I'm converting to Judaism. Ask me anything!!!

[Meshuga]

:-)

[rockymountaindem]

1. Are you really or are you just doing it to be in the DU Jewish group?

Last time I went to shul there was a whole family of seven converting. It was pretty cool.

[Meshuga]

3. We are a family of three converting

And being accepted in the new DU Jewish group is a major factor. :-)

[rockymountaindem]

5. Mazal Tov!

Welcome to the tribe. Kosher wine is the best.

[Meshuga]

8. Thank you!

It's been very exciting so far!

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

43. Mazel Tov, Mr. Wiggles.

[sakabatou]

24. I don't even remember the last time I went to shul

but I do go to Sunday evening services.

[ikojo]

72. I've not been active the last few days....is there a proposed DU

Jewish group? I am so in it if there is!!!

[madison2000]

2. Do you need to have surgery?

[Meshuga]

4. Yep!

Outch!

[Meshuga]

6. Well not a full one but...

they prick you pr*ck!

(Notice I had to use asterix for the second prick...)

[rockymountaindem]

7. Woah, dude. That's hardcore.

That's always been a major barrier to conversion, I think. Fortunately for the US Jewish community circumcision is a pretty common thing in our country reguardless of religion. If you're doing that at your age to become a Jew, you'd better not take any shit from anybody if you mispronounce your Yiddish phrases ;).

[Meshuga]

11. hahahahah n/t

[MrOctober]

9. I'm nominally Jewish

welcome

[Meshuga]

18. Thank you! n/t

[Shredr]

10. Converting from what?

Were you Christian?

[Meshuga]

13. From nothing...

I was raised catholic but I had no religion for most of my adult life. Judaism is just that awesome to make me convert from nothing. :-)

[cally]

12. What brought you to Judaism?

I like the services I've attended and like the local synagugue. I like the traditions and history. What started you and kept you on the path?

[Meshuga]

16. Jewish books and ideas

We're here to make this world a better place and not preparing ourselves for an afterlife that we don't know that really exists.

I like a religion that keeps me on track to act with ethics and not a religion to help me save my own butt from eternal damnation.

[GOPBasher]

98. As a Christian I totally agree with you.

I'm a Christian because I believe that Jesus was God's incarnation on earth. But I really wish most Christian churches focused more on this life rather than the afterlife. If people are Christians just because they want to be rewarded by eternity in paradise, what's the point? That's just another selfish desire -- to live forever in paradise. I'm trying to find a Christian church that is more like that.

[Meshuga]

103. Several Christians I know

feel exactly like you and think conduct is as important as their faith and that's awesome! But I have family members who are devout Christians who do harm to others and themselves but cling to their faith in fear of punishment. Others are awesome human beings and very faithful who are generous because of their faith but still fear damnation. The fact that good people might be punished by their lack of faith is the idea of God that I don't share with Christianity.

In Judaism God sets laws for people to follow and act with good conduct. Jewish text claims that God prefers that a person would abandon God as long as the person follows the Jewish laws because that person will eventually find God through good deeds and ethics rather than blind faith.

There is nothing wrong with faith and your faith in Christianity is what gives your standard of what is good and what is evil and probably what drives you to be a better person.

Take care!

[GOPBasher]

107. "that good people might be punished by their lack of faith "

That's exactly my thing as well. I'm trying to find a church where I can believe Jesus is God but not believe that everyone is destined for hell except those individuals who happen to believe this story.

[phusion]

14. Do you like gefilte fish? n/t

[Meshuga]

17. Not really!

:-)

[Stop_the_War]

15. Are you going to get circumcised?

[Meshuga]

21. I'm getting...

a symbolic one. Just a niddle to draw some blood.

[barb162]

48. what religion if any were you before the conversion and

what did Judaism provide that the previous religion didn't.

[Meshuga]

50. No religion before...

I believe in god and believed that conduct is more important than faith in God. Judaism is all about conduct and through Judaism I'm finding my spiritual side.

[barb162]

49. what religion if any were you before the conversion and

what did Judaism provide that the previous religion didn't.

[steve2470]

19. what do you want for Chanukah ? nt

[Meshuga]

20. I don't know yet... n/t

[Stop_the_War]

22. Which denomination shall you choose?

Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform?

[Meshuga]

23. My rabbi is reform

But I'm not sure yet. Probably one of the non-orthodox.

[sakabatou]

27. From what I know

For a converting member like yourself, Orthodox is a pain the butt. Trust me. The other two are just fine.

[Meshuga]

28. My rabbi is reform BUT

He told me I will have to choose which path to take after I'm ready to convert. I haven't ruled out the orthodox but the ways things are going I'm going non-orthodox.

The reform congregation near my house is just awesome and yes I already been harassed by the orthodox about even considering a non-orthodox conversion.

[sakabatou]

30. Go non-orthodox

So many rules you have to comply to such as:
No drving on Sat.
Cannot use electrical equipment
Can't turn on a light
Can't pick (such as berries or fruit from a bush/tree)

The only good thing is, Orthodox shuls usually throw Sunkist gems when there is a bar/bat-mitzvah.

[Meshuga]

32. Reform is probably going to be it.

Conservative shuls were very cool to my family too. But our congregation is reform and we feel comfortable there.

Sitting away from my wife during services ain't my thing. Non-ortho is the way I'm going.

[sakabatou]

33. Right on.

Another thing are the lunches after services (if they have them). It's an all you can eat buffet!

[ikojo]

76. Orthodox Judaism is not all or nothing...it's a path

A mitzvah at a time. I've been to orthodox shuls and they don't ask you at the door whether you drove on shabbos or whether you keep kosher.

[Meshuga]

78. Orthodox are very nice people

They might give me crap for even considering conservative or reform conversion but the person who is actually helping me is an orthodox and he is aware that I will go non-orthodox and he is very happy for my family regardless.

My shul is blocks away from my place so I don't have to drive to shul but if I had to I would. :-)

[SW FL Dem]

25. No questions just congrats

I was raised in a liberal protestant family but hubby is Jewish. We were married by a reform rabbi and have been to several Jewish weddings and lately, bar/bat mitvahs. I love the messages I hear at the services I've been to.

[Meshuga]

26. The services are awesome.

I was never really religious but I love the positive messages of the jewish services!

[catzies]

29. Passover is one of the most beautiful holidays ever. I love seders.

Happiness on your spiritual journey!

[Meshuga]

31. Thank you Catzies

The journey has been awesome so far! And yes, I'm psyched for passover. :-)

[rockymountaindem]

34. This thread has given me lots of warm fuzzies.

I'm glad to hear someone has found a spiritual home with the faith of my birth and heritage. Every new Jew, by birth or by conversion, enriches our community. Again, congratulations on your choice.

I think Judaism is one of those things where those who like it, like it a lot. That goes for both religious and cultural aspects, whichever individuals prefer to emphasize in their lives as Jews.

[Meshuga]

40. Thank you!

I love it so much that I had to buy another bookshelf just because of Judaism! Identity, spirituality or ethics. You pick one those three things to learn judaism you end up with all three eventualy.

[Ellen Forradalom]

115. A new bookshelf?

Now we know you're serious! This is a religion that believes in homework. When I walked into my Introduction to Judaism class in January, they dropped a big pile of reading on us.

[Meshuga]

119. Bookshelf and a budget!

I have spent a lot on books lately! My rabbi dropped a couple of his own books on me too. But I'm loving to read them! :-)

[SW FL Dem]

35. My only advice is to stay away from the bitter herbs

The Charoses (sp?) however are awesome.

[gizmo1979]

36. I didn't know you could do that.

[Meshuga]

38. Yes you can n/t

[asthmaticeog]

37. Welcome, soon-to-be-fellow-Son-of-Abraham!

I've actually never encountered a convert before, except for a few who've done so for marriage reasons, which often isn't *quite* the same.

Allow me, if I may, to share some of the ups and downs: much of the food is quite good. Some of the holidays are a hoot. On the other hand, some of the holidays are a serious downer, and then there's the whole history of persecution thing. Buuuuut, you take the good with the bad, nu?

[Meshuga]

42. The wife and I decided on it mutually

Usually people convert because they fall in love with a Jew. We both fell in love with Judaism and it is a way of life I would be proud of teaching my kids.

The community has been very welcoming and the experience has been excellent so far!

[kodi]

39. so, they gonna' slice a coupla' inches off the old peter as an initiation?

curses! moyeled again!

[Meshuga]

41. That's some thick skin!

a couple of inches? :-)

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

47. Re: curses! moyeled again!

LMAO! Good one.

[Behind the Aegis]

44. Will you have a Bar Mitzvah?

What about your children? BTW...welcome to the Tribe!

[Meshuga]

45. As a convert I don't need one...

My children are when they get to the age.

I'm probably having a 'Welcome to the Community' celebration at my synagogue.

[Behind the Aegis]

46. Cool

I actually had to convert when I was younger, when my parents married. My mom decided we would be raised Jews and converted herself. We (me and one of my younger brothers) converted before we were 13, so we had a Bar Mitzvah. We also had an adult friend who converted and at 38 had a Bar Mitzvah! It was pretty cool.

Again, welcome!

[Meshuga]

51. My son has to convert but the next kids are going to be born Jewish

Thanks for the welcome!

[ikojo]

79. Some of the converts at the Reform synagogue I

occasionally attend decide to go through an adult bar/bat mitzvah, as do many born Jews. There was a time when Reform Jews did not have a bar/bat mitzvah and in many orthodox synagogues women were not bat mitzvahed.

[AlienGirl]

52. Me too!

How long have you been in the process?

I went to shul for the first time last Purim. I'm almost confident enough to ask my rabbi to schedule a bet din...I still need some practice with Hebrew, but I'm getting close!

:hi:

Tucker

[Meshuga]

53. Could you tell the difference...

...between "cursed be Haman" and "blessed be Mordecai" in last year's Purim? :-)

If you couldn't you bet din will surely say you are ready! :-)

I've been learning only a few months and still would like to go at least a full calendar before asking my rabbi for a bet din.

We are going to shul and I was told by my rabbi that Purim is a lot of fun in his congregation!

[AlienGirl]

54. There's a difference?

;-)

[ikojo]

81. I guess you are comfortable not celebrating Christmas?

I think it's a good idea to go a whole Jewish year and then convert, then you get a feel for the rhythm of the Jewish year. Also, if your local Jewish community offers it, you should take the Melton Adult School of Jewish Education and any and all classes offered. Don't worry that you don't know Hebrew or think your knowledge is lacking. You will be surprised that many born Jews know woefully little about Judaism except that Jews don't believe in Jesus and Jews don't eat pork (well we're not supposed to but Reform Judaism sees it differently).

[Meshuga]

83. I'm studying with my rabbi.

We have classes and discussion at his home and he is encouraging our family to go shopping for a synagogue and see where we fit (as far as the movements).

I'm working slowly on my hebrew and people in the congregation we are going to now are being very supportive.

Oh, and I'm not going to miss X-mas. I was never too crazy about christmas anyway...

[Danmel]

86. Mazel Tov, Mr. Wiggles!

Welcome to the tribe- Baruch Ha Ba!

We belong to a progressive conservative congregation and like it alot. Jews are probably the only people who can be "Conservative" and Liberal at the same time!

As to Christmas, if you really celebrate Jewish holidays and do something for Shabbat- it doesn't have to be full blown Orthodox observance- it can be something as simple as eating dinner in the dining room on Friday nights, and lighting candles and having a Challah, you will find that holidays are just an all year thing.

We got a Sukkah when the kids were small. Every year we decorate it, make new decorations, try a new fruit in the Sukkah. They don't need a tree to decorate, they have a Sukkah to decorate. So you'll find lots of enriching new customs and things to add to your life.

Great to have you on board!

[Seabiscuit]

55. WTF???

They're as fanatical on their own ways as the fundies and the Al Queda freakazoids.

[Behind the Aegis]

56. How did you come to this conclusion?

Their are some branches that are more literal than others, but for the most part, Jews will not force others to believe as they do, nor do the force conversions or proselytize. So, there are a few differences right there.

[Meshuga]

57. Fanatism is not a Jewish trait

It's actually frowned upon. Can you give me an example of "Jewish fanatism"?

[Amaya]

58. WTF are you talking about?

:wtf:

[mark414]

59. whoa check yourself

that's uh..not cool

you probably shouldn't say things like that

[Seabiscuit]

91. I owe everyone a huge apology

I'd just awoken from a nightmare and was in a terrible mood. But there's no excuse for what I wrote.

It was thoughtless, offensive, scurrilous, stupid, and shameful, and I'm deeply ashamed. It's not like me, and it *won't* happen again.

[Meshuga]

92. Hey we all have our moments...

I sure have my moments when I snap too...

BTW, It was very noble of you to recognize your mistake!

No offense taken! :-)

Take care!

[Amaya]

60. Welcome, MrWiggles

Shalom Aleichem

:)

[Meshuga]

66. Thank you Amaya!

Shalom Aleichem!

[steve2470]

61. what exactly is a "schlmiel " ? nt

[leftynyc]

97. As I understand it

a schlmiel is the guy who falls out the window - the schlamozzel is the guy he falls on.

[tjdee]

62. Why?

Just curious what influenced the decision... I think it's always cool when someone commits to something seriously.

[tjdee]

63. Wow, did I kill the thread?

Awesome!

[Meshuga]

65. You didn't kill the thread I was...

watching the Big Lebowsky and I'm back now!

[Meshuga]

64. In Judaism conduct is more important than faith!

I like the idea that God is kind, loving, and personal. I don't like the idea of a god who will punish you for being skeptical and having doubts about God's existance. In Judaism good conduct is more important than faith.

I love the way it promotes thinking and that it looks for logic rather than just believing in something blindly. Torah study is awesome and I'm having a ball while finding my spiritual side.

Judaism is also something that I would have no problem teaching to my children and shwoing them its ethics and how to be good human beings and not people to look for religion for the sake of salvation.

At first I was interested in Judaism and its message. The more I learned about it the more I wanted to join the community and the more involved I get the more jewish I feel. The community has been awesome and welcoming. I feel at home so I'm joining the family!!!

[immoderate]

71. Being good is the reward for being good.

I'm a Jewish atheist. I've always been an atheist. When I studied for Bar Mitzvah, I came to the conclusion that the rabbi's beliefs weren't too different than mine.

I now identify myself as a Jewish atheist, because I learned about the tribal identity. I also believe in the Jewish ethical system, and I like a bagel and lox and a schtikle of pickled herring and a bissle a white fish for breakfast.

I can do without the orthodoxy. No lobster! Some weird beliefs about women, etc. And I can't take the bible literally.

Jews also made a small but substantive contribution to the development of jazz!

--IMM

[Meshuga]

73. Judaism encourages questioning God's existance.

To say that someone has proof of God's existance is illogical. I personally am not an atheist I believe in God but sometimes I have doubts. Which is okay and not frowned upon. If people ask a rabbi if the rabbi ever has doubts and people are going to be surprised with the answer!

Shalom Aleichem!

[immoderate]

75. Shalom and welcome to the tribe!

Hoping it gives you much joy.:hi:

--IMM

[Meshuga]

80. I'm glad to the part of the tribe!

And this is being a very joyfull journing for us!

[rug]

67. Did you

investigate Catholicism before deciding to convert?

[Meshuga]

68. My family is catholic...

I was baptized, confirmed, etc. when I was young. My mother-in-law is a devout catholic and an awesome human being. Catholicism is not for me though!

Take care!

[ProudToBeLiberal]

69. were you considering other religions?

like buddhism etc? Or were you just enamoured with Judaism?

[Meshuga]

70. I've considered other religions...

Fell in love with Judaism which is not only a religion it's a way of life. It's ethics, spirituality, and peoplehood. You choose the enter Judaism through one of the three and eventually you find the other two.

[ikojo]

74. Mazel Tov and welcom to the tribe!!!

Please share your journey to Judaism and why your whole family is doing this.

[Meshuga]

77. The journey has been awesome!

My wife and I have an orthodox friend who explained the logic behind Jewish law and we started reading books, called a rabbi to learn more and now we're hooked!

Being not a very religious person I never thought I was going to enjoy discussing and learning from a rabbi. But it is awesome!

We started going to the services, made friendships and became part of their community so we feel Jewish and we wish to convert eventually. I would be comfortable and would actually love to have my kids go through Jewish education.

The journey has been excellent and what is awesome is that there is a lifetime of material to learn!

[steve2470]

82. Serious question: Can you speak Yiddish and not be Jewish ? nt

[Meshuga]

84. I'm sure that person exists...

But I haven't met anybody yet who speaks Yiddish and is not a Jew. :-)

[rockymountaindem]

102. I read in the Jerusalem Post that Yiddish is very popular in Sweden

I have no idea why.

[Dr Batsen D Belfry]

Colin Powell

speaks fluent Yiddish and is not Jewish.

From what I recall he grew up in a Jewish neighborhood in NYC.

At any rate, welcome to a wonderful culture/religion!

Advice: just a smidge of horseradish on the gefilte fish and you will have clear sinuses for quite a while. The red stuff is industrial-strength.

DBDB

[immoderate]

85. Absolutely!

I have seen several people, mostly performers who spoke Yiddish very well. Can't remember names off hand, but in particular there was an Asian comedian who spoke Yiddish like my grandma.

There is a great tradition of Yiddish theater that unfortunately is mostly lost. I believe the Fillmore East was previously a Yiddish theater.

--IMM

[Danmel]

87. Baruch Ha Ba- Welcome!

Welcome to the tribe- Mazel Tov!

We belong to a progressive conservative congregation and like it a lot. Jews are probably the only people who can be "Conservative" and Liberal at the same time!

As to Christmas, if you really celebrate Jewish holidays and do something for Shabbat- it doesn't have to be full blown Orthodox observance- it can be something as simple as eating dinner in the dining room on Friday nights, and lighting candles and having a Challah, you will find that holidays are just an all year thing.

We got a Sukkah when the kids were small. Every year we decorate it, make new decorations, try a new fruit in the Sukkah. They don't need a tree to decorate, they have a Sukkah to decorate. So you'll find lots of enriching new customs and things to add to your life.

Great to have you on board!

[Meshuga]

88. Great to be on board!

I'm also going to a conservative congregation near my house to check it out. The Conservative rabbi was super nice and gave me his cell number in case I need any help during the conversion process.

I know there are lots of holidays that might help with the cultural pressures of Christmans but I think the toughest part is going to be my family who is not Jewish. I'm going to get some grief but that's life! :-)

Take care!

[progmom]

89. Hey Mr. Wiggles

I read through your posts, and I have to say I think this is super cool.

Congrats!

[Meshuga]

90. Thanks Progmom! n/t

[Deep13]

93. Where are my car keys?

Well, you said anything.
:)

[Sgent]

94. Congrats

and welcome to the tribe. One more lost soul from Siani returning is always something to be grateful for.

Have you started getting into the Midrash and Talmud yet? Seeing the Rabbi's argue is truley an enlightening experience. There is so much spirituality and an openess that is not recongized by people not familiar with the religion.

One word of advice, since you already spoke of having a brit, make sure you go in front of a Beit Den and use the Milkvah. Doing so will insure that any conservative congregation will also accept you without undergoing an additional conversion. The Orthodox are a different issue, but outside of Isreal it doesn't matter unless its important to you.

Feel free to post questions, and hopefully we will shortly get our Jewish Culture forum open.

[Meshuga]

100. I'm having the Brit, Mikvah, and works.

I want a proper conservative/reform conversion not only for me but so my children don't have problems with their Jewish identity in the future. I've talked to my rabbi who says that both movements can be involved in my conversion process.

We are going to try out the conservative shul in a few weeks not only because it is close to our place but because I would like to try them all out and make sure we find the perfect fit.

We are going to study Talmud with our rabbi and my wife being a lawyer is very excited about it!

I will ping you guys for questions in the new Jewish forum! That will be very helpful for non-Jews, Jews by choice, Jews by birth, to know more about Judaism.

Thank you for the advice and for the welcome!

[Meshuga]

99. You are right. :-) n/t

[Debbi801]

95. Congrats. That is wonderful!...

I think it is a great religion, but I'm very biased.

There have been many adult B'nai Mitzvot at my shul for adult converts. I think they are much more meaningful that the kid ones. :) At 13, the kids generally just don't get the whole meaning of it.

That being said, I received my son's Bar Mitzvah Torah portion yesterday and he is about to start tutoring. It is so exciting.

I'm thrilled for your family.

Debbi

[Meshuga]

106. Thank you Debbi!

Your son will appreciate Judaism in a different light later in life and be glad you guys gave him a Jewish education!

Take care and thanks again! :-)

[leftynyc]

96. Mazel Tov

and welcome to the tribe!!!

[Meshuga]

104. Thanks! ;-) n/t

[El Fuego]

101. Aren't you going to miss BACON???

[Meshuga]

105. Not really...

I am not a big fun of bacon to begin with! :-)

[El Fuego]

109. For me it would be a deal-breaker!

I love bacon, bacon, bacon!

[Ron Green]

108. What about the concept of forgiveness? Is that an important part of

Judaism? If you or your family are wronged by another, what is the proper course of thought or action?

[Meshuga]

110. From what I have learned so far...

One family who wronged the other must be punished and punishment must be proportionate to, and not exceed, the offense. Punishment is better paid through good deeds and preferably to the wronged party.

"The eye for an eye" rule is not taken literally in Judaism.

[Sgent]

111. That pretty much sums it up

One additional item though -- their are sins agaisnt G-d and sins against other people.

The sins against G-d are forgiven through sacrafice and prayer. Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) is the most prominent of sacrafices given since the fall of the second temple. Traditionally this is what animal sacrafice was for.

Sins against people must be met as much as possible by making it up to the person injured, or to society if that is not possible. Eye for an eye is understood as referring to money or compensation, not physical violence or other issues commonly attributed to it.

Keep in mind that in Judaism, the Talmud, also known as the Oral Torah, is as important as the written books of the pentach (first five books of the Christian OT). In normative (orthodox) Judaism, they are both considered to carry equal weight. Other branches of Judaism use the Talmud and Responsa, but, with the exeception of one group, "tradition has a voice at the table, but not a veto".

[Ron Green]

114. Who decides the punishment, and how it is administered? Is this the duty

of a rabbi or other religious leader, or does religion somehow get combined with civil law? How is it determined that the proper amount of good deeds have been done?

It just seems to me that to completely forgive the offender would be more in the spiritual realm, and punishment would be done by a secular system.

[Meshuga]

118. Rabbinical Court

Rabbinical court will determine that I think.

As far as forgiveness, violations against a person is considered to be more severe than against God, as one must obtain forgiveness from the offended person.

[Worst Username Ever]

112. A burning question:

If an orthadox jewish person french kisses another person who had a ham sandwich earlier in the day, is that considered un-kosher?

Yes, I have my reasons for asking.

;-)

[Sgent]

113. Probably

You would really need to ask that person, as the interpretations are open to debate and each person has their own slightly different version of kosher. The nearest item I can think of off the top of my head is that of mixing dairy and meat. Some people believe not at the same meal, and others believe you need a number of hours. As pork is always forbidden, this is a little different.

The Krashut laws don't take into consideration this type of thing since there is a general assumption that a Jew will marry a Jew, and orthodox aren't known for dating (at least seriously) outside the religion. In orthodox practice, if a child marries a non-Jew, the family must sit shiva (morning for the dead) for that child.

[Ellen Forradalom]

116. Do you want to learn to play "Dayenu" on the 'ukulele?

It's easy, two chords, F and C7. This is my special job at family Passovers--get out the 'ukulele and play Dayenu.

I'm considering conversion too. I am Episcopalian and married a Jew. We joined a synagogue this year. I've been attending Hebrew classes since September and Introduction to Judaism since January. My son goes to a Jewish day school. At his suggestion we have been observing Shabbat at home. It's been very enjoyable!

[Meshuga]

120. Shabbat sounded so restrictive at first

But it is an awesome opportunity to get some quality family time. It's one of the best parts! Good luck with your conversion!!!

[autorank]

117. What's the difference between a "schlamele" and a "schlamozel"?

[Dr Batsen D Belfry]

121. Do you know why Birkat HaMazon is so long?

For those who don't know, Birkat HaMazon is the grace AFTER the meal, and the full version is quite long. I decided the reason for the lenght of the prayer is so it completely occupies the time between when you are done eating and when you can go swimming. B-)

DBDB