I am a teenager that's curious about Judaism.........?
Stevenmmmmm
New member
- Jul 2, 2009
- 24
- 0
- 1
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
http://www.chabad.org/
http://whatjewsbelieve.org/
http://www.aish.com/jl/j/48962366.html
See also Pros+Cons - http://www.beingjewish.com/conversion/becomingjewish.html
There are two excellent books on the topic of conversion:
- "To Be A Jew" by Chaim Halevi Donin
- "Becoming a Jew" by Maurice Lamm.
There are two excellent books which are helpful for conversion:
- "Migrant Soul" by Avi Shafran
- "The Bamboo Cradle" by Avraham Schwartzbaum
There are online forums, but there hit-or-miss. Try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversiontojudiasim/summary (I have Not looked at this group, and cannot vouch for it's contents.)
Your best option would be to speak to a real Rabbi, preferably Orthodox.
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juda boy doesn't know what he's talking about.
http://www.chabad.org/
http://whatjewsbelieve.org/
http://www.aish.com/jl/j/48962366.html
See also Pros+Cons - http://www.beingjewish.com/conversion/becomingjewish.html
There are two excellent books on the topic of conversion:
- "To Be A Jew" by Chaim Halevi Donin
- "Becoming a Jew" by Maurice Lamm.
There are two excellent books which are helpful for conversion:
- "Migrant Soul" by Avi Shafran
- "The Bamboo Cradle" by Avraham Schwartzbaum
There are online forums, but there hit-or-miss. Try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversiontojudiasim/summary (I have Not looked at this group, and cannot vouch for it's contents.)
Your best option would be to speak to a real Rabbi, preferably Orthodox.
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juda boy doesn't know what he's talking about.
Looking around online and reading up is a great idea to see if you are following similar ideals, or moral codes. However, if you actually want to get into Judaism I suggest reading the Torah, going to a synagogue, and becoming aware of the Talmud and the oral laws. Judaism isn’t a religion that goes around looking for converts, or takes them in easily, you must show perseverance and that you actually believe in it.
My family friend (more like my father as he raised me so) converted to Judaism. My sister and I were raised with the Torah, though not born. I am also a teen so if you wish to talk I may be able to relate, or at least give you some insight.
Good day
My family friend (more like my father as he raised me so) converted to Judaism. My sister and I were raised with the Torah, though not born. I am also a teen so if you wish to talk I may be able to relate, or at least give you some insight.
Good day
ConvertRuthAsher
New member
- Sep 1, 2009
- 10
- 0
- 1
answer: rosends gave an excellent link
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
# # #
Euro Judy is incorrect (and obviously NOT Jewish - 2 days ago he was Catholic and bad mouthing Jews). Anyone can convert to Judaism <I should know, I'm in the process>
http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
# # #
Euro Judy is incorrect (and obviously NOT Jewish - 2 days ago he was Catholic and bad mouthing Jews). Anyone can convert to Judaism <I should know, I'm in the process>
sites like www.jewfaq.org and www.whatjewsbelieve.org and www.chabad.org are wonderful resources (and there are many others). Many online communities will end up confusing you as they invite posts from people of dubious connection to judaism. better to read a book like "To Be a Jew" or "This is My God" or just find a rabbi and have a one-on-one conversation.
CindyComesBack
New member
- Jul 9, 2009
- 28
- 0
- 1
come to http://www.virtualyeshiva.com and learn from Orthodox Rabbis there. They have classes on tons of topics relating to Judaism, every single day except Shabbat.
Also you can go to
http://www.jewisheverything.net
http://www.simpletoremember.com/
Please be aware that the only acceptable conversion across the board is Orthodox. The more liberal Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative conversions are not accepted by the Orthodox as valid because they do not follow Torah law in their conversions, so if you go through one of those you will still be considered a Gentile by the Orthodox. Just a heads up for you there.
An Orthodox conversion is time consuming. It will take you around 1 to 3 years or more to complete. You must live within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue, you must not be married to a non-Jew (obviously you aren't married), and you must be able to keep kosher and keep Shabbat in your home (what about your parents?)
Most Orthodox Rabbis will take you in for learning, but will not officially convert you until you're an adult and living in your own place where you're able to keep the mitzvot. So you may be able to start studying at least, and then go the rest of the way after you're an adult.
When you are ready, you'll go before a Beit Din (panel of 3 judges) who will test you. Then you'll have to be circumsized if you aren't already - if you are then a drop of blood will be drawn for symbolic circumsizion (if you are male). Then you'll go to the mikvah and immerse and come out of it a new Jew.
You will be expected to live IN an Orthodox Jewish community while you're learning as an adult, because Judaism is a culture and not just a religion. You'll need to learn how to function in the Jewish community, what customs to follow, etc.
You will need to learn Hebrew, at least enough to be able to follow along in the siddur (prayer book). If you are a male, you'll need to learn all about putting on tzitzis, tefillin, tallit, and being part of a minyan.
Get three books to start with:
"To Pray As A Jew" by Rabbi Hayim Donin
"To Be A Jew" by Rabbi Hayim Donin
"Becoming A Jew" by Rabbi Maurice Lamm
You can also contact those at ShemaYisrael who will help you locate an Orthodox Rabbi in your area who will work with you. Contact them here:
http://www.shemayisrael.com/becomingjewish.htm
Conversion to Judaism is very, very involved. It's not easy. It's not meant to be easy. You REALLY have to want to be a Jew. But in the end it's well worth it if you know you have a Jewish soul and it needs to come home.
best wishes!
P.S. I almost forgot. If you want to get into some of the deeper meanings in Judaism, you can find a lot of really interesting articles here:
http://www.kabbalaonline.org/
This is from the Orthodox as well.
Also you can go to
http://www.jewisheverything.net
http://www.simpletoremember.com/
Please be aware that the only acceptable conversion across the board is Orthodox. The more liberal Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative conversions are not accepted by the Orthodox as valid because they do not follow Torah law in their conversions, so if you go through one of those you will still be considered a Gentile by the Orthodox. Just a heads up for you there.
An Orthodox conversion is time consuming. It will take you around 1 to 3 years or more to complete. You must live within walking distance of an Orthodox synagogue, you must not be married to a non-Jew (obviously you aren't married), and you must be able to keep kosher and keep Shabbat in your home (what about your parents?)
Most Orthodox Rabbis will take you in for learning, but will not officially convert you until you're an adult and living in your own place where you're able to keep the mitzvot. So you may be able to start studying at least, and then go the rest of the way after you're an adult.
When you are ready, you'll go before a Beit Din (panel of 3 judges) who will test you. Then you'll have to be circumsized if you aren't already - if you are then a drop of blood will be drawn for symbolic circumsizion (if you are male). Then you'll go to the mikvah and immerse and come out of it a new Jew.
You will be expected to live IN an Orthodox Jewish community while you're learning as an adult, because Judaism is a culture and not just a religion. You'll need to learn how to function in the Jewish community, what customs to follow, etc.
You will need to learn Hebrew, at least enough to be able to follow along in the siddur (prayer book). If you are a male, you'll need to learn all about putting on tzitzis, tefillin, tallit, and being part of a minyan.
Get three books to start with:
"To Pray As A Jew" by Rabbi Hayim Donin
"To Be A Jew" by Rabbi Hayim Donin
"Becoming A Jew" by Rabbi Maurice Lamm
You can also contact those at ShemaYisrael who will help you locate an Orthodox Rabbi in your area who will work with you. Contact them here:
http://www.shemayisrael.com/becomingjewish.htm
Conversion to Judaism is very, very involved. It's not easy. It's not meant to be easy. You REALLY have to want to be a Jew. But in the end it's well worth it if you know you have a Jewish soul and it needs to come home.
best wishes!
P.S. I almost forgot. If you want to get into some of the deeper meanings in Judaism, you can find a lot of really interesting articles here:
http://www.kabbalaonline.org/
This is from the Orthodox as well.