#prospective convert

[trying-to-jew]

Constantly torn between my desire to convert and the crushing weight of knowing that I won’t be able to exist in the wider fandom spaces that I love without being constantly reminded that Jews are always guilty until proven innocent post-Oct 7.

[kaminos-de-leche-i-miel]

finally applied to study ladino! :) if, like me, you are a big linguistic nerd, i really recommend checking out the oxford school of rare jewish languages, applications are open until september 16!

[explorations-in-judaism]

My interest in Judaism was recently resparked by a conversation with my girlfriend. She is a devout catholic considering converting to Islam. Her reason: she believes in the teachings of Mohammed and has been drawn to it for years.

I told her I had the same prolonged interest in Judaism but worried it wasn't enough to convert. She asked me what would be

I'm trying to find the answer but there's just so much confusion. I don't know if I believe in Gd and it's scary to grapple with how this would change my family. Judaism fills my thoughts

[prospectivepomegranateseed]

ive identified my nearest synagogue but im worlds most anxious and autistic guy. i dont know the script for this. shakes. i cant email for shit </3

[whatisachallah]

update!! went to shabbat services for the first time and everyone was so friendly and welcoming. a bunch of older ladies wanted me to join their groups and complimented my tattoos lmao. and the rabbi was really cool. i was scared for nothing! and intro to judaism starts next sunday. my heart is full.

[meanderingdownthelongroad]

I need to start thinking up questions for next week because I have a meeting with the rabbi. I already know some of what I would like to discuss, but I am not quite sure how to bring that up in conversation. I suppose some of it will just have to get figured out when I get there.

[wiisagi-maiingan]

In the books about Judaism I've been reading, there's a repeated emphasis on Jewish history being taught as something that happened not just in the past, but also to the people telling the stories in the present. The narrative is "it happened to us, to me" as opposed to "it happened to them."

This is something I've also noticed a lot in Native communities. They massacred us, they took our children, they banned our traditions, they forced us off our lands. There's no distancing ourselves from our ancestors, from the Native people of the past; their suffering is ours, their grief and pain and fear live in us.

I think this is a vitally important part of how certain groups interact with history; when your people are constant victims of extreme hate, of prejudice, of violence, you cannot afford to distance yourself from the past. The moment you do, you forget and you relax and you aren't prepared when that violence rears its head again. Because it will. If our history has taught us anything, it's that periods of quiet and "peace" (in the loosest sense of the word) for our people are the exception, they're temporary, and we need to remember that to survive.

[jewishbarbies]

me, knowing the majority of my boops came from jews i didn’t know existed until today:

[trying-to-jew]

I have my phone call with the rabbi in like an hour and I’m excited but also a nervous chihuahua

[kaminos-de-leche-i-miel]

asking for help and advice to people who have gone through the conversion process/are currently converting: any tips on telling your parents?

i come from a religious family (on both my mom's and my dad's side) who is slowly becoming more secular and, even though i know my mom is going to be supportive, i still don't know how to introduce the subject to her. i feel like since i'm already queer and autistic, wanting to convert to judaism is going to be too much for her (even if i know that's an irrational fear). any help will be deeply appreciated <3

[revindicatedbyhistory]

at this point its probably easier to be a non reactionary catholic than it is to be a non reactionary jew

[gay-jewish-bucky]

Thank you ❤️ First of all, feel free to ignore this if you don’t want to/don’t feel comfortable answering. I had a bad experience with Christianity (shocking) as a teen that completely warped my views on God and religion. I’m now closer to 30 and questioning my beliefs, and Judaism is what I most strongly identify with, but I’m not sure where to start. I found my local temple, but I’m worried about being turned away. Growing up, my only option was Christianity (Catholicism into Baptism), so I didn’t even consider that there could be a place in religion for me. When my youth pastor told me I would go to hell for being queer, I completely lost faith in everything I thought I knew. I don’t even know where to start anymore. Anyway. Regardless of your response, thank you for being open and helping me get this off my chest. I’m very lost right now.

Hey, I'm sorry it took so long for me to respond to this, life has been a little crazy as of late.

Taking that step of reaching to a congregation can be terrifying.

I would keep learning and exploring Judaism until you feel more ready to reach out; many people spend years learning independently before officially beginning conversion.

This post has a really good explanation of what you should consider and what to expect when you begin the conversion process.

When you are ready to reach out to a rabbi, this post has a good template email on what to say.

I will warn you that a small number of rabbis out there follow the tradition of turning a potential convert away three times. You probably won't encounter this, but if you are turned away try not to be discouraged.

I am wishing you the best of luck on your journey ❤️

[whatisachallah]

i like that all it took was going to one (1) in person shabbat service at this one synagogue to solidify my intent to convert after several years of considering it

[meanderingdownthelongroad]

It makes me happy to see pictures and read about queer Jews in happy relationships. It makes me feel excited and hopeful that one day that could be me. And really it's just because after growing up somewhat Christian, I had that time in my life like many others where I wanted nothing to do with religion if it meant that I couldn't love who I loved. But now I know I'm actively seeking a life where I can do both. Where I can be religious in a way that I feel truly connected to and I can be authentically myself.

[edwardteachs]

Do you wish to convert to Judaism because you actually believe in their doctrines and practices, or is it simply because you want more oppression points?

I don't need to justify shit to someone who doesnt even have the guts to put their name behind their bullshit. You do not know me or my life. This is the stupidest fucking ask I've ever seen in my life, and you are fucking stupid too.

[magnetothemagnificent]

Hi! I'm a former agnostic raised in christian schools, yet I've never felt connected to any religions until i learned that i came from Jewish descent (my great grand mother was born jewish but got adopted to a Christian family to survive WW2). I'm now working towards converting, though i know it'll be slightly harder since I'm trans. Still i feel so happy, like I'm returning home! Thank you for all the advices and resources you give to students ^^

Of course!!

Best of luck on your journey <3