaism class all sects of Judaism are studied and given equal respect. The practices and beliefs of all are explained - briefly, of course. The prayers that are in all liturgies are studied and explained and usually the student is able to see the Torah, visit a mikveh, and study with both Jews and non-Jews. While some people do go on to convert, it is not a conversion class per se. It is not a Torah study class or an in depth immersion - more like a wading pool.

Yes, there are many Torah study groups/and Hebrew educational programs within various Jewish Synagogues/and Community Centers with open discussions--Jewish study is “all” about participation. There are many people from different religious backgrounds as well as professional backgrounds: some know Hebrew as a native language (already), some know it reasonably well; some know history, Jewish and general; some know religion and philosophy. These discussions can be a very enriched with what other people have to say about the stories in the Jewish Bible (Tanack). In certain cases, hearing different opinions that might change some personal held views. In all, everyone learns something, that’s why I like different on-line groups because you learn from each other and members who have recently shared on the board; share their opinion honestly. But there are times I want to hear from our Jewish members a little more and sometimes that can be taken the wrong way. Also, I think the fact of joining a Torah study group, where participates don’t have to take a final or an exam, may feel more comfortable. It can be a very good & rewarding experience. After awhile you’ll find yourself following along with the readings, which is a great feeling, not to mention how you feel connected, again.

Mitzi

[mitzi]

Acouple of add-on's:

Each Jewish denomination accepts (a degree) of the principle of faith and each shares a common goal to make this world a better place to live. However, some denominations will differ greatly on ritual practices or religious observance (or adherence to Jewish law, particularly kashrut and Shabbat regulations), biblical authorship, textual criticism, the nature of Moshiach and the Messianic age, and Jewish services (especially the languages in which services are conducted).

Not all Jewish communities are alike. Hopefully this might prompt potential converts to check out each religious denomination and then to discuss any information that they might feel needs to be addressed in regards to conversion with a local rabbi or from the major religious groupings within Judaism. This way converts may feel more comfortable about their decision and will hopefully gain a little bit more knowledge. Talk about your thoughts and feelings with your partner, your friends, and your family. It is important, for example, to discuss your feelings openly. Remember conversion must be your own free choice, not done because of pressure, but out of a genuine desire to embrace Judaism. Visit a Jewish congregation to sample a service or attend a Jewish ceremony, such as a Passover Seder or a Sabbath meal.


Hope this helps
Mitzi

You made some very good points,Bubbelori,which I thought about. The Reform congregations are "very" active within our community and they are certainly a good start. But again, do you're research and talk "openly" with a Rabbi. Once you’ve established yourself with a good Rabbi, then will you take the first initial steps to a successful conversion.


Squall:

This thread is for you to read. Didn't know I was a lady......well I'm "not" insulted because as I figure it you need to become "more" familiar with some Jewish first names and also (come to think of it) how's it going to look when you step off this board into this big huge world of ours and can't tell the difference between female and male Jewish names, you know you might get yourself into trouble......be careful, Squall. :lol: