Jewish curious ….
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Anonymous
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Raised Catholic. Grew up in a Jewish area so I’m somewhat familiar with the faith.
If I was interested in learning more and possibly joining the Jewish faith, where would I go? I live in Montgomery County. |
Anonymous
| You'd go to a temple that does conversions. |
Anonymous
| If you are interested in Orthodox (accepted by all and the state of Israel), https://www.vaadgw.org/geirus-conversions.html |
Anonymous
| The Jewish faith, like the Christian faith, comes in multiple denominations. I’m going to suggest you consider and investigate Reform and Reconstructionist practices. Conversion is a lot of work. |
Anonymous
| You know, growing up in a Jewish area doesn’t make you familiar with Judaism. That’s really naive. |
Anonymous
| Read Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Chronicles and Kings and see if you’re comfortable. |
Anonymous
| Many Jews will not accept you as a Jew if you're a convert. That's just the way it is. |
Anonymous
Yes, it does - but thank you for telling me what I am familiar with and what I’m not. |
Anonymous
So you don't approve of OP wanting to convert? |
Anonymous
| Thanks guys - I’ll look elsewhere for information. I did grow up in a very Orthodox area and spent a lot of time in a Conservative house, but that’s not in the DC area. I was once told that Washington Hebrew had classes but it’s reform and I’ve never been - not sure whether that’s the best route to take. I’ll keep asking. |
Anonymous
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OP, go to a synagogue and talk to the rabbi. You can go to services on Friday night or Saturday morning. Most Reform, Reconstructionist or Conservative will be welcoming. Pre-pandemic you could just walk in but you might want to call to see how they are handling services now. You might need to get your name on a list, have proof of vaccination etc.
Please do not let these rude people discourage you. There are plenty of synagogues that will be happy to have you and answer all your questions |
Anonymous
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There are Introduction to Judaism classes at the DCJCC and several congregations, or online through https://reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/introduction-to-judaism
I think that's a good way to start. If you decide you want to convert, visit some temples and see what denomination seems like a good fit, then once you have been going for a while talk to the rabbis. You'll want to do conversion through the denomination you plan to stay in, since they don't always recognize each other's conversions. I hope you find what you're seeking, OP! |
Anonymous
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Please ignore the haters above. All are welcome to learn about Judaism. As you know Judaism does not actively proselytize and part of the conversion process includes proving that one is serious about the process. Conversion includes a period of study and willingness to learn. Most area synagogues and clergy will more then welcome those interested to learn more. There are ongoing intro to Judaism classes sponsored by the DCJCC and other outreach organizations. Begin there, read some basic Judaism books and find a Rabbi that you are comfortable talking to.
https://www.edcjcc.org/arts-culture/jewish-life/ https://www.ohrkodesh.org/ https://www.adasisrael.org/ Good luck |
Anonymous
| OP, in addition to the suggestions above, you might be interested in listening to the annual Conversion episodes of Tablet Magazine's Unorthodox podcast: https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/community/articles/unorthodox-podcast-conversion-episode-shavuot-2021 (links to previous years are there, too). And the podcast in general is well suited to the Judaism-curious. |
Anonymous
| Thank you very much! Will definitely pursue. |