Can anyone get the services of a Jewish spiritual advisor?

Question

I heard of the idea of a spiritual advisor, like in Judaism or Christianity, and I was wondering if a former Christian could seek the counsel of a Jewish advisor?

Answer 1

For sure you can. You know, it's funny - though I'm actually a Jew by birth (and therefore not considered a convert, but rather a returnee), I, like you, am a former Christian. In Jewish communities, the Rabbi (lit. "Teacher") typically counsels people on a wide variety of issues, from technical questions on Jewish religious law, to personal life decisions. I couldn't see one turning away someone seeking advice (though it is customary to discourage conversions for a variety of reasons, the least of which being that Judaism teaches that you don't need to be a Jew just to get on G-d's good side) just because they weren't Jewish. And if he does, the guy's probably just a jerk; nothing to do with religion.

What kind of advice are you looking for? Is it something that could possibly be given online? If so, the Lubavitchers have a website where you can talk with their spiritual counselors live one-on-one - www.askmoses.com. They get questions from Jews and Gentiles alike, all the time. And while they're not the most mainstream of groups (even among orthodox Jews), most of the advice you could get from them would probably be pretty solid.

Then there's Aish HaTorah - check out their site at http://www.aish.com ...I'm sure there's contact info on there somewhere.

And if you question is specifically related to issues involving Judaism and Christianity, I would recommend contacting the people at Jews for Judaism, http://www.jewsforjudaism.com .

If none of those options are doing it for you, simply seek out and contact your local synagogue.

Note that there are significant differences in the Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox approaches to spirituality. I'm strictly old-school, so I would recommend seeking out your local orthodox rabbi if you're in need of advice, especially on spiritual matters. But basically I'm just mentioning this so that you know that you might get completely different advice from a Jewish advisor, depending on their particular religious bent.

One last thought - if you're looking for advice because Christianity doesn't really speak to you, but you're still interested in Biblical wisdom, there's a growing group of people who believe in Torah but don't actually convert to Judaism. A lot of them are former Christians (who left the fold after reading their "Old Testament" a little too carefully). Anyway, these folks follow the covenant G-d established with Noah (the archetypal righteous non-Jew), and the Noachide Commandments (not the same as the Ten Commandments, though there are some in common). They call themselves Noachides or B'nei Noach (Children of Noah, as opposed to Jews who are referred to as B'nei Yisroel, the Children of Israel), and they are in every sense of the word Torah-observant gentiles. Personally, I think they're pretty cool. You can read more on the Noachide stuff here: http://www.aish.com/literacy/judaism123/The_7_Noachide_Laws.asp

I hope you find whatever it is you're looking for.

Answer 2

No. i'm afraid which you're mixing up Christian ideals with Jewish ideals. What some Christians have confidence approximately Jesus has *no longer something* to do with Jewish ideals approximately OUR maschiach. And Sarkozy isn't Jewish. merely because of the fact he had some Jewish family individuals, way earlier, does no longer mean he's Jewish - until eventually you're utilising a similar standards as HITLER to define 'jewish' and that i'm specific you're no longer....! And, back: there is not any 'messianic' team IN Judaism. no longer A single ONE. The Messianic stream is Christian. merely, completely, CHRISTIAN.

Answer 3

Have you seen the TV show "Shalom in the Home" with Rabbi Boteach on TLC? He doesn't restrict his advice to only Jewish families. Yes you can find Jewish spiritual advisors who will talk to you. Just check around.

Answer 4

Yes.

Answer 5

go to a synogogue. or call a religious center.

Answer 6

Yes, you can...

Why you would want to is a mystery.