How to convert to Judaism ?
2007-10-01 08:12:57 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well friends, i know many things about the Judaism as Sabbath and Yom Kippur and Hash Hashanah and Shana Tova.
But i haven't got access of any Jewish religious book as Torah. Is it available online or is there any book shop where i can purchase the Torah?
2007-10-01 08:29:34 · update #1
My email ID pokkaro_maaalu@yahoo.com
2007-10-01 08:31:44 · update #2
If you are interested in converting to Judaism, you will need to work with a Rabbi. Contact a synagogue in your area, and make an appointment to talk with him/her; most synagogues are in the phone book. You can also find them at the links below. The conversion process involves learning Jewish history, understanding the prayers and liturgy, learning about customs and celebrations, and in general, starting to live a Jewish life. The process usually takes at least a year, so that the prospective convert ("ger") can experience a full year in the Jewish life-cycle. Some people take less time if they have already been living in a Jewish fashion; others take more time; everyone is different.
Once you have learned all of this, and both you and your rabbi feel that you are ready, you will go through the actual conversion. If you are male, and have not been circumcised, that will be done (in a hospital, under anesthesia!); if you have already been circumcised, a single drop of blood is drawn from the head of the penis as a symbolic act of circumcision. Both male and female converts go to a mikvah, which is a ritual bath. You will stand before he congregation, holding the Torah, and pledge to be bound by the laws, and to raise your children as Jews should you have any after conversion.
Good luck - it's hard work, and it has to be done for the right reasons - but I am glad I did it! I converted a bit over 10 years ago, and it's the best thing that I ever did, religiously-speaking.
Shalom!
Edit: If you would like a copy of the Torah or Tanakh (it includes the Torah), I'd suggest the Jewish Publication society's translation; it's affordable, and available at most bookstores; I'll include a link below.
2007-10-01 08:19:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You will have to search for a Rabbi that would be willing to give you lessons. When the Rabbi thinks you've studied well and are ready, you will need to go before the board. They will ask you questions and then you will have to have a "Mickva"(don't know the spelling). There maybe other traditional ceremonies you may have to go thru. Good luck.
2007-10-01 08:26:28 · answer #2 · answered by mercy 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Why do you want to convert?
That makes a big diference in how you go about it.
Go and speak with the Rabbi.
eta:
an entire website devoted to converting:
http://www.convertingtojudaism.com/index.shtml
you asked about getting a Torah -
here's a few random thoughts online
online/downloadable Torah:
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/e/et/et0.htm
http://www.torahsearch.com/
listen online:
http://www.beverlyhillschabad.com/torah-reading/TORAH-MENU.HTM
other references:
http://www.jr.co.il/hotsites/j-torah.htm
you can also ask a librarian.....
really, if you are interested, you should have already found all these things..
2007-10-01 08:17:43 · answer #3 · answered by Edith Anne 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
You need a Jewish Rabbi who will show you the path and explain the Jewish laws to you.
His job usually is trying to convince you not to convert. Judaism is not a proselytizing religion. They want to make sure that you are certain about the conversion
2007-10-01 08:15:32 · answer #4 · answered by DrIG 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Find a local Orthodox rabbi. And friends is not a good reason to convert.
2007-10-01 10:35:37 · answer #5 · answered by ysk 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can convert, but you should talk to some of your Jewish friends. Don't rely on a bunch of strangers on R&S to get your answer when you have a better one a phone call or email away.
2007-10-01 08:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by samans442 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Go to a rabbi, explain why you want to convert and then learn a few prayers in hebrew and then its up to the rabbi if he will complete the conversion process
2007-10-01 08:18:42 · answer #7 · answered by Cardiophobia <3 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The IMPORTANT Difference Between Judaism and Zionism
http://www.jewsnotzionists.org/differencejudzion.html
http://www.nkusa.org/AboutUs/Zionism/judaism_isnot_zionism.cfm
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2007-10-01 08:28:05 · answer #8 · answered by kloneme 3 · 0⤊ 6⤋
You should never make a choice as important as religious affiliation based on your "friends".
Research, consider, and make a careful choice. Believe what you believe because *you* believe it - not because others believe it for you.
2007-10-01 08:18:50 · answer #9 · answered by FourArrows 4 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Ask your Jewish friends. I've asked mine and they say that it's nearly impossible. They don't just let you walk into the church and say "I'm jewish".
Besides, there are so MANY Jewish laws. I admire them for keeping them all but I'd go crazy in a month.
2007-10-01 08:22:42 · answer #10 · answered by Rabid 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋