Question about converting to Judaism?

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DrasticGame

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In particular, Reform Judaism.

I've been considering this for a while, and though I was born and raised Catholic, I've never quite felt at home in that church, and honestly, I had too many questions that weren't answered. I also happen to have a family history in Judaism (my great-grandparents were Jewish, and I'm part Israeli by nationality... despite my blonde hair). I definitely believe in God, and I feel that Judaism is the right faith for me. I like Reform Judaism the best because it's the most liberal, progressive, and free-thinking, and gives more autonomy to the individual, which fits me well.

However, a few questions...

First off, what are the religious ceremonies like on Shabbat for Reform Jews? How long do they last, what is involved, etc., etc.

Second question- this might sound stupid- but are the services held in Hebrew? Would I have to learn Hebrew to convert?

Third question- what's the function of choosing a Hebrew name when converting? Is this name actually used in everyday use, or is it just for ceremonial purposes?

Anything else I should know? Thanks so much.
*Sighs*. I'd really love a serious answer. And no derogatory comments from other religions or atheists, please. I respect your religions (in fact, my brother is an atheist), so please respect mine.
Salsaman... you say that *God* persecuted the Jews? No, Christians did, because they're too self-righteous. Are you saying that the Jews deserved what they got in the Holocaust? That's sick. I wasn't looking for answers like that.
 
Hi Drasticgame,
Let me say that I cannot answer the specific questions you posed, however I do respect the fact that you are searching for the right path (as am I), and so would like to offer some thoughts for your consideration.
First, one's religion or choice of faiths should not be based on one that (quote) "fits me well" or "is the right faith for me". Whether you realize it or not, this thought process is born out of the flawed world view of secular humanism which places man at the center of the universe and tries to establish man as 'god' and hence, whatever we think is right becomes the truth... <-- but is this the real truth? Lets apply this thinking to a serial killer,... for him/her, killing "fits him well" and seems right to them... but is killing really right? of course not. Reference - 10 commandments.... and here we come face to face with the bedrock of God's truth... but we cannot stop here. When Jesus came to earth, he ushered in a New Covenant, which did not abolish the old one but rather made some revisions and upgrades to it and it is in understanding this new covenant that we arrive at the true religion. For example, Jesus became our high priest and we can go directly to Him for forgiveness of sins (thats why the veil in the Jewish synogague was torn, as well as not having to 'confess' to a catholic priest). As a Christian, I have been looking into Messianic Judaism, not to replace Christianity but to help me better understand how the Old/New go together and to learn what the real truth is, and not because it is convenient for me. Consider that for the past 39 years, I have taken sunday as my sabbath, but I have come to believe now that saturday is truly the sabbath and have began taking it as my rest day, and while this is EXTREMELY UNCONVENIENT for me, I am doing it because I want to please God and trust that His laws have my best interest at heart. I hope this helps, and I will pray for you.
 
You write you were born and raised a Roman Catholic. My question to you is: Why would you like to converting to Judaism? Judaism does not believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ. For centuries they were God's chosen people and lost it all at the crucifixion of Jesus. Since then, they have been punished and persecuted by God the Father.

If you leave your Catholic Faith for non-believer in Jesus Christ, you will also be punish and persecuted by God, equally as well, God's Justice will prevail. That goes for all the rest of us in this world.

Recommend you go to your local parish Priest and confess your sins; repent before God and amend your life. Then, receive the Holy Eucharist. I can assure you; You'll be a lot happier with Jesus Christ in your Body and Soul.
 
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