A question for Jewish people...?

Question

If I were to convert to Judaism, which denomination would you recommend I convert to, and why?

blushredcobra, I'm a male. If I convert to Judaism, and marry a Jewish girl, our children will be Jewish as well, I believe.

Answer 1

Well, only orthodoxy (as the name implies) follows judaism as it has been practiced over the last 3000 years. The other sects are from "movements", i.e. concerted efforts to change the status quo. So, if you're interested in converting to the religion which G-d gave the jews according to the jews, then I recommend orthodoxy. however, if you just want "jewish culture" or something like that, then any other demonination will do (though, of course, you won't actually be jewish).

and converts are completely jewish. I have yet to meet someone who had any thoughts otherwise. But I have heard the occasional story (repeated out of shock) about ill treatment of a convert. This is completely antithetical to jewish beliefs, and if I saw someone do it, I'd honestly say that *he's* the one who not jewish! (at least, not acting very jewish.)

cheerio

update: gratvol -- why'd you change your avatar? I thought the first one was cool.

Answer 2

Definently try for an orthodox conversion. It is the hardest but the most well recognized.
If that is too mcuh then you can go conservative, but definently do not convert to reform judaism. then no one will treat you like a jew.

And yes, even if you dont convert to judaism, if you have children with a jewish mother they will be considered jewish. Only under reform judaism would children that you had with a non jewish mother after you converted, would be considered jewish

Answer 3

I just want to correct some of the posters: Converted Jews are well appreciated in every Jewish community and are not classified as "second class Jews". Moreover, they are considered Jews in the full sense of the word and so are their children. Jews by birth tend to honor converted ones because they CHOSE Judaism, and were not born Jews; they had a longer way to go and had other "options".

My answer to you depends on your ~hypothetical~ reason for conversion. If you were to convert to Judaism because of pure faith, I'd say that Orthodox Judaism, or Conservative Judaism are the right answers. If you were to convert because of... your spouse, let's say, the Reform Judaism will be more appropriate for you.

Answer 4

uh, orthodox. otherwise its not a valid conversion. be prepared to be turned away though, traditionally the orthodox turn you away at least three times before they will agree to consider converting you.

EDIT

"I've read that people who convert into Judaism are considered 2nd class citizens."

this is often true. due to bad experiences in the past with converts, many jews, in particular the older ones, are wary of them. after you have been around a while though, the problem should go away.

"That means as a female your children would not be considered Jews by other jews since in Judiasm descent is determined by the mother."

also true. after you convert any children you have are considered born jews, but if you have any before conversion you will need to have them converted, and no sane rabbi will agree to convert you if you don't also agree to convert your children, out of the concern for peace in the family. if you are married, they will not convert you unless your husband converts too.

Answer 5

You have to describe yourself a little more, what brought you to Judaism, and what you hope to get out of Judaism (besides marryin a good-lookin Heeb). But yes, expect some difficulty in the beginning - by default all conversions are intitially turned down because the rabbis only want people who are serious about converting, like in that project mayhem scene in fight club.

Answer 6

Reform Judaism is the most liberal. Conservative and Orthodox are more conservative, with Orthodox being the most stringent in following the laws.

Also, Reform is the easiest to convert to. It's a very rigourous process to convert to Orthodox Judaism.

Answer 7

the advantage with Orthodox is that their conversation is accepted by everyone and is the only type accepted by the state of Israel. So if you ever want to make aliyah you need an Orthodox one. The down side is Orthodox conversions are very tough and as a male if you have not had a circumcision prepare for extreme pain ;) even if your put under it hurts like hell afterword's just ask my dad.

Reform/Conservative are basically the same except that Conservative also requires the circumcision. They are much easyer but anyone outside their movements dose not take them seriously.

Answer 8

LOADED question but I'd like to know the answer too. I've read that people who convert into Judaism are considered 2nd class citizens. But I don't know if this is true.

Answer 9

Reform or reconstructionist- the most liberal of all of them. The only exception to that is if you were to think you would want to become really religious and then you can go nuts and go hasidic. The problem is the wack-job really religious Jews will accept your conversion but you'll never really be viewed as truly Jewish since they see it as almost a race than a religion. Reform and recontructionist also are people who go for English-language services so they mean something to those of us who don't speak or understand hebrew. And since those folks are not as religious they will probably just think its cool you want to convert.

Yes, you'll find knuckleheads in every faith, but I think those two sects are the safest.

Answer 10

Judiasm has sects not denominations. I'd suggest none since you aren't of semetic descent. That means as a female your children would not be considered Jews by other jews since in Judiasm descent is determined by the mother.
Just find a gay Jew and be his fag-hag O-Vey