more jewish help?

Question

ok well my grandparents are jewish and practice it but my mom dosent..should i wait till im older to convert to judisim? kinda dont want to wait cause i really want to live that life style but i know if i dont wait it will be difficult with the whole kosher foods and my mom making other things,in the last year i have stopped eating pork and shrimp..ect shes pretty good about not making them oh yeah by the way im 14

Answer 1

Your maternal grandparents or paternal grandparents?

If it is your maternal grandparents, then you are already Jewish and don't need to convert. To prove your Jewishness all you need is a copy of your grandparents ketuvah to show they are Jewish, plus proof they are your mother's natural parents, and proof that you are your mother's natural daughter (usually done via birth certificates)

Good luck

Answer 2

If they're your mom's parents...and unless they're converts to Judaism...then you ARE Jewish.

If you and your mom are both Jewish, I'd start going to synagogue if I were you! If there's an Orthodox shul nearby, call them, explain your situation, and ask if they'll arrange Shabbos hospitality. Most Orthodox shuls do this on a routine basis. You can stay by someone on Friday night, eat at different homes, and get a taste of a real Shabbos. Of course, you should get your mom's permission first. Hopefully if you begin to do this, she'll become interested, too. That will definitely make kashrus easier!

It's almost impossible to keep kosher if you're living with someone who doesn't care about kashrus. I think if your mom sees that you're serious, she might be willing to take small steps toward keeping a kosher kitchen. Don't push for too much too soon, either from your mom or yourself--that will backfire--and realize that you're doing your best. I can't tell you how many newly-observant Jews I know who became more religious because of their children, so you are, all by yourself, a powerful weapon.

If somehow you AREN'T Jewish by birth, then yes, you would have to wait till you're older for conversion. No rabbi will convert someone who automatically can't keep the mitzvot. But you don't have to waste your time--you can go to shul and learn Hebrew and Judaism.

I have to tell you--I'm jealous. I wish I'd been interested in becoming a religious Jew when I was your age. Just know that, wherever you are and whatever steps you take, G-d honors you for that.

Answer 3

Like others have said, you don't need to convert, you already are Jewish.

What I think you're getting at is that you don't have any education about it... as an adult, not the baby stuff you might have been fed in nursery school...

Don't know where you live, but here's a few resources that can get you started:

aish.com
ohr.edu
ou.org
ncsy.org

These sites offer you real, honest and straight info on Judaism, without trying to turn you into a "member" (NCSY is a teen organization, so they do have members, but its not brainwashing stuff). You can find contacts, info and just about anything through these sites.

Happy Hunting! :)

Answer 4

While I cant tell you whether you should wait or not,I can tell you that keeping Kosher is the easiest part.Following your Religion has a lot more to do with doing what is pleasing to God.Staying away from sinful behavior,Praying, and studying your Torah.Well I am not Jewish .I am Muslim.But for sure keeping Kosher is the easy part.Good Luck.

Answer 5

As other people have stated if we are talking about your mothers parents you dont have to convert.

Your already Jewish!

oh and good for you about the pork and shrimp part. I stopped eating shrimp about 6 years ago, and I do not regret it.

But I still think it tastes good even though I dont eat it =P

Answer 6

You don't have to convert to Judaism, you are already a Jew since your mother is Jewish (even if she doesn't practice it). Judaism is passed down from mother to child. Since your grandmother is Jewish, your mother is also regardless of her lack of belief or practice.

Answer 7

Well, growing up with it, and respecting you're opinions on not eating certain foods, she should be, and sounds okay with it. Discuss it with her, and tell her It's what you believe, explain the kosher thing, and your beliefs on it, express your opinions and hopefully she'll respect it.

Best of luck! :)