Are there any rabbis out there willing to help me out with something?

Question

First off, I've always been a spiritual person and have always felt that someone somewhere was always with me. But about a year ago I began to research Judaism. As it turned out, many of the Jewish principles of faith truly resonated with me. For instance, beliefs alone have never served to keep me a moral person; it's evident that my thoughts tend to be more pure when I concentrate on "doing" good.
In any event, given these thoughts, and given the fact I'm not biologically Jewish (and given the fact that there seems to be heaps of hatred for Jews in America), what do you recommend I do about my urge to pursue conversion to the faith?

Answer 1

I am an atheist, first up. But let me give what guidance I can.

Look up the nearest few synagogues in your area. Give them all a call and ask if they'd mind you visiting for Friday Evening Shabbat. If they are willing, visit each two times. This will give you a chance to experience the worship service. Most synagogues will welcome you with open arms, race is not an issue. I myself this past Friday attended services at a Reform Judiasm synagogue and no one cared for a second that I was an atheist or not ethnically jewish. I'm already in contact with the rabbi of the Orthodox Synagogue and making arrangements to visit their synagogue as well in the next few weeks.

Once you've done this, sit down and really thing on which spoke to you most -- even if you didn't understand a bit of the Hebrew. Call the one that most resonates with you and ask the Rabbi if he would be willing to meet with you and teach you more about the Jewish faith in general and his sect in particular.

If you feel you belong to this sect, then pursue it with that rabbi. Otherwise, tell him the truth, it didn't quite feel right, but that you appreciate his time. Speak with the other rabbis in a like manner.

When you're certain you've found 'Home', talk to the rabbi again and specifically ask for his guidance on formal conversion.

Answer 2

well rabbis are generally too busy to hang around yahoo answers, lol.

my advice to you is just a rehashing of what everybody already said, contact a rabbi. attend services. nobody will care that you're not jewish and nobody will harass you to become jewish either, so you won't be under any pressure. if you show real interest though, not just vague "i'm just here out of curiosity" interest but "i'm here because i'm really interested in judaism and everything about it" interest, you will probably find very soon that people will come over to you and be very happy to tell you about anything you want to know. the more enthusiasm you show, the more enthusiasm you will get back :)

i was wondering how JP did at the synagogue, i'm glad you had a good time JP

Answer 3

Find a Jewish synagoge. Attend the services and programs they are offering. Come with an open heart and an open mind. Ask the question to the Rabbi. I knew what you mean I feel intrigued my self about Jewish Rituals and religion its self.
However, I decided to attend Unitarian Universalist . As people there come from all walks of life. I still read Jewish liturgy my self and the Bible. But with me it had more to do with my German ancestors and history. I still try to figure out whether my family was not Jewish heritage. So all I would recommend is that you explore and ask sincere questions. Good luck my friend.
Shalom Shalachem.

Answer 4

I love JP :) What a nice answer

Now I'll go calm down before I start calling for <>

Answer 5

Please read over the New Testament before making a final decision. Judaism is nice, but Christianity is the fullfillment of it (and the missing part), in my humble opinion.

I do understand, however, that most Christian churches can be a real turnoff, because they've lost the way. God bless you.

Answer 6

Find some Orthodox Rabbi, and talk to him. If you're going to convert, Orthodox is how to do it.

Answer 7

yah, go to: rabi.com