Converting to Another Religion

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candystripper -> Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 1:09:21 AM)
As Y/you may know, i consider myself a devote Catholic. However, as life sometimes does, a sea change has been occuring and i am considering a converstion to Judaism. i would appreciate anyone's help. i have found a Rabbi but not met with Him; i have found books and web sites but truthfully, do not fully grasp what is said. Thank Y/you. candystripper

RiotGirl -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 8:04:08 AM)
Go to the book store. Find a jewish churck ask around there after a sermom. People LOVE converting others to their religion, i'm sure you'll find alot of help. At the bookstore look for something liike "judaism for dummies" (no thats not a crack) Though i've never really found those books to help.. but it might. See if you can find the jewish bible. Though i dunno if they have one?? The only thinks i know about judaism is they dont believe in Christ, they have huannika (geez i really cant spell that word) instead of Xmas and the dont believe in an afterlife. If you direct me to the thinks you've already looked at, i've no problems trying to learn with you. Sometimes its easier to have a buddy.

IrishMist -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 8:21:08 AM)
Here are some pretty good links if you want Candy. http://www.jewfaq.org/ http://www.torah.org/ http://shamash.org/trb/judaism.html http://www.shamash.org/ http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/History/timeline.html

veronicaofML -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 8:36:15 AM)
good luck candy stay safe be well

LaMalinche -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 10:49:04 AM)
Unless you are converting for reasons of marriage, you are going to find conversion more or less difficult depending on the type of Judaism you are considering, i.e. Consevative, Orthodox, Reform (there are others). What "denomination" is the Rabbi that you will be meeting with? "People LOVE converting others to their religion, i'm sure you'll find alot of help. " Modern Judasim is not known for seeking or wanting converts. Part of the Jewish culture is that you do NOT convert to Judasim, you are BORN a Jew. This means that you have a Jewish MOTHER, although some sects are now allowing having a Jewish father as acceptable and not needing conversion. In most cases, however, a child born of a gentile mother and a Jewish father, must formally convert to Judaism. Candy, what is it that you are not understanding? Why Judaism, or are you looking at several alternatives? And along with that, have you talked to your priest? Are you prepared to really face the catholic (yes the small "c" is intentional) Christian veiws that are held about Jews? Not just in yourself, but in others? I did not intend for this to be negative. I hope that you do not take it as such. I do wish you the best of luck, and I would love to hear how things are progressing. Best, LaMalinche

IronBear -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 11:00:02 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: candystripper As Y/you may know, i consider myself a devote Catholic. However, as life sometimes does, a sea change has been occuring and i am considering a converstion to Judaism. i would appreciate anyone's help. i have found a Rabbi but not met with Him; i have found books and web sites but truthfully, do not fully grasp what is said. Thank Y/you. candystripper Good for you lovely lady. If that is where your heart is then I'm behind you all the way. Ok, you need to do some reading regarding the religious holidays and their meaning. The Old Testiment is pretty good but I'd get your hands on an english translation of the Hebrew Bible too. If you have any Jewish friends, they should be able to puppy walk you through most of the stuff and several coffee dates with a Rabbi is one of the best thigs too. If you really want to be gung ho about things you may even think about learning hebrew (written and spoken). Keep me posted sweet I'd love to see how you are doing. My hebraic is bloody awful and I'm more familiar with ancient hebrew anyway. But then again I'm also a cabalist which is the study of the cabbala or the mystical translation of the Old Testiment.

LaMalinche -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 11:20:03 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: RiotGirl Go to the book store. Find a jewish churck ask around there after a sermom. People LOVE converting others to their religion, i'm sure you'll find alot of help. At the bookstore look for something liike "judaism for dummies" (no thats not a crack) Though i've never really found those books to help.. but it might. See if you can find the jewish bible. Though i dunno if they have one?? The only thinks i know about judaism is they dont believe in Christ, they have huannika (geez i really cant spell that word) instead of Xmas and the dont believe in an afterlife. If you direct me to the thinks you've already looked at, i've no problems trying to learn with you. Sometimes its easier to have a buddy. I love you Riotgirl, I really do. Let me clear a couple of things up. Jews are "People of the Book" or "People of the Law" so said because being "right with God" means correct observance of the Law. It is not faith based like Christianity. Belief is not enough. It comes down to Correct observance of the Law. They don't have churches. They have synagogues, Shul in Yiddish. The Jewish "bible" is called "The Tanakh" and includes "The Torah", "The Nevi'im", and "The Ketuvim". The Torah is the book of law and is also called the five books of Moses. I am sure that you and Candy both have an English translation of the Tanakh in your home, only you refer to it as, "The Old Testament" - although the numbering of the books, their ordering are going to be different, also the Catholic Orthodox bible has I think 6 extra books. Plus the Story of Esther is longer in the Tanakh. Other "holy" books would be the commentaries such as the Mishnah and the talmud. It is not that Jews do not believe in Christ. They do not believe that he was the Messiah. Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ the Messiah - so no, they do not celebrate that. Chanuka (Hanukkah) is the Festival of Lights and celebrates the Jewish armies victories over those of Antioch IV. The miricle is that there was only enough olive oil to light the Temple for one day - it lasted for eight (the time it takes to make more). Chanuka is actually a minor celebration, yet like Purim (my favorite) it is a happy one. More important celebrations are Yom Kipper (The Day of Atonement) and Passover (which commemorates the Exodus). There is an afterlife. Let us leave it at that. I loved your post. Thank you for being honest. And, would you like to celebrate Purim with me? It is a great holiday. Best, LaMalinche

maybemaybenot -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 12:56:23 PM)
Candy: I am Protestant and the denomination I was raised in considers Judiasm the root of Christianity. During our confirmation process we had to attend temple every week for two months and were taught basic Judiasm by the Rabbi. Not during services, but in classes during the week. Many years later, I had a three year relationship with a Jewish man. Our home was an interfaith one. I learned a little Hebrew and enough Yiddish to be able to have small conversations with some of his older relatives. I learned how to cook a seder dinner for Passover and participated in the Jewish holidays. He also learned and took part in mine. Conversion was never an issue with us, but I briefly considered it. As LaMachine has told you, much of Judiasm is not soliciting converts. There were one or two reform Rabbi's who would have assisted me if I had chosen to pursue it. And I mean this in a very respectful way when I say it...There is a large population of Jews who would not have accepted my conversion. I understand the religion and understand their veiw. The origin of being Jewish is in birth, not conversion. And for me, and me alone..that was a piece of my final decision. I will tell you the part that held me back. Being raised a Christian, it was impossible for me to let go of my belief that Jesus is my saviour. I could not devote myself to a religion that I could not fully imerse my self into and abide by it's teachings. To secretly have still had a belief in Jesus would be bastardizing the Jewish religion < for me > Judiasm is a beautiful religion and the teachings and philosophy enhance my own spirituality. I would not dissuade you from learning more about the religion or converting. I still go to Seder dinners every Passover, I celebrate Chanuka with friends, I sometimes join in chabes dinner and prayer with friends. My suggestion would be to submerge yourself in Jewish culture with Jewish friends. Begin participating and learning the traditions. Actively begin attend temple to see how it is. Keep in mind, you will need to sit separately from the men in an Orthodox Temple. A mistake, I almost made once. lol. Learn the tenants of Judiasm and do some deep self exploration to see if this is in your soul. mbmbn PS I have had a running joke of sorts with my Jewish friends for years: I am probably the only shiksa you know that is opting for a shiva vs a funeral/wake. I have seriously incorporated a psuedo-shiva into my funeral plans. It is just so much more humane for the survivors, IMHO.

fastlane -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 1:13:02 PM)
I am christian. What does that mean? To me, I worhsip everything around me and am thankful for it, the wonder in the sky and Ocean and children's smile. Only one has hung from the cross, the rest of us need to get off of it, coz we need the wood to burn.....fossil fuel prices are high. Peace, Kevin

Lordandmaster -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 1:18:05 PM)
Well, I'm an atheist (as I've probably said a few times on here), but in matters of religion, one of the few credos I accept is a Protestant one: God is in your heart. If you are true to yourself, it really doesn't matter what religion you belong to. If pursuing Judaism gives you peace, then by all means do it; but I hope you don't feel that you have to belong to SOME religion in order to have a meaningful life. That very strange idea causes immeasurable anxiety. quote: ORIGINAL: candystripper As Y/you may know, i consider myself a devote Catholic. However, as life sometimes does, a sea change has been occuring and i am considering a converstion to Judaism.

Gauge -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 2:25:28 PM)
I have to inform you of a new religion... Gaugeism. It is the worship of me. I demand large sacrifices of money basically in $10's and $20 and non-sequential bills also. If you devote your life to Gaugeism you will be fulfilled and be able to spread the word. You will never be happier. [:D]

NakedOnMyChain -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 3:02:43 PM)
quote: If you devote your life to Gaugeism you will be fulfilled and be able to spread the word. LOL. It reminds me of that bad pick up line, "Hey, baby, the word of the day is legs. Why don't we go back to my place and spread the word."

candystripper -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 6:47:50 PM)
quote: I have to inform you of a new religion... Gaugeism. It is the worship of me. I demand large sacrifices of money basically in $10's and $20 and non-sequential bills also. If you devote your life to Gaugeism you will be fulfilled and be able to spread the word. You will never be happier. Gauge ~laughs~ Please tell me more, especially about the ceremonies. candystripper

candystripper -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 6:49:36 PM)
quote: I hope you don't feel that you have to belong to SOME religion in order to have a meaningful life. That very strange idea causes immeasurable anxiety. Lam The attraction is belonging and worshipping, Lam. candystripper

Tristan -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 7:04:21 PM)
Why the trouble deciding? If Jedaism feels right, then convert. If it doesn't feel right, than don't convert. I don't think this is something that you can rationalize. It's either right for you or it's not.

candystripper -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 7:10:38 PM)
i have more or less decided, but i have a bit more to learn. candystripper

maybemaybenot -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/6/2006 7:47:57 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: Tristan Why the trouble deciding? If Jedaism feels right, then convert. If it doesn't feel right, than don't convert. I don't think this is something that you can rationalize. It's either right for you or it's not. It isn't that simple, you can't just covert to Judaism, if you want to. First, you need to find a Rabbi willing to do this. Then meet with him and disuss Judaism and conversion and he will answer your questions as well ask his own. I cannot recall which denomination does this, but one of them adheres to an ancient practice of denying you coversion three times before considering allowing you. In all cases the Rabbi has final say on whether or not you can convert, not you. Once your conversion is accepted a 6 month- 1 year process begins. You are taught the basics of Judaism by a Rabbi or by attending formal classes. After that you must go before the Bet Din, a religous court. There are 4 or 5 more steps after that before your conversion is complete. ~mbmbn~

candystripper -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/7/2006 3:19:15 AM)
See, this appeals to me as it obviously requires brain work and dedication. Frankly, when the Catholic Church threw out the Baltimore Catechism in 1969, i never bothered to learn the new one. i have since begun reading it -- Man, is it poorly written -- and some answers are just not very satisfying. E.g., God allows chaos and evil in the world so we will better appreciate good. Huh? (Evidentially the new one is not copywritten.) candystripper

Lordandmaster -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/7/2006 4:02:34 AM)
Amusing. That view is explicitly rejected in the Book of Job. quote: ORIGINAL: candystripper E.g., God allows chaos and evil in the world so we will better appreciate good. Huh?

candystripper -> RE: Converting to Another Religion (2/7/2006 4:10:53 AM)
quote: Are you prepared to really face the catholic (yes the small "c" is intentional) Christian veiws that are held about Jews? Not just in yourself, but in others? LaMalinche i'm not aware of any Catholic bigotry towards Jews. i was raised by Sisters of St. Joseph, who attempted to inculcate bigotry towards Protestants. Additionally, Irish Catholics and their ilk (i am scottish) were taught to revile Italian Catholics, and vise versa. Did not take with me...my first boyfriend was Russian Orthodox. Sadly, Y/you can easily see remnants of this here in Cleveland, where some Eastern Europeans seem to dislike each other and everyone else. candystripper

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