can a gentile convert to Judaism?

Question

i am a Xian but would love to convert to judaism, i just have different thought about jesus.
Can i convert even though i have no relation to the 12 tribes?
will they convert me will i be accepted
if the let me convert will i be a jew or just jewish in spirit?

btw what is the spiritual side of Judaism?

when i said i had different thoughts about jesus i ment i beeive that he was a teacher just someone who showed you how to be a good person
I don't beleive he was the Son of god

Answer 1

Yes, a gentile can convert to judaism. but no, you will not be allowed to convert if you believe in jesus or any other non-jewish deity.

You will be accepted as a full jew, and it is forbidden to remind a convert that he was ever once not jewish, although on occasion you will definitely find an insensitive person who does not follow this law.

As for the spiritual side of judaism, it is endless. if you decide to convert, you will be able to discover it for yourself. if not, there are still countless books about it you can read.

Answer 2

Of course you can. Converts become part of the Tribe of Judah if I'm not mistaken. It's part of the 613 Mitzot (commandments) that Converts are to be loved...here's a link if you wanna see them all http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/613_mitzvot

You should be accepted because you will be a Jew just like born-Jews. There's a name given to someone who has a Jewish soul with a non-Jewish body...can't remember its name!

And if you convert, you have to completely give up on the idea that jesus is in any way some form of a deity. You'd have to accept that Judaism is purely monotheistic and that God is One.

They will let you convert...it's just traditional to be turned away three times by a Rabbi. This is just a test to see if you're sincere or not!

Before i forget, I suggest you read this book...it's really helpful! It's called 'Choosing a Jewish Life' by Anita Diamant!

Answer 3

yes, a gentile can convert to judaism. but no, you will not be allowed to convert if you believe in jesus or any other non-jewish deity. you will be accepted as a full jew, and it is forbidden to remind a convert that he was ever once not jewish, although on occasion you will definitely find an insensitive person who does not follow this law.

as for the spiritual side of judaism, it is endless. if you decide to convert, you will be able to discover it for yourself. if not, there are still countless books about it you can read.

Answer 4

reply: You might have got to convert to marry him. Most Orthodox Jews would possibly not marry any individual external of Judaism (those who do insist on an contract that the kids be raised Jewish - as you intend). Most Orthodox rabbis would possibly not officiate an inter-religion marriage (a few Conservative or even Reform rabbis would possibly not both). If you exchange, you might be authorised completely as a Jew. Some consider that converts are much more valuable than the ones born Jewish in view that converts make the alternative to tackle the entire hassles and joys of being Jewish. Just do it for the proper motives, no longer simply to marry your guy. Do you think interested in Judaism, do you uncover marvel within the faith? Do you consider in Jesus as a divine savior (that might eliminate you from the likelihood of changing). Advice - take an Intro to Judaism magnificence, both on the Orthodox synagogue or different synagogue close you. Talk along with his rabbi, ask plenty of questions and be all set to reply questions and do not be amazed if he is not receptive instantly. Hang in there and check out to entry wherein you are being referred to as, my buddy. # # # Added: DO NOT appear into "Messianic Judaism" - it is not Judaism and is thoroughly rejected by means of all observant Jews. Twisting Jesus into Jewish holy days and rituals is deceptive and won't endear you to Orthodox Jews in any respect.

Answer 5

You can certainly convert, but according to traditional Jewish thought, there's no need to: You can be a good person and not be a Jew (just as one can be a horrible person and be a Jew). If you want to convert, it means accepting what Ruth the Moabite did (Book of Ruth 1:16); "thy nation shall be my nation, and thy G-d my G-d".

Becoming a Jew means not only joining the nation of Israel, but accepting the G-d of Israel (without any other) and the 613 commandments that are found in the Torah. There's no such thing as being "Jewish in spirit". It's like being pregnant; either you are or you're not.

As to being accepted, the Torah commands us to love the convert and to be especially sensitive to their needs. Ruth was accepted and not only was her descendant King David, but from him will come the messiah.

One thing I will tell you is that it's not a simple thing. Consult an Orthodox rabbi if you want to proceed, but again, I stress that the traditional Jewish view is that you can be a good person and not be a Jew.

Best of luck!

Answer 6

Yes you can, I had a minister who converted from Judiasm to Chritianity, he was brough tuo in the Jewish faith. Go , call , visit a Synongogue, talk to the Rabbi, ( wonderful, knowledgeble folks) and see what you have to do, is a good religion, deep rooted and strong.

To my understanding , and to all those of the Jewish Faith , forgive me if I am wrong, ( being a Gentile) they believe in what would be like the Old Testement, Jesus was a prophet, nothing more, they are still waiting for the Messiah to come to earth, I met a gal from Jeruselem, didn't beleive in Heaven, don't know if that is part of their belief.

But again, wonderful people, good religion, very deeply rooted, look at how they defeated the German army, never took away their faith or beliefs despite the horrors they were forced to endure.

Answer 7

Yes, you can convert, but expect to be subject to quite a bit of distrust for quite some time. Since Judaism is not a converting religion, it looks warily on converts.

However, I'm told by more than one Jew that there is a tradition or legend that from time to time, a Jewish soul is born as a Gentile. I've come to understand that the meaning of this legend is that is is a sign and reminder of the promised Homecoming. How true this is, I cannot say, but since the multiple Jews who have shared this legend with me independantly and with great similiarity, I consider it reliable.

Answer 8

Yes, you can convert. You would be accepted as a full Jew, if you convert to Orthodoxy. No other sect is accepted by all Jews. For instance, if you convert Reform, your conversion isn't considered valid by Conservative or Orthodoxy. If you convert Conservative, you won't be accepted as a Jew by Orthodoxy.

So read up, www.jewfaq.org is a great resource if you're just getting started, talk to a rabbi and he will be able to point you in the right direction.

However, there is a small point--you can't just "would love to" convert to Judaism, especially if you believe in J*sus. Judaism is not a trifle--it's a way of life. No rabbi would accept you as Jewish or convert you if you believe in J*sus as anything more than a man. We do NOT believe in him as a prophet. He is a nonissue to our religion, or, if people want to make him one, some of us believe he was a good teacher whose teachings were perverted by his followers, or he was a false messiah and the deceiver. If you believe in him as a god, stick with Xtianity. If you believe in him as a prophet, try Islam.

Yes, you can convert if you have no relation to the 12 tribes, but your heart has to be right for it. Your rabbi will test you to make sure you are serious, and the conversion process will test you. Just learning may test you. Judaism is full of tests. If you convert, you will be accepted. Like a previous poster said, it is a terrible and forbidden thing to remind a Jew that he or she was ever a gentile--one of our greatest heroes was actually a convert. If you convert you will be a Jew and a Jew in spirit, let me repeat if your heart is in it. I don't know what your different thoughts about J*sus are, but if you believe in him as a god then you simply can't be Jewish. Messianic "Judaism" is not an option. It is not recognized as Jewish by any Jewish authority--Messianics were begun by Chr*stian evangelists SPECIFICALLY for the purpose of converting Jews. They are one of the most antisemitic groups I can think of. Again, Messianic "Judaism" (or Jews for J*sus, or any other nonsense like that) is NOT Jewish, but antisemitic in the sense it tries to destroy Jews and Judaism.

When you say "spiritual side of Judaism" I assume you mean Jewish mysticism. But the real answer is everything about Judaism is "spiritual" in the sense that most everything has a place and a prayer and our holidays are full of symbolism--everything is spiritual in a Jewish life. Part of Jewish spirituality is just living a Jewish life day to day--keeping kosher, praying to G-d 3 times a day, etc makes you feel so close to G-d, physically and spiritually. Jewish mysticism is called Kabballah. I don't study it as of yet, but don't take the Hollywood version, do your own research.

Anyways to recap
Only Orthodox conversions are recognized by all real Jews
(contact an Orthodox rabbi and he will tell you what you should do relative to Judaism)
Yes you can convert though you have no relation
You will be accepted but remember there are snobs in every group of people
You will be Jewish inside and out
Messianic 'Jews' are not Jews, but Xtians trying to snare young, elderly, lonely, or confused Jews into converting to Chr*stianity.
You do not need to convert to feel favor with G-d--this is why Judaism does not proselytize. We believe everyone has a place in Heaven or with G-d.

Any more questions, feel free to email or IM me.

Peace and b'hatzlacha (good luck)

Edit: Then you'll be fine :-) Some Jews think that of him as well.

Answer 9

Absolutely. Its what you believe, and you can follow it and join it, and be a "real" Jew. But I read once that they are *supposed* to turn away people who want to study Judaism 3 times, to test their commitment. When I visited a synagogue it never happened to me, but be aware that it might

Answer 10

Anybody can convert pretty much to any religion that they choose to do so. Here are a couple of links for you to check out.



http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism
http://www.religioustolerance.org/judaism.htm