Can I be accepted as a Jew without going through the conversion process?

Question

I was raised a Christian but never really felt comfortable or accepting of the ideas behind Catholicism and Christianity. After a long time of soul searching, I have found that I believe wholeheartedly in the Jewish faith and that it really adds a lot of meaning to my life. I would like to be Jewish but (this might sound terrible) I have no time for the conversion process which lasts months. I am a full time student and working in almost all my other free time. Would it be wrong for me to call myself a Jew? Thank you.

This is also a decision my parents would not approve of (to the point of disowning me), making the conversion process more difficult still, and they are paying my college bills...

Answer 1

Technically, it would be wrong to call yourself a Jew. With all due respect to you and your desire to be a Jew, beside understanding the ABC's of the religion, there is a nuance one receives in growing up in a particular atmosphere. You could not receive it because you were raised in a Christian atmosphere. The conversion process attempts to deliver that nuance, in transition to becoming part of the Jewish people and heritage. Often, as you may discover yourself, people who are looking to convert to Judaism are discouraged by rabbis from doing so; Jews throughout history have never tried to make converts of anyone. Also, quite possibly, it is a sort of test as to a person's commitment to the conversion.

In today's modern world, Judaism consists of three factions, the reformed movement, the conservatives and the orthodox. The reformed movement and the conservative movement were born in recent times to encompass Jews who were uncomfortable in a more rigid Orthodox environment (in other words, some of the traditions are less rigid). In this fashion, the religion has kept its members intact, in a world which has become less focused on religion, in general (as compared to the past). I am telling you this because, if you do not already know, it is possible to make a conversion in any one of the movements. Conversion in the reformed movement is easier and quicker. Although, be warned; if your conversion is not Orthodox, your conversion will be in question in the State of Israel, where only Orthodox conversions are recognized. This can effect you by not being recognized as a Jew in the State of Israel, not being able to get married in Israel or your children not being able to get married in Israel. There are groups trying to change some of the laws in Israel, to fit people's needs but to date, the Orthodox have the foot hold on matters connected to tradtion and religion in the State of Israel.

All in all, in my opinion, its what is in your heart that counts and what you are committed to. As an example, If you are living with a person for many years and are committed to them, in all senses it is marriage. Although in the eyes of society and the law, without that legal paper, it is not a marriage. I believe its the same for you in the case of being a Jew.

Answer 2

No. You may not call yourself a Jew. There are only two ways someone can be a Jew. He either has to convert according to a specific ritual in which a rabbinical court judges his commitment to becoming a Jew, or he has to be born to a Jewish mother.

Why are you in such a hurry? Conversion is a slow process on purpose. As you probably know, Judaism is about action and observance of devine law, and not so much about belief. In order to convert, you have not only to have a Jewish belief in G-D, but also lead a Jewish life. You will go through a long process of changing daily behavior and practice. By practicing the miztvot over time, you will begin to see the presence of the Almighty in everything you do. This takes a period of adjustment, and not necessarily a lot of extra time out of your life, as mostly you'll just replace your current habits with more Jewish ones.

Be patient. You can't rush it. G-d will still be there in the end.

Answer 3

No.

However, there are different branches of judaism, and you should start by educating yourself on each of them and then making a choice. Each branch has different views on what must be done in order to convert.

This exploration will take time. Do it along with your other studies, and wait until you've made a decision in order to start your conversion.

Since you are a full-time student, and since you have said that your parents are paying the bill, I'm assuming that you mean you are a full-time university student. If so, your campus may have a jewish students organization. The best-known of these is Hillel, and the campus h/q would be called Hillel House. Start there.

If there is no such organization on your campus, check the phone book for synagogues/temples in your area, and arrange to speak with the rabbis at each of them. They will make the time to speak with you. Just be cognisant of the different religious calendar and of course, that although a rabbi is first and foremost a teacher (that's the derivation of the word), a rabbi is also a counsellor, etc. AKA, a rabbi has duties and responsibilities to the whole of the congregation and cannot necessarily drop everything to answer your questions. In other words, you will have that appt, but it may not be tomorrow.

Answer 4

No, but there's not reason to convert to Judaism. In Jewish belief, all people have access to God.

The Torah contains 7 commandments for all mankind (both Jews and Gentiles)
The Noahide Covenant, or sheva mitzvot b'nei Noach"
http://www.highcouncilofbneinoah.org

Answer 5

No. You just can't start calling yourself a Jew to be a Jew. There is a conversion process including classes, and stuff to learn, and ceremonies.

We make time for that which is important in our lives. If it's important enough to you, you'll make time for it.

Answer 6

First, catholicism and Christianity are two entirely different things. Christianity centers around Jesus Christ as Savior, whereas catholicism wields Mary, the vessel chosen of God the Father to bare His Son Jesus, as the "way to heaven." I was brought up catholic as well, and grew to hate my "christianity."
Read what Paul the apostle defines as a Jew; "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:29)
If you love the Lord Jesus with all your heart, and strive to be like Him, then you are indeed a Jew. However, modern Judaism, as with the days when Jesus walked the earth, denies Jesus Christ. One cannot be a Jew in spirit and in truth without loving and accepting Jesus Christ.

Answer 7

Religions like Catholic and Baptist are really just big cults as they add a lot to the Bible that isn't there. You might want to have a long hard look at Lutheran, before giving up on true Christianity.

Answer 8

Would it be wrong to claim oneself as an American if someone was not born one and never became a citizen?

Same here. If you weren't born Jewish and you don't convert, then you are not Jewish thus cannot claim to be one not matter how much solidarity you express with us.

Answer 9

So, you want to embrace Judaism without sacrificing anything. I'm not impressed.
Keep thinking about it and go ahead and talk to a rabbi. But you are not ready to "be" a Jew.
It's okay, there is no hurry.

Answer 10

Jesus Christ was a Jew. Speak to a rabbi ....But speak to yourself first....It is not wrong to call yourself anything....It is the intent that is important.....If you can be a better person by being a Jew...All the power to you....