Im thinking of converting to Judaism?

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Katya

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Ive grown up in a christian household, i dont think i have a family member on either side that isnt a christian. ever since i was 12, ive always been torn between christianity and judaism. So many of the prophecies from the old testament don't mesh with the idea of Jesus. Just learning as much as i can about Judaism, everything contradicts Jesus. The Jews are God's chosen people. I'm feeling so lost. If i do convert, how will i ever tell my family? Will they disown me? Is it necessary to learn Hebrew? Sorry if i sound naive, I'm 16. Can somebody give me advice?
There's no doubt in my mind that God doesn't exist. I have no need to study other religions that i have learned about briefly. The only religion i consider converting to is Judaism, which is why i asked this question. I just want advice for what i should do. I suppose i should just pray about it and hope God sends me the right way :)
 
Katya when I read "suppose i should just pray about it and hope God sends me the right way", the Holy Spirit indicated to me that God has already come up with an answer for you. I'll retrieve it for you:

"I AM YOUR GOD.I AM YOUR FATHER.WORSHIP ME.FOLLOW MY SON.HE IS YOUR LIGHT.GO NOW"

That looks like Messianic Judaism;practicing Judaism in a synagogue that recognizes Jesus as the Jewish Messiah. :emot1:Look in your local Yellow Page Katya directory to see if you can find a local one.
 
You just need to learn more about Judaism. Actually Judaism and belief in Jesus Christ or Yeshua Messiah is the same thing. You are Just on a quest for truth. I am a black Jew, if it does not offend you, you can look at my web site at: www.blackjudaism.com click on avatar of Yeshua & .. in the list to get to my site. Your heart moving you to search so for truth is from above, its your destiny!
 
answer: you need to learn about Judaism before making any major decisions. You should get some good books and learn about BOTH religions, study and find where G-d is calling you.

As for your family, you will have to cross that bridge if you make the decision to proceed with conversion. The Christian members of my family were "disappointed" but still love me and only "slip" occasionally and pray "in the name of Jesus" when I'm visiting. Tell your family that you are interested in learning about Judaism and see about attending an "Intro to Judaism" class at a nearby synagogue.

Recommended books: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Judaism (a real book by a rabbi); Choosing Judaism; Living Judaism; Jewish Literacy; What is Special about Judaism; What is a Jew; The Jewish Home (Amazon.com used books is a great resource - odds are these or most of these will be required in your class and the synagogue can order them for you)
 
A lot is dependent upon your family, of course; if they're very strict, they may be unhappy for a while, but most families will eventually come around.

Depending on the branch of Judaism you convert in, you may or may not have to learn Hebrew (it's really not as tough as you might think); if you convert with an Orthodox rabbi, you'll probably have to learn it, but if you convert Conservative or Reform, then you will likely just learn to read enough to make it through services - and even that isn't a lot.

As for telling your family, I would suggest simple things like leaving books you are reading lying around so that they'll get the picture that you're interested; there's no need to slap them in the face with it all at once (not that I'm suggesting that you'd want to).

I would suggest reading. Judaism places a strong emphasis on learning, both for information, and for its own sake.

Some of the books I would suggest:

"Choosing Judaism" by Lydia Kukoff
"Every Person's Guide to Judaism" by Stephen J. Einstein and Lydia Kukoff
"Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends" by Anita Diamant (a good one to leave around when you're ready to hint to others that you're serious about going through with it)
"Basic Judaism" by Rabbi Milton Steinberg
"The Sabbath" by Abraham Joshua Heschel (a bit tougher than the others, but very valuable in conveying the "flavor" of Jewish thinking)
"Moral Grandeur and Spiritual Audacity" a collection of essays, also by Heschel; a comparatively difficult read, but valuable; take it in small "bites" and don't try to rush

There are many, many others; I suggest simply reading what appeals to you.

I would be remiss if I did not tell you that Judaism does not teach that you have to be Jewish to be a good person and acceptable to God; we do not seek converts, but we do accept them.

Shalom.
 
Do not let yourself be led astray, Jesus is our Shepherd. He is the true king.

Yes Jesus is Jewish, but the Jewish people rejected Him and His teachings, thus Judaism is no longer the path to God.
 
I don't think you can really convert to Judaism. I'm pretty sure you have to be born with Jewish heritage...but then again i'm not sure.
 
from the information u have given,u only have knowledge about christianity and judaism.if u realy want to change religion than why not come out of the box and learn about non abrahamic religions.also,u should try to think whether the concept of god and religion is really true or not.
 
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