Being Respectful And Unoffensive

[Guest RachaelAnn]

I started going to Jewish services this past winter. I spoke with the Rabbi, about possible conversion. I understand that it's not just going to a different type of religious services. It's a total life change. The people that I have met at the synagogue have been the most friendly and welcoming people I have ever met. But there is one problem left...

I am still ignorant about some things about Judaism.

This is coming from a Catholic upbringing. I'm worried that some questions I may have might offend a lot of people. There are a lot of things I'm unclear on.

For example, what is the general feeling toward people who want to convert?

Is the christian Old Testament the Jewish book? Would bible be the right word? Or is it called Torrah?

What is the difference between Orthodox, and Asidic(did I spell that right?).

Are there othe "denominations" of Judaism?

Like I said I know it's a major life change, but what all does that entail?

What is Kosher? Just food or does it mean something more?

I'm sure there are more questions that I need to ask, but they are escaping me at the moment. Can I get some help here?

Rachael

[Guest NatashaJade]

Hi Rachel!

So, you want to be a Jew? Hmmm...I'll see if I can recollect some things. I haven't been the most observant of people since I was bar mitzvah'd all those years ago, but I do know a thing or two.

For example, what is the general feeling toward people who want to convert?

Hot topic right now in Israel. Remember, this is not a religion out seeking converts. Jews are traditionally matrilineal (tacing bloodlines throught the mother). Some sects began recognizing patrilineal bloodlines, but I've heard that the Israeli government has not recognized some folks as being Jewish. As far as other groups recognizing you as a convert, you'll find plenty in the more liberal sects who will not give a whit who your parents were as long as you've learned all you need to know. Trust me, it's a lot!

Is the christian Old Testament the Jewish book? Would bible be the right word? Or is it called Torrah?

Yup. We don't call it the Old Testament because we don't recognize a New one. The first five books are the Torah (the Pentateuch).

What is the difference between Orthodox, and Asidic(did I spell that right?).

Hasidic Hasidic are ultra-orthodox and tend to live in segregated communities. There are plenty of traditional Orthodox who, aside from wearing a keepah, work among us every day and are virtually indistinguishable.

Are there othe "denominations" of Judaism?

Lots! Conservative, Reformed, Reconstructionist and Humanistic (which I am...we're Jewish Atheists).

Like I said I know it's a major life change, but what all does that entail?

Not believing in Jesus. Reading a lot of books. Drinking bad wine on fun holidays (lots of holidays!). Songs that are somewhat depressing because they are all minor key. Reading a lot of books. Talking to a Rabbi. He might give you a test. I don't know. Also, when you tell people you're Jewish, they may be anti-semetic and say hurtful, hateful things. It's kind of like being Trans because there are groups out there who actively hate us and think we're in league with the devil (not true at all!). And, you can still celebrate Christmas provided you call it NoDWiSH (the Non-Denominational Winter Solstice Holiday...I made that one up!). Oh, and we make lots of bad jokes!

What is Kosher? Just food or does it mean something more?

It's mostly food, but if you are really Kosher, it's a pain. I grew up in a Kosher home which meant we had two sets of dishes and cutlery (meat and dairy) and couldn't eat cheeseburgers and a Rabbi would come over before Passover to inspect our home to be sure we didn't have so much as a bread crumb in the cupboards. The dietary laws as laid out in Leviticus are pretty dated and originally meant to keep people alive because they didn't know how to treat the food properly. Now it's just tradition.

I'm sure there are more questions that I need to ask, but they are escaping me at the moment. Can I get some help here?

I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Chances are, you'd be getting involved with a Reform synagogue which is much more liberal about everything and loads more fun than the others.

Shalom and all that!

love

Gin

Rachael

[Carolyn Marie]

Oh, and we make lots of bad jokes!

That was great, Gin.

I'll second everything Gin said, especially the part about bad jokes. Just ask Donna Jean. Well, maybe not.

The Jewish faith has about 5,000 years of history and tradition behind it, not to mention tragedy, enslavement, ridicule, love of

education and enlightenment, love of family, honor, respect for elders, and a deep faith in God. It is a good religion, as religions

go. Like being TS, being Jewish isn't for sissies or the faint of heart.

I agree with Gin that a Reform temple is probably best. The Orthodox and Hasidic sects can be just as rigid in their thinking as Bible Belt

Christian fundamentalists, and about as likely to welcome a transperson as a convert.

I have not been an observant Jew for many years, but still, if you have questions, I'll try to be helpful.

Oh, one last thing, Jews have a wonderful talent for making fun of ourselves. I guess we figured out centuries ago that, if we make people

laugh at us and with us, they're less likely to kill us. Makes sense to me.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest ~Brenda~]

If you are serious about converting to Judiasm, then workng closely with a Rabbi is important.

All of your questions need to be directed to a Rabbi or someone who is considered a leader.

Converting to a religion other than the one you were raised in, is both courageous and profound.

When I see something like this, I see the call of God within that person.

For me, I found Christian Science.

Love

Brenda