Why are their two types of Judaism, Ashkenazim and Sephderic. And do both...

M

Mat

Member
Joined
May 26, 2008
Messages
110
Reaction score
0
Points
16
...respect and believe in each other? Do they enjoy the same rights, and believe that each will go to Heaven? cuz it is the opposite in Islam where Sunni and Shie believe thy each other is going to hell along with the rest of non Moslem's? and how do u convert to Judaism? thanx
 
* Doug is correct. Those are like the differences of someone from New York and someone from Atlanta - both are US citizens, both believe in the same basics.

Yes, both believe the other will reach their g-d.

the two groups aren't at odds with belief, they just have some different cultural stuff going on.

As for converting - this was written by my best friend who converted recently:

Answer: determine which branch of Judaism is calling to you – Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist or Reform. Find a synagogue of that branch 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)

D Aravah, Jew by Choice
 
There are more than two "types" or ethnic divisions of Jews. These are two of the largest.

Ashkenazi Jews used to speak a form of medieval German (Yiddish), written in hebrew, and also containing influences from Slavic languages. They were based in Eastern in Central Europe, and moved to the United States about 120 - 100 years ago. This was the language of many of the Jews killed in the Holocaust.

Sephardic Jews spoke Ladino, a form of medieval Catlillian Spanish, their language before they were expelled from Spain in 1492. Many of them moved to places in the former Turkish empire in the Middle East.

Both Jews get along, have similar religious beliefs (there are some minor observance differences), and do not have a schism. In Israel, the Sephardim actually have more people -- most of the Jews in Israel actually come from formerly Muslim countries and not Europe. However, in the past, Ashkenazi Jews did hold more economic and political power. This situation is now changing a bit as Sephardic Jews achieve equality

Israel has two chief Rabbis, one from each group.

If you wish to convert to Judaism, an orthodox conversion will be far more rigorous (and potentially painful) than a reform conversion. Judaism is as diverse as Christianity is, with conservatives and progressives, this explains all the different types out there.
 
Back
Top