A Theology Question?

Question

How would one go about converting to Judaism? Does Judaism encourage conversion? And Jews call non-Jewish women "shiksa", what does that mean?

But why won't anyone admit that Shiksa means "unclean meat", which is representative of how most non-secular Jews feel about non-Jews?

Answer 1

I am half Jewish by father only so, many may not consider me Jewish, but I was raised Jewish by my grandparents. I have never converted to Judaism and I am not interested in ever doing so. Since I have never converted unlike my Jewish friends that I grew up with I did not qualify for a Bat Mitzvah. Because my mother was a "Shiksa" which is why my father refused to marry her. I don't like that word and don't find any humor in it either. I have always hated it whenever my mom was referred to as a "shiksa"

Answer 2

The conversion process is lengthy and arduous. As a rule, Judaism does not encourage conversion, so that one will be truly sure that they want to convert. The process is basically study for years under an accredited Rabbi to learn all the neccessary facets on the religion, followed by a circumcision (if male) and going to the mikve possibly with a drop of blood.
Shiksa is just a term for a non-Jewish woman. It's source might be vaguely derogatory though it isn't used that way today; it's basically a gentile woman.

Answer 3

I believe being Jewish is a heritage, therefore I am against conversions. However if people embrace our culture I respect that. I am Jewish by heritage not by religion, as a matter of fact I am not religious at all, but that is just an opinion still on debate. I was never familiar with that word shiksa until I met my husband who is Ashkenazi, which I believe it comes from the Yiddish.

Answer 4

Orthodox conversion (which will be recognised by all communities) is discouraged. It requires years of study outside Israel but is quicker in Israel as you are living in a Jewsih community most of the time.

Shiksa is a derogatory term for a gentile woman. The word Goy is more commonly used, and is not dergatory, it just means "Nation" and there are times when it is used to refer to Jews.

Converts are not second-rate citizens and according to Jewish law may not be treated differently to those who are born Jewish. The only restricitions is they may not become Jewish Judges (Dayanim) and women may not marry a Cohen (a member of the priestly clan).

One of the best known orthodox rabbis in the UK - Rabbi YY Rubinstein, is a convert to Judaism

Answer 5

My cousin, who is an Ultra-Orthodox, had to convert to become a Jew, seeing as his mother was Catholic. The entire family converted together to Orthodox Judaism, and left France to go live near Jerusalem.
It just takes a strong will, a willingness to learn, and love for God and the bible.

Answer 6

That is not true with all Jews. The Sephardic Jews don't do conversions and we never used that word "Shiksa" because it comes from Yiddish and Sephardic Jews don't speak Yiddish. Infact many Sephardic don't even know what that word means.

Answer 7

the Orthodoxes Jews will not encourage a conversion. even if you will convert, they will consider you a "second row" Jew.
about "shikse", you got your answer.

Answer 8

Dude, I am a non Jewish female. I am not ofended by the word skisha and my friends are Jewish.

I love the Jewish pepole and I am a born again christian.

Answer 9

Actually, it's a derogatory term for a gentile woman. I wouldn't go around saying it.

Answer 10

"Shiksa" means: She doesn't nag, like mama.
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