Would you rather see a Jew be secular or reform...example..?

Question

Example if a Jew was yearning for his roots but lived and raised in a secular society. He was having a hard time jumping in to Orthodox because his surroundings. Would you think this would be acceptable as long as he or she struggled to gain orthodoxy again?

Answer 1

The Reform Movement declares humans can change the laws of the Torah and they call these new man made laws Sanctified (Holy/Kiddusha). I would keep my distance from the reform organizations but not necessarily the members of those groups.

As a baal chuva myself, I would urge you to form connections with Orthodox Rabbis through your computer if it is currently not feasible to do this in person.

After realizing that Orthodox Judaism was what I needed to truly self actualize in this world... it took me almost 3 years to make the physical move into a community. I was in my early 30's and single and miserable. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears but now, 9 years later, I have a wonderful family and a wonderful community. Hang in there...

Answer 2

I would just add to the previous answer that I'm not sure it should ever be a terrible 'struggle'. Perhaps a good,gentle first step would be more regular attendance at a synagogue? If you find orthodox synagogues not entirely right for you right now, then there is nothing wrong with attending a Reform shul, and seeing how you feel there. At least that way there will be no pressure.

I think you could benefit from speaking with a Rabbi but again, I would suggest not only speaking with an orthodox one, but possibly a Reform one also. If you speak to both, you will get double the advice!

A cautionary word about Aish Ha Torah: I have attended a few of their seminars and also been to one of their synagogues. I didn't find their approach particularly gentle. They do a lot of 'outreach' work, granted. Just be a bit cautious :)

Answer 3

This is what being a Baal Teshuvah is all about, returning slowly and at a pace which will let you adhere to the laws for the rest of your life. Rather do that, than go to Reform or Conservative where you will reach a plateau with no one to push ou onwards because no one cares to.

There are various movements that specialise in this and have Rabbis that will help you to return to Judaism at a sustainable pace- rather than watching you try to jump in, founder and then be lost forever.

Look up if there is an Ohr Samayech, Aish HaTorah or Chabad in your area. Otherwise, just make contact with your local Orthodox Rabbi- they will be happy to aid you and to give you advice on your spiritual growth.

I will give a perfect example of this: Me. Twenty years ago I was secular, worked on Shabbos, ate non-Kosher food and found my way into shul maybe four or five times a year. Twenty years on I am Shomer Shabbos, keep kosher, daven and put on Tefillin daily and study Torah and Talmud daily. but It took me five years before I was properly kosher, and 7 years before I was shomer shabbos. Take hings at your own pace and in a way that will let you develop and be comfortable with what you are doing.

Answer 4

Secular.

As a secular Jew, although you may not perform everything (or much at all) you still acknowledge the Torah, the mitzvot, and the tradition going back to Mt Sinai. You understand and respect Jewishness and hopefully strive to do more.

"Reform" is a modern attempt to negate and change the tradition to better "fit Western society" and so that one may personally "feel ok" about not performing commandments.

To understand the dynamics in the Jewish world, it's important to understand and explore all these aspects.

Answer 5

Even a small step in the right direction is progress.

As long as the person consistently keeps at it they will eventually get to where they want to be.