I've been considering converting to Judaism and need advice?

Question

To begin I was mostly raised by my bubbe. Her parents were orthodox. They disowned her when she married my non-Jewish grandfather. She has not practiced Judaism for many years but has giving me a broad knowledge of Judaism. As much as I feel that I'm ready to make the steps to convert..I'm worried about being lonely on my Jewish holidays being my soon to be husband and daughter would not be converting. I live in a small town where there is only one Synagogue (Reform) and a very small Jewish community. I really want to keep my family's culture and history alive but just can't imagine being all alone on Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah and so fourth.

Answer 1

Both books, Galatians and Hebrews show that Christ and Christianity is far superior to the Old Law of Judaism because there was no atonement for sin under the Old Law.  If not for Christ, they would still be lost in their sins.

Answer 2

OK--I can't tell if your bubbe was on your mother's or father's side.  If your mother's, then of course you're Jewish anyway by Orthodox standards.  But that's a secondary issue, in a sense, to your question.

I will also assume that you and your fiance have *thoroughly* discussed the interfaith issue and have reached a mutual, thorough understanding of how the various holidays will be celebrated and how your stepdaughter is going to be raised.  Are there going to be crosses in the house, for instance (assuming that they're Christian)??

All that being said--the best way not to feel lonely, on the assumption that your fiance and stepdaughter won't be participating with you, is to join the synagogue and become a part of *its* family.  That's one of the best things about affiliation--you have a much larger community on which to rely and draw on.

Answer 3

Is this grandmother your mother's mother or your father's mother?

Answer 4

Your husband and daughter will still be there, right?

They're not going to leave just because you're celebrating the holidays, are they?

Answer 5

Those traditions go back hundreds, or even thousands, of years, but ultimately they are not based in reality.  There is no historical or archeological basis for the book of Exodus, for example (and some historical and archeological evidence against it): it's most likely fictional, an origins myth of the Israelites.  The fact that (some of) your ancestors believed it makes it a tradition, but that doesn't make it true.

Answer 6

I suggest that you chat with a rabbi regarding your concerns.

I doubt that your family will abandon you on the holidays, there is no reason for all to celebrate various holidays.

Answer 7

Soon the King of the Jews, Jesus Christ, will convert the whole world, by his coming, and there will be one flock, and one shepherd. My advice is to convert to become Catholic, to have a better portion, otherwise convert to Judaism and live it.

If you consider converting to Catholicism, go to my Site:

http://medjugorje.50webs.org

Answer 8

If your mother was Jewish then you are already Jewish and can practice without conversion. However you practice depends on how devoted you want to be. You don't have to go to the local  synagogue if their denomination is outside of what you want to practice. consider an online congregation, preferably a more liberal one, such as those of Progressive Judaism. You can observe the high holidays by making it a part of the holidays your family already observe, even christian ones. Remember that Christians pray to the same G_D that we do, even if we dont agree on the concept of the Messiah. In my home, we observe in some way, the high holidays and Christian holidays. Remember that the Jewish religion is not about being perfect, as long as you mean well in your observance, do what you can.

Answer 9

Have you discussed this with your husband?  Your town sounds like my town.  The Jewish community here is small but very close and get together for the holidays.  Talk to the Rabbi.

Rev. Neil

Answer 10

If you have a strong feeling in your heart to do so then go for it.

Don't worry about being alone because with God, you are never alone. however if you're still not sure i would recommend looking up Christianity first. In the old testament it gives many descriptions on what the qualifications for the messiah is and Jesus matches all of them perfectly.

Pray about it and i will pray for you too no matter what your decision may be.

Answer 11

The heart is a lonely hunter.  It wants what it wants, when it wants it.  Call your Rabbi and talk to him or her.  Now note, you may feel you will get brushed off, and that is a very normal thing for them to do.  Unlike the Christians who push to pull one into their religion (see a few of the answers by them) Judaism does not.  Once you call the Rabbi a couple, or three times, then you show your true interest.  

The Synagogue will offer a conversion class, where you will learn about what it means to be Jewish, and the history of Judaism.

As to the holidays, that will be easy.  I sense your home is not very religious, and that is not a condemnation, just an observation.  Nothing much has to change.  I doubt that you will keep Kosher, so the bacon can still fry.  

Holidays will be pretty much the same.  Christmas has a very fun side to it.  It is no sin to respect you husband and daughter's wishes.  If they want a Christmas tree, have one.  Exchange presents.  Also, have fun with Hanukkah.  Give you husband and daughter fun little gifts each night.  Light the Menorah.  That will be something they will find fun.  

On Passover, your temple will likely have a Seder for all members and friends.  Your family can come with, or not, it is just a dinner with a story of the Exodus.  

Then come the High Holidays.  Rosh Hashanah  Is a service you can go to, to welcome in the new year.  On that day, the Book of Life is opened, and another year begins.  It is a sundown service.   Then there is Yom Kippur.  The Holy of all the days.  We fast from Sundown to Sunset (There is a slight difference in the two).  You should go to the Synagogue and take part in the service.  It is where we atone for the sins we have committed that past year, and the ones that we might do.  G-d forgives us, as we pray to him, directly.  Then, after sunset, we eat.  If there are ANY medical reasons you cannot fast, then you are forbidden by Jewish Law to fast.  Your health is the most important thing.  My daughter is type one diabetic, and her fast was never in question---she does not even try to do it.  As the sun sets, the Book of Life closes.  

Now Judaism does not say we have the only way to Heaven and G-d.  We have our way.  Any good person will find themselves with G-d.  

Your husband and daughter will not be left behind, and we Jews do not believe in a h**l.  

Best of luck to you, in whatever you choose.  Once we were branded for being Jewish, now we wear our Jewishness as a badge of honer.  To quote William Shakespeare , "We few, we Chosen few, we band of brothers."