Jews, I have some questions about converting to Orthodox Judaism?

K

Kevin

Active member
I've been thinking about converting for a long time, I have this enormous passion for Judaism and the Jewish people, so I know its what I want. But I have some questions: Should I go to shul for awhile every Shabbos before I talk to the rabbi about converting to show that I'm serious? Will I be shunned until they know that I'm serious about it? How long will the conversion take? (I have some prior knowledge because I'm studying Judaic Studies in college, so I know a lot about Judaism and Jewish history).
I really want to do this but I've been kind of nervous about how they will react to me and what the rabbi will do, and afraid that I might get tongue tied and unable to convey my message well enough when I talk to them. This community I want to be a part of is very close knit and black hat.
Any suggestions you have about how to be less nervous will be appreciated too.
 
Z

Zvi

New member
1 - Joe S, that is the biggest bunch of misquotes I have yet seen. Impressive, actually.

2 - To the question. Shul. That might be a good idea, but don't think it'll lessen the time, since it takes three Rabbis (a bes din) to do the conversion. You might want to speak to your local Rabbi first, so he has an idea who you are and will know not to count you as a Jew in his minyan (quorum of 10 men). He'll also guide you.

3 - You will not be shunned, but the Rabbi will try to dissuade you. If you are serious, you'll be fine. My mother in law is a convert.

4 - Length. Probably a couple of years, but I know people who were converted in less time...

5 - The Rabbi will be fine with you, you have nothing to worry about.

6 - I'm from a close knit black hat big bearded community. I'm Chabad Lubavitch. You can email me anytime if you have any questions. If the Rabbi is also Chabad, he'll DEFINITELY be very open.

Good luck! You have a long road ahead of you.
 
D

DAravahlJBC

New member
answer: as a recent convert I can say: Just put the mind and body on automatic and enter the synagogue. Introduce yourself to someone and say it's your first time there.

Answer: Find a synagogue near you and talk with the rabbi.

Typically, there is an Intro to Judaism class that can last 16 lessons (with a break in the winter or spring, depending on when the class starts). During that time you’ll be expected to attend Shabbat services and holiday observances at the synagogue and bringing more and more of the mitzvot (commandments) into your life, moving closer and closer to living life as a Jew.

After the class you’ll work one-on-one with the rabbi or an elder on any areas you might need more study. When the rabbi considers you are ready, you will be referred to a rabbinical court (who aren’t out to sink anyone). They determine if the candidate understands enough about Judaism and is living life as a Jew (except for saying the blessings on Shabbat).

If the candidate is male and approved, they will have to been circumcised or a ritual drop of blood drawn from the genitals (with appropriate numbing agent applied). Men and women converts then go to a mikvah, a ritual immersion in water with appropriate prayers. When one emerges, they are considered 100% Jewish.

Now, the different branches don’t all recognize conversions by other branches (much like some Christian denominations don’t consider other denominations as REAL Christians).

Orthodox – recognize only Orthodox conversions.
Conservative – recognize Conservative and Orthodox conversions
Reconstructionist – recognize all conversions
Reform – recognize all conversions.

The State of Israel recognizes all conversions as legitimate but only Orthodox Jews can marry in Israel or be buried in a Jewish cemetery. Non-Orthodox go to Cyprus, get married and their marriage is then recognized in Israel.

Orthodox = 2 – 3 years to convert
Conservative = 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reconstructionist – 2 – 2 1/2 years
Reform – 1 – 1 1/2 years

Side note: “Messianic Jews” are NOT Jewish and are NOT accepted in any branch of Judaism. They are Christian sects with Christian beliefs and some are intentionally deceptive in their attempts to convert Jews. “Messianics” are NOT recognized as Jewish by any Jewish branch nor by Israel nor by the US military. They are Christians despite calling their churches synagogues and their ministers “rabbis”

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)

Ruth Aravah, Jew by Choice
 
C

CherwashereJPA

New member
Joe S's quotes were generated by hateful gentiles to create hate at Jews. None of them exist in Jewish literature.

I'd suggest calling the office about going to services & asking for someone to be assigned to you. Go once or twice, see how you feel, before asking that person about conversion in their congregation. The Rabbi should be willing to talk with you, but also will likely try to disuade you as is standard in Judasim to make sure it's really right for people. Don't be nervous though. Just go with your feelings on it.
 
D

Debbie

Member
Is that the best you can do Joe S quote a load of lies from anti semitic sites?
Well done you just got yourself reported.

Now to the question: If you have Jewish people in your area then maybe you can talk to them and see if they could advise which Rabbi would be best to speak to about converting.
As you already know Judaism doesn't encourage conversion but plenty of people have become Jewish because they have shown their sincerity and are now fully fledged members of the Jewish religion.
It seems that you're interested in Orthodox Judaism and therefore the conversion will likely take about three years but I'm not completely sure about that.
Don't be nervous just be yourself the Rabbi's are people just like you and there's nothing to be afraid of maybe; read something from the book of Psalms or give a little bit of money to charity and ask G-d that in this merit you should be able to speak calmly to the Rabbi.
I wish you the very best of success and hopefully one day you will be buying yourself a black hat.
 
J

JoeS

Member
Sickening...


The jews Hatred for the gentiles is apparent in their holy books, They even have a few derogatory words for us gentiles; goy\goyim. Here are just a few quotes from the jewish “holy book”:


1. Sanhedrin 59a: "Murdering Goyim is like killing a wild animal."

2. Abodah Zara 26b: "Even the best of the Gentiles should be killed."

3. Sanhedrin 59a: "A goy (Gentile) who pries into The Law (Talmud) is guilty of death."

4. Libbre David 37: "To communicate anything to a Goy about our religious relations would be equal to the killing of all Jews, for if the Goyim knew what we teach about them, they would kill us openly."

5. Libbre David 37: "If a Jew be called upon to explain any part of the rabbinic books, he ought to give only a false explanation. Who ever will violate this order shall be put to death."

6. Yebhamoth 11b: "Sexual intercourse with a little girl is permitted if she is three years of age."

7. Schabouth Hag. 6d: "Jews may swear falsely by use of subterfuge wording."

8. Hilkkoth Akum X1: "Do not save Goyim in danger of death."

9. Hilkkoth Akum X1: "Show no mercy to the Goyim."

10. Choschen Hamm 388, 15: "If it can be proven that someone has given the money of Israelites to the Goyim, a way must be found after prudent consideration to wipe him off the face of the earth."
 
E

EddieJ1

Member
It might be best if you call the synagogue office during the week and talk to someone about connecting you with someone who can be with you during services.
 
Top