Hey Christian! Have you been to Synagogue???

[Cow Poke]

If not, I doubt the neighbor meant any offense as he did return the greeting.

Tell your husband it's not rude to ask, most Jews are happy to answer questions

I have found this, in my experience, to be mostly true. In fact, I can't think of a single time (except here on TWeb ) where a Jew has been ANYTHING but gracious in conversation when I asked about beliefs or customs.

[princesa]

You mentioned that you have many Jewish neighbors. Does this happen everytime you greet a Jewish neighbor? Does it happen everytime you greet that particular neighbor?

no, i don't know which man he referred to but b/c it's never happened before we found it odd. thanks Chavak, for your response, i guess he was in a prayer that couldn't be interrupted.

[Chavak]

I have found this, in my experience, to be mostly true. In fact, I can't think of a single time (except here on TWeb ) where a Jew has been ANYTHING but gracious in conversation when I asked about beliefs or customs.

Sometimes forums don't exactly bring out the best in us :)

[Cow Poke]

Sometimes forums don't exactly bring out the best in us :)

perzackly... lacking tone of voice and facial expression, a lot gets lots in translation.

[Catholicity]

Actually, yes, my husband and I have been to the Conservative Synagogue family service, conducted in Hebrew and English, we like it because it was very family friendly, and the Rabbi was welcoming and even though we are not Jewish he was very inclusive of our daughter in the dancing. The taking of the cup for the children in rememberance of passover (even though our daughter did not partcipate) was not unlike communion) and we loved participating in the prayers toward Israel and the inclusive fellowship afterward. All in all it was an A+ from me

[Tapioca]

I have always been curious about the Jewish faith. I come from a family where the Jewish roots of Christianity are respected and celebrated.

I would love to visit a synagogue. But I feel it would be disrespectful for me to visit a synagogue *just* for my curiosity.

I am an aspiring writer, and sometimes I have characters of different faiths in my stories. Because sometimes I write about Jewish characters, that's the only reason I can think of that I'd actually have a legitimate reason for visiting--to learn more about the faith and culture. But even so, I'm not sure if that would be a respectful, legitimate reason for me to visit. I mean, I have no intention of changing faith. And I have other ways of learning about Judiasm.

[Tanakh Keeper]

While they don't check IDs at the door, they do have a box of kippahs there. If you were really curious, then attend a Saturday morning service. Observe our relationship with Torah first hand. They don't have that online!

And you don't have to worry that you will be coverted on the sly. It takes a year of solid study before a person is allowed to convert.

[mycatisamoron]

Anyone is allowed in a synagogue --- you just have to get in touch with them first, though, because of security reasons. Turning up with a group of Christians completely out of the blue is probably not a good idea, but they would be allowed if it was pre-arranged. School children visit synagogues with their teachers. If it's pre-arranged they can have someone guide you through it. Also, the prayer service on the Sabbath is very long, so asking when is the best time to show up is a good idea too.

[mycatisamoron]

we have many jewish neighbors in our area. one morning my husband said hello to our neighbor and told me that the neighbor stopped, said a lenghty prayer, and then returned his greeting. this left my husband confused and no explanation was offered. My husband thought it was rude to ask (plus he was a little taken aback at this gesture). I know prayers aren't necessary before a jewish person returns a greeting so i wonder what happened.

Sounds like a nut.

[mycatisamoron]

I have always been curious about the Jewish faith. I come from a family where the Jewish roots of Christianity are respected and celebrated.

I would love to visit a synagogue. But I feel it would be disrespectful for me to visit a synagogue *just* for my curiosity.

I am an aspiring writer, and sometimes I have characters of different faiths in my stories. Because sometimes I write about Jewish characters, that's the only reason I can think of that I'd actually have a legitimate reason for visiting--to learn more about the faith and culture. But even so, I'm not sure if that would be a respectful, legitimate reason for me to visit. I mean, I have no intention of changing faith. And I have other ways of learning about Judiasm.

It's not disrespectful to visit a synagogue out of curiousity. Just tell them you'd like to visit (say you're just curious even) and they will let you. They'll let anyone in as long as they're not there to start trouble. It is mutually beneficial -- you get to see a synagogue, and they get to be comforted knowing that there are people out there who don't hate their guts. :)

[Cow Poke]

I have been very warmly received by Jewish congregations on several occasions. I always asked first, and in TWO of the situations, the Rabbi took a minute to recognize my presence. It was a very enjoyable experience each time.

[Rainbow Brite]

I have been very warmly received by Jewish congregations on several occasions. I always asked first, and in TWO of the situations, the Rabbi took a minute to recognize my presence. It was a very enjoyable experience each time.

That's nice you had to deny Jesus in order to be there. Forget that.

[Tapioca]

While they don't check IDs at the door, they do have a box of kippahs there. If you were really curious, then attend a Saturday morning service. Observe our relationship with Torah first hand. They don't have that online!

And you don't have to worry that you will be coverted on the sly. It takes a year of solid study before a person is allowed to convert.

No worries. I wasn't concerned about being converted. I just meant that it might not be respectful for someone to visit out of curiousity...I couldn't even say I was a seeker, because I'm not looking to convert. I'm just really really curious!!!

Thank you for the kind and helpful answers, Tanakh Keeper & mycatisamoron. Awesome replies!!! <3

[Cow Poke]

That's nice you had to deny Jesus in order to be there. Forget that.

Denying Jesus is NICE? Yeah, that's worth forgetting.

[Rainbow Brite]

Denying Jesus is NICE? Yeah, that's worth forgetting.

Ok you could say "Jesus is King" as a Christian and be welcomed. Or not.