I do not practice any particular religion but I am a firm believer in God. My religous background would have to be Christianity but I find myself questioning its beliefs. I have read material that expains the beliefs of Judaism and I found that I agree with most everything I've read and I am intrigued. If I choose to delve into Judaism and attend services, what should I expect to encounter? Should I attend classes first? Should I speak with a Rabbi?
Thanks for your time..
2006-06-30 09:24:00 · 6 answers · asked by S*W*F 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If you want a full answer, you have to visit "Judaism 101" at www.jewfaq.com
2006-07-02 18:19:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
it would be helpful to talk to the rabbi first, to determine whether there are any requirements or expectations from members of the congregation. perhaps they'll want you to bring some mandelbrodt for the oneg shabbat afterwards. the kind with the candied fruit is weird - especially the green cherries - ick.
it's been a while, and i'm sure this varies by congregation:
much of the service will likely be in Hebrew, but many prayer books will have a phonetic representation in english that you can follow. there will be prayers that everyone recites together - happily if it's a reformed congregation. sonorously if it is not. there'll be a reading from the torah in hebrew, and another reading from a scriptural book outside of the torah (the haftarah). the cantor might strum a guitar like pete seeger, or just chant in a deep tone like orson welles. there'll be parts to stand or sit during, but you'll be told if/when to do that. there'll be a parade through the congregation where the torah is offered for the congregants to show their love for the sacred work. the rabbi will likely end the service with a sermon and a prayer for the memory of the departed, and a blessing for the living.
tonight is the sabbath, so good shabbes to you.
l'chaim!
2006-06-30 18:27:41 · answer #2 · answered by © 2007. Sammy Z. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely speak with a Rabbi. Unlike Christianity in which almost any Church will just take anyone upon an oath or ceremony, converting to Judaism requires a fairly long and involved process. I'm sure you can go to Vegas and pay $10 for a 10 minute lecture at a synagogue that will get the paperwork out of the way, but most real conversion classes take over a year.
2006-06-30 16:38:50 · answer #3 · answered by smokingun 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just go a bit early when they have services and explain to some nice person you encounter there that it's your first time. They will be helpful. Just sit towards the back so you can follow what everyone is doing. No big deal. I've been there.
2006-06-30 16:27:49 · answer #4 · answered by BonesofaTeacher 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first are you male or female because certain parts of Judaism require females to cover their head with a shawl. If I were you i would meed with the Rabbi first
2006-06-30 16:28:05 · answer #5 · answered by ♡♥EM♡♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Watch your wallet / purse. Money has a " strange " effect on Jews.
2006-06-30 16:31:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋