Should I start attending a synagogue?

Question

I am considering becoming a jew. I have looked at becoming a cathloic before but I feel somehow the jewish faith appears to be more social and inclusive and has a real sense of true community. But is that a good enough reason; to want to belong to something because it appears more structured and social?

I just don't know. I don't have the first idea what their beliefs are either. I feel there is something missing in my life and there has to be more purpose than making money or pursuing empty unfulfilling relationships.

Am I just silly to consider it or should I speak with a Rabbi?

Answer 1

I'm a Christian and I'd sooner become a Jew then a Catholic. I think if you are serious about being a Jew you need to attend a synagogue. Somethings can't be learned on your own

Personally I think you would find more fulfillment and purpose by asking Christ into your heart and becoming a born again Christian. There is a difference between Christianity and Catholicism. Give an Assembly of God a try if you are curious.

Answer 2

I honestly cant make up my mind if this is a sort of 'spoof' question aimed at getting right up my nose or not!
So I'm going to treat it as serious.
I suppose the best place to start is to tell you I'm atheist?
You have already had answers from folk that don't seem to know that Catholics and Christians are the same thing, so that should be counted out of your choices.!!
Now as to the Jewish faith, that is also divided into many 'sects' same as the Christians, same as Muslims, same as all religions, so none are 'inclusive' not even to each other!!! Strange thing is they all believe in one God, except the Christians complicated things a bit with this 'Holy Trinity' bit, but we wont go into that right now, this is actually 'under review' even as we speak! We can apparently re interpret the New Testament to suit the time of day??
As I have already said, I am not religious but I must say also that out of all the religions I have more respect for the Jewish
religions than any other.
If I was a Rabbi , I would tell you the same thing that I am telling you now as an atheist, and that is , look it all up for yourself I am not trying to convert you to anything!
You have mentioned in your question many'telling points' , "you are looking for something other than making money or pursuing empty unfilling relationships"!!
Why do you feel you need any religion to compensate?
If this question is really genuine , then I feel you are of reasonable intellegence, work it out for yourself, wade through the pros and cons of all religions and if you find any point in which you feel I have been misguided, please let me know. I would really like to know.

Answer 3

The sense of belonging within a community relationship either it be a religious organisation or some other structured association could be of some help.

I would definitely look very closely at committing yourself to any religion as excommunication can be very stressful than say running a stockbroker outlet or whatever.

I have known a lot of people who have had their family split up entirely from this sort of problem.

There is plenty of information on the Webb just type in the key words and read all that information. Then ask yourself if you are really committed.

It's like getting married until death do you part for a better life they say.

Answer 4

It is wise to seek out faith- and reality within faith. The Jews are a marvelous people of a miraculous faith in previous days.

They still look for the promised Savior and Messiah.

Christians also look for Him-- to return the second time, having paid for the sins of ALL humanity the first time. Having risen from the dead- He proved He was precisely who He had claimed to be.

The original Jew was Abraham- who was declared righteous and entered into covenant with Jehovah for believing what God had told Him. Believing the Truth is what makes a person a Jew- circumcison of the heart- a life surrendered to the Savior.

May I respectfully recommend that you listen to the most famous Jew in all of earth's history- the only person to predict His resurrection from the dead- who also DID truly rise again just as He said? Check all He claimed to be in the gospel of John in the New Testament. Matthew's account is a special appeal to the Jewish nation- showing how Jesus fulfilled all the prophet's predictions of the coming Messiah.

The Lord bless you in your search and give you peace.

Ps. Larry Lombardi
www.wordoflove.org.nz

Answer 5

Judaism is a religion based upon race passed from mother to children (who can be certain who their father is?). As your mother is not Jewish, you will find this club most difficult to join. Even marrying a Jew will not suffice as you will be asked if your spouse is the reason that you wish to join and a 'yes' will ensure your exclusion.

Learn Hebrew, study the Torah (first five books of the Old Testament), The Talmud (Jewish Religious Law) and other books that are on synagogue class reading lists.

Only by years of practice can you develop a Jewish mind set and believe that G_D (never say or write God) has given you Israel and an irrevocable right to dispose of its non-Jewish inhabitants as you wish.

Answer 6

It's good to seek, I don't see anything wrong with speaking to a Rabbi (I'm a Christian) but why don't you do some research on Christianity that isn't of the catholic tradition? It's not wrong to try a few churches before you find one that feels right. I can personally recommend new frontiers churches which are lively, friendly, non judgmental and supportive, please look them up!
Also look up a leaflet called, 'Why Jesus', which explains why you are right to believe that money and empty relationships are unfulfilling and that there is more to life.
Finally, try an alpha course, you can find out about them on uk.alpha.org. They are great fun, and the perfect place to get all your questions answered.

Answer 7

If your life is unfulfilled, why do you think that being brainwashed into believing in a mythical super being is going to make any difference? Religious fulfilment for its own sake is a cop out - it's the nice warm feeling of achievement without actually having to do anything.
If you want fulfilment, do voluntary work for a charity. If you want excitement, do a parachute jump or white-water rafting. If you need to widen your circle of friends, join a local walking group, or amateur dramatic society, or sports club. Basically DO something, don't allow yourself to be taken in by this religious hokum. If you truly believe that religion is the way forward, take a trip to Africa, or the Middle East and see how well God is allowing His children to be treated in His name

Answer 8

hmmmm....
you have no first idea of what their beliefs are, but you think they will fullfill your spiritual needs better than those of catholics....
Hmmmm... I see....
Go ahead, if your conversion does not work for you, you can always become a Muslem, Buddhist or a Hindu... not that you will have the first idea what their beliefs are either...
just FYI, women are not allowed to read the Torah in the synagogues... inclusive isn't it ?
go ahead talk to a Rabbi, he will tell you can not "become" a Jew, you must be born one... inclusive enough for you ?

Answer 9

I am Catholic and I go to synagogue( usually Conservative) some times and I get much from the worship. However,everything positive i find in Judaism I also find in Catholicism and more. Talk to a Rabbi since becoming Jewish is much more than joining a religion. Talk to a priest too and read a lot and look up Catholic and Jewish sites.

Answer 10

To become jew you have to be born one....a rather closed door club.

but if you feel you need something in your life...surely there are plenty of worthy causes you could put your energy into rather than a religion.

And don't give up, you still can find a fulfilling relationship.

Here's a little list of organisations that could do with someone like you:
Amnesty International...not for the faint hearted.
WWF
RSPCA
Childline....the list if very long.