Jews...I need help please?

Question

Okay, so I have been wanting to convert for years and years. I have been studying since 7th grade to become an Orthodox Jew and have been trying to practice as much as possible within the law without violating it--I want to convert by my 18th birthday which is this summer, so I would need to start studying last month...I'm hoping that since I've been studying on my own for so long it won't take as long as it normally might.

Anyways, the only thing left to do is to take the jump in calling the rabbi. However, I am afraid. The rabbi in charge of Geirus at the CRC doesn't seem very friendly and I am very shy, I am also afraid of getting rejected very roughly because I have wanted this so long.

Does there exist somewhere a list of Orthodox Jewish rabbis in the Chicago area who do conversions?

Any other help or anything else you have to offer is appreciated.

Thank you so much...

Haters I don't know why you bother. I didn't ask you and I'm not bothering you in any way leave me alone please thanks bye.

Answer 1

Hi, Geveret

First of all, I'd like to welcome you to Judaism before you're 'formally inducted'. Anyone who has the courage the stick to orthodox Judaism deserves a warm welcome.

The CRC is known to be a huge pain about conversions. They try to 'uphold halacha', but in my opinion, they're just being really hard and exclusive by it. Your best bet is to get in contact with an Orthodox Rabbi whose got connections. I know two, one is a chassidish rabbi, but he's one of the nicest Rabbis I know, and the other has a shul in West Rogers Park. If you'd like, email me ([e-mail]) and I can give you their names and numbers.

You can also contact the CRC and ask for a list of sponsoring Rabbis, but I have a feeling the two others would really help you out.

Let me know if you have ANY questions at all. I'm an orthodox Jew, and if I can't get you a good answer, I'm sure I can forward you to someone who can.

Best of luck to you, Geveret.

Answer 2

Don't you already attend synagogue service? If you wanna convert then you should become an active visitor to a (orthodox) synagogue.
I suggest you find an Orthodox synagogue first, introduce yourself when asked who you are...i guess someone will help you get introduced to a rabbi there.

i guess you already know that it's extremely difficult to get an Orthodox conversion and any Rabbi will acquire to study several years before you have bet din and miqva.
They will tell when you are finished with your study and you have no guarantee of getting your conversion even if you've studied for years...as I said, orthodox are strict.

Answer 3

I like the suggestion about Chabad...

Something else to keep in mind... If you insist on an Orthodox conversion, you must live close enough to the synagogue to be able to walk to services. If the rabbi agrees to accept you, he is obligating himself to much time and effort -- in return, you must make some commitments of your own. I expect the first one will be to live within the area of the synagogue.

If you aren't able to make such a commitment, you might want to consider a Conservative or Reform conversion -- OR wait until you're able to make that first commitment.
.

Answer 4

First of all I want to wish you good luck. Second of all, you shouldn't be afraid of anything of the sort; if you really do want to become Jewish so badly then you won't let a rabbi--who you're judging before you actually meet him--stop you.

Third of all, if it'll make you feel so much better, than here's a link from chabad.org where they list Chabad communities all over the world.
(BTW, chabad.org has a lot of really interesting things on it that you might want to look at; check out the KabbalaToons video clips; they're awesome!)

Answer 5

You will not really find a friendly orthodox rabbi at first. Its part of the whole point not to make conversion easy. If you really want to convert, first of all you should not want it to be "easy" or "quick". Secondly, be persistent with this rabbi and if you are true, he will guide you.

Answer 6

While I'm not familiar with Orthodox synnagouges, I did attend a Conservative one in the North Shore suburbs. Some Conservative synnagouges that I know and find to be very good:

B'nai Tikvah (Deerfield)
Moriah (Deerfield/Northbrook)
Am Yisrael (Northfield)
Anshe Emet Synagogue (Chicago, IL)

These are all really good synnagouges

By the way, I went to B'nai Tikvah and find the rabbi to be REALLY great and know that he does do conversions

Answer 7

I dont know of any list, but I wouldnt worry about the meeting. If youve wanted it this badly and are that committed, then there really shouldnt be an issue. Dont worry about it.

Answer 8

First of all, congratulations, and a warm embrace:) I am so happy for you!!!
I am not fron Chicago, but I was thinking that if you found a friendly Chabad rabbi (they all are), he can 'represent' you.
For Chabad near you:
http://www.chabad.org/centers/default.asp?QRY=chicago
Best of luck to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):)

Answer 9

how about this one:

http://www.jewishconversionchicago.com/home

Answer 10

Why would you want to join yourself to a system that is called death, the bible says the letter (law) kills there is no grace there only cold dead laws that the bible says were nailed the the cross with their King Jesus.