i am happy with my choice; i like to feel jewish, i wish i were more dedicated to at least going to synagogue on shabat; but never make the time. my lifestyle is a mess. but i feel i am failing myself. am i a bad jew, or basically a non-jew? i converted under Reform. I admire kashrut and all, but can't live like that. Does my conversion have the power to declare me a jew no matter what? come the holidays, i suffer for not taking part. And I am gay. But I dont agree w/ gay or lesbians rabbis.
2007-08-06 17:28:15 · 15 answers · asked by MH 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am really grateful for the few of you who really took time to shine some light! I know that a Reform Convert isnt considered real jew in many aspects, but he is SO whithin Reform. It seemed and was the "easy way". So my grief comes from inside myself as Reform. Again I'd not want to choose 1 Best Answer, this isnt a contest, but once again I do thank you all, really!
I guess it all became more contradictory due to my sexuality which spoke louder than anything. I will have to live and deal with it.
2007-08-12 10:33:13 · update #1
I'm not Jewish, so I certainly don't have standing to tell you you are not a Jew, but your present feelings set you apart from a sense of communion with God. When you cease to feel you are not a good Jew, and find an observance which feels like it is bringing you closer to God, perhaps you will be well on your way to being a good Jew.
2007-08-13 14:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by Captain Atom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think that in general, most Rabbis don't get hung up on what a person *believes*. They tend to look more at what a person DOES - and of course as you know, this is a very Jewish attitude :) Of course, that was a Reform Rabbi, and Reform Judaism is far more relaxed than Orthodox or Conservative. So you might have got a slightly different response from a more Orthodox Rabbi... But again, Judaism is concerned with how a person behaves and how they treat their fellow human beings. Bottom line: you wanted to attend Synagogue. The Rabbi no doubt was wise enough to recognise that you have a connection to Judaism even if you are an Atheist. Atheism does not conflict with Judaism in the exact same way that other faiths does, because of course you are not worshipping 'false gods'.
2016-05-20 03:11:51 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't read the details, but you are definitely a time waster for being a reform Jew if you seek to be considered a Jew. What's the point? Just pretend to keep the laws and be a Jew and not really do anything? That's just wrong. If you're going to be a Jew, be a Jew - don't just fake and take it easy! If you can't live like that, then don't live like that - DON'T FAKE!
2007-08-14 11:39:50 · answer #3 · answered by וואלה 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to convert through Orthodox to be Jewish, reformed conversions don't count. I would suggest studying real Judaism and if you are sure it is right for you and can handle it, then Talk to an Orthodox rabbi.
I have heard a lot of reformed Jews say similar things and it seems to be because the reform synagogue is spiritually dead.
2007-08-09 10:35:27 · answer #4 · answered by ST 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
This is coming from an Orthodox Jew.
In my opinion, you are not truly following Judaism as I think it should be followed. Usually, Reform Jews follow Judaism as they think it should be followed. And that is okay--to each his own, to each his own interpretation. It seems, however, that you are not happy with the way you think it should be followed. Your conversion has no weight according to halacha (Jewish law) but as a Reform Jew, technically you shouldn't care--that's kind of what Reform is about, the law conforming to modern situations. If you are unhappy with your situation I would recommend talking to a Conservative or even Orthodox rabbi and explaining your situation; he might be able to help. However, you are a Jew, according to Reform standards. Talk to your local Reform rabbi to try to gain an understanding of what this means.
Peace to you
2007-08-12 09:53:45 · answer #5 · answered by LadySuri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you are a Jew no matter what. I've asked my rabbi a question like this as well, in relation to my level of kashrut and shomer Shabbos. If I say, "You know, I just can't follow all the laws of kashrut", his answer is, "You mean, not yet..." Becoming and being Jewish is a process. It sounds like you're being too hard on yourself; you can't do it all at once--no one can. Want a suggestion? Try just lighting candles on Shabbat. A small step--but you'll have moved from "not yet" to "now".
2007-08-06 18:05:03 · answer #6 · answered by Mark S, JPAA 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I know how you feel, I eat a bagel and lox with cream cheese or latkahs to tap into my Jewishness. I think as long as you don't eat pork and fast during the new year you'll be fine. Also talk to your Rabbi they are there to help you with your spiritual guidance. Good luck and G-dspeed.
2007-08-14 11:47:28 · answer #7 · answered by Miss 6 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can call yourself anything you want but it's what in your heart that counts. Sounds to me like there's a whole of you in there and not much for God. Follow my Commandments. Reread #4.
2007-08-14 03:30:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You really need to sit down think all this through and then make a decision thats right for you.
2007-08-06 17:35:58 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So....you have become a converted non-practicing gay Jew?
2007-08-06 17:35:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋