Why can't I just be Jewish? Answers from Jewish persons esp. appreciated?

Question

I was a Christian for many years. I always had problems with the idea that non-believers would go to you-know-where and with the trinity. I had problems with the treatment of women. According to Paul, we are to obey our husbands, accept that we are weaker, that men are at our head, and that we have no authority to teach men. I felt that women are to sit quietly and to serve men while being pretty little objects for them to love.

I've always felt more Jewish. I believe and will always believe in one God. I treasure the stories of the OT.

However, I'm against an official conversion. If I believe in the faith, why can't I just be Jewish? What makes me less Jewish than the guy with the Jewish mother who doesn't believe? Can't I observe the faith without an official conversion process? Would I ever be welcome in a reform temple if I don't convert? Why do we see Jewish as something a person is instead of something they believe?

Answer 1

Imagine you grew up in a third world country, and all you wanted was to be American (or substitute any citizenship of your choice). You embrace the culture of the country of your choice, you have many friends from that country, and fully endorse the political ideology on which that country is founded. One day, after a long, arduous journey, you arrive in that country, and much to your chagrin, you are not immediately considered a citizen. "But I feel American/French/Japanese in my heart!" you object, "why can't I just BE ______?"

The reason is obvious - these nations, or more accurately, the states that govern them, are founded on laws. There are legal ways by which one becomes a citizen. Simply FEELING American, British, Japanese, Indian, or whatever is not sufficient. So too with the Jewish people. Now, don't let anyone trick you into thinking that being Jewish is a racial identity, or that it's not possible to be a Jew-by-choice.

Many of the most important figures in our history were converts. The Messiah will be a direct descendant of King David, who in turn was the direct descendant of a convert - Ruth. The famous commentator Onkelos (whose work is studied by orthodox Jews the world over to this day) was a convert. The sage Rabbi Akiva was the son of converts. Technically, Avraham and Sarah, the parents of the Jewish people, were converts.

To address your last question:

"Why do we see Jewish as something a person is instead of something they believe?"

We see Jewish as being something a person is because that's what it is. That's like asking why we see the sky as being blue instead of neon green. We see the sky as blue because it IS, in fact blue. The question is sort of meaningless.

There are plenty of good reasons that the conversion process to Judaism is as complicated as it is. For one, there have always been people whose hate for us is so powerful that they would go to any length to cause us as much harm as possible. So it's a means of self-defense. And under the Roman Empire, if not earlier, it was made a capital offense for Jews to proselytize - that certainly didn't encourage us to seek converts! And there are other things to consider besides...

First of all, there's no sin in not being Jewish. As you say, one of the least attractive aspects of Christianity is its condemnation of all those outside the group to eternal Hell and damnation. Since Judaism issues no such condemnation, there's no pressing need to convert the world. If you're not Jewish, you can get on G-d's good side by keeping the Seven Noachide Commandments. And what's more, if you become Jewish, it means accepting the entire Torah and all the mitzvot upon yourself. Things that wouldn't have counted against you previously (it's no sin for non-Jews to eat non-kosher food, for example), would count against you as a Jew. So we need to make sure that anyone who joins the Jewish people is 100% dedicated to the Jewish way of life. Otherwise, you could be doing yourself (and our people) a lot more harm than good. The conversion process is a pretty effective way to ensure the seriousness of the prospective Jew-by-choice, and to prepare them for Jewish life.

An objection to the Torah laws regarding conversion suggests an unwillingness to consider what Torah teaches on the subject (or perhaps simply that you haven't looked into it yet), and to me suggests that maybe it's not for you. Of course, different movements claiming the name "Judaism" have very different standards of conversion. The Reform movement, for example, doesn't even require circumcision of male converts, which, ever since Abraham, was a cornerstone of the whole process. Just know that the only type of conversion that's universally accepted by Jews is an orthodox one, that is, one performed in accordance with Jewish law.

Just as American law defines who is an American citizen, so to Jewish law (Halakha) defines who is a Jew. Decrying Jewish Law as the litmus test of Jewishness is just like decrying American law as being able to determine who is American. It is to disregard the very foundation of the society. But I digress.

There is a growing religious movement in the West today, of people like you. Many of them are disaffected Christians (coincidentally, my upbringing was Christian, but I'm not technically a convert to Judaism, so that's neither here nor there), who felt like you did. Some of them probably just read their "Old Testament" a little too carefully. Suffice it to say that these are people who believe in G-d, and His Torah, but who don't wish to undergo conversion to Judaism. They call themselves Noachides or B'nei Noach (Children of Noah), Noah being the Biblical paragon of a righteous gentile. They follow the covenant G-d established with Noah (valid for all humanity, who are descended from Noah, and pre-dating the covenant with Abraham and his descendants in particular).

The Seven Noachide Mitzvot are:

1) Do not murder.
2) Do not steal.
3) Do not worship false gods.
4) Do not be sexually immoral.
5) Do not eat a limb removed from a live animal.
6) Do not curse God.
7) Set up courts and bring offenders to justice.

This is basically what G-d asks of the nations. Of the Jews, he asks this, and of course, much much more. They're suposed to set the example, and of course, the reward is commensurate with the work. But believe me, it's a LOT of work.

If you feel a connection to the Jews, but just can't see yourself going through the conversion process, or adopting all the commandments, I would strongly urge you to consider the path of the Noachide. It's a perfectly valid spiritual approach according to Judaism. When Maimonides said that "the righteous of all nations have a portion in the World to Come," the righteous he was referring to were no doubt those who kept the Noachide commandments.

There is extensive debate on which religions are valid Noachide faiths. Most authorities seem to agree that Islam is, and some hold the same for Christianity (Trinitarianism seems to be the main source for doubt). But this new religious movement, the B'nei Noach, have it right on the ball. When you keep the Noachide Mitzvot, with the deliberate intention, and this is important, that you're doing these because they're what the Creator demands, you're on the right track!

For more on the Noachide Mitzvot, check out the following:

http://www.aish.com/literacy/judaism123/The_7_Noachide_Laws.asp
http://www.noachide.org.uk/

I hope all of this helps clarify things, and best of luck to you in whatever you decide.

Answer 2

It's important to understand that from the Jewish perspective, it doesn't matter if someone is Jew or Gentile. All people have the ability of free choice in the world, to good or evil; and all have access to God.
This is completely different from what you find in Christianity or Islam, where their way is the only way.
This is the main reason conversion to Judaism is discouraged -- it's just not necessary. You are perfectly fine the way you are; there is no need to take on the extra requirements of being a Jew.

The Torah outlines 7 basic laws for all mankind: the sheva mitzvot b'nei noach (Noahide Covenant). There is a growing movement of non-Jews who recognize the truth of the Torah but choose not to convert to Judaism. These folks follow the Noahide Laws.
http://www.highcouncilofbneinoah.org

Answer 3

I'm a recent convert to Judaism. During the conversion process, I asked the rabbi if I could wear a Tallit. He said, "Of course. You're part of the community." During the process, you will find that Judaism is not at all like Christianity. "Community" is very much a part of Judaism, and if you don't do a formal conversion, you will never feel like you are part of our family, although you will be accepted, just as anyone is accepted. The only thing you might not be allowed to do before conversion is to read from the Torah.

I would suggest that you find a Reform synagogue and just ask how you can learn about Judaism. You may decide not to convert, but you will love what they have to teach you!
.

Answer 4

Almost all faiths have a conversion process whether a baptism or reciting a affirmation. Also being Jewish is more then just a belief it is belonging to a people (family). Your question also shows a fundamental lack of understanding of Judaism which a conversion process would rectify. Also You do not need to convert you could just adopt the seven Noahide laws.

Reform Jews would expect you to convert before accepting you as a Jew.

Answer 5

Being a Jew unfortunately means two different things... ethnic origin and religious beliefs.

Ultimately, religious Judiasm is what you believe. However, if you believe in the religious nature of Judiasm, you acknowledge that you are held to the Mitzvah (forgive me if my conjugation of the word is wrong, my hebrew is not so good...), that is the duties of the Covenant. Why, if you believe in the Mitzvah, would you not want to convert?

I went to a reform synagogue despite being an atheist, they invited me back, they didn't care what I believed or if I had any intention of converting or not. In fact, the rabbi told me that it didn't matter because I was where I was, with the beliefs I have, because it was exactly where G-D ordained for me to be, whether I believed or not, and that in fact my disbelief was a GOOD thing because, it was, indeed, exactly what G-D needed of me at this part of existence, a counterbalancing voice, doing G-D's will.

So no, formal conversion is probably not going to be pushed on you by a Reform Synagogue. But... if you believe in the Mitzvah... why wouldn't you? And if you don't believe in the Mitzvah, are you really 'Jewish'?

Answer 6

being jewish isn't just about beliefs -- though that's very important. We're also a nation.
what you're asking is similar to someone saying, "why can't I just be an american without having to be nationalized? after all, I like america much more than many americans?" etc etc

same idea. Its more than just beliefs, its *actually* being part of something.

so w/o a proper conversion you will not be jewish.

Answer 7

At one time I was a converted Jew ( I did this for my wife) and as long as I didn't tell any Jewish people they were willing to not question my "Jewishness". But any that I told replied that although I had made the effort to convert, you are only a Jew by birth. That and a divorce made me return to my original religion (Wicca) and I have been yiddish free since 1991.

My point is this: no matter who you are or what religion you follow you are going to have certain people question your beliefs. As a Wiccan I believe in the Lord and Lady and neither women nor men are treated with any special treatment that is proscribled by the religious tenants. Note, we are not Devil worshippers because we do not follow, nor are we automatically Christians. We often tend to choose the God and Goddess that associate with from the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses, although there is a rising number of "Christian" witches.

As I point out to many people in my position of Minister, religion or the spiritual path that we follow is what makes us feel good and gives us comfort in times of crisis. We leave the judgemental religions to those who claim they are not being judgemental and they are not forcing their beliefs on others. As Pagans many of us follow their Ten Commandments better than they do, but our religion has but one Commandment. "Do what you will, but harm none."

Brightest blessings,

Rev. Ray

Answer 8

mo mosh and dapperdan are right on the money.

I just wanted to add this article entitled "Should I convert to Judaism if I share the Jewish belief in G-d?": http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=194&o=160

and this one entitled "Other than the Seven Noahide Laws, can a non-Jew observe any other mitzvot?": http://www.askmoses.com/article.html?h=541&o=2443

General conversion articles: http://www.askmoses.com/article_list.html?h=194

Answer 9

Look how the bible treats women - it's not just the new testament:

http://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/women/long.html

By the way: You do realize you don't have to be a member of any organized religion, right? Or even no religion at all?

IM me if you want to discuss this.

Answer 10

As I understand it, Jews are normally determined by maternal blood lines. However, in the Book of Ruth, I believe Naomi got to join up, so it must be possible. Check with your local rabbi to see what's required.