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Saturday, August 23, 2008

It was nice to read that others have gone through the same kinds of thoughts and issues as I am.

I can't wait to read the book, "26 Reasons Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus".

I am anxious to get home and sign up for classes and find a Rabbi. I am wondering how to find a Rabbi who would help me to convert.

Soon I think I will write a letter to my parents that will explain why I want to convert to Judaism. Of course I will have to talk to them about it, eventually. But I am much better at explaining myself and getting all my points across through writing.

Other things the website talks about, I am already doing or wanting to do, soon:

*Consider why you are thinking about conversion. People choose to become Jewish for many different reasons. Some came to Judaism after a long spiritual search. Many people who eventually convert had their interest sparked because of a romantic relationship with someone Jewish. ...

Think about your own reasons. Remember conversion must be your own free choice, not done because of pressure, but out of a genuine desire to embrace Judaism.


*Learn as much as you can about Judaism... Go to lectures, take introductory courses on Judaism which are offered by many colleges and Jewish congregations, and talk to some Jewish friends. Remember that Judaism has an important ethnic component. You are joining a people, not just a religion, and so need to learn about different aspects of Jewish culture and about Israel.


*See if Judaism's basic beliefs and practices make sense to you. Remember, though, that Judaism is a faith of good deeds, not forced creeds. There is more concern in Judaism that you act morally than that you have specific beliefs. All Jews share a passion to make the world a better place. ...


* Experience Judaism as it is lived. Visit a Jewish congregation to sample a service or attend a Jewish ceremony, such as a Passover seder or a Sabbath meal. While ritual practices vary greatly among American Jews, all Jews have some rituals that, for example, celebrate the Jewish holidays and the Jewish family. If different sorts of Jewish institutions are near you such as a Jewish bookstore, museum, YM-YWHA, community center, and so on, try to visit them.


*Talk about your thoughts and feelings with your partner, your friends, and your family. It is important, for example, to discuss your feelings openly. It is common to experience some moments of doubt or fear of the unknown. It is also vital that you stay in touch with your birth family. Converting to Judaism does not mean you are abandoning your family, your friends, or your fond memories of past family life. When discussing conversion with your family, explain your reasons to them directly and tell them of your continuing love.


* At some point in learning about Judaism, preferably as early as possible but especially as you get more serious about actually becoming Jewish, you should talk to a rabbi. As you study and learn about Judaism, you will read about different religious movements within Judaism. There are rabbis for each of these movements, so it is important to study and understand the differences among the various branches.


I like the phrase, "embracing Judaism". I've always felt a keen interest in Judaism, but now I feel that I want to embrace it. I can't wait to be Jewish.

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