Converting to Judaism

[Anonymous]

Any converts here? For many years I’ve felt inexplicably drawn to the religion. Yesterday I picked up “Choosing a Jewish Life” by Anita Diamant and am reading with interest.

What books/resources are recommended? I’m nervous to start attending services but know that will be a natural next step. Many thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

An introductory class could be a good next step--if you are interested in the reform denomination, https://reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/introduction-to-judaism has a lot of online and in-person options.

[Anonymous]

My SIL converted before their wedding. And a couple of cousins married women who converted as well. My SIL took conversion classes at the temple. I thought it was really sweet that my brother went with her, and they made friends with other people who were also converting.

[Anonymous]

Anything by Jonathan Sacks. I’m currently reading A Letter in the Scroll by Sacks. It’s wonderful.

I’m also thinking of converting although I have Jewish lineage on my maternal side so I may not have to “convert” since i already am technically Jewish.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

[Anonymous]

You could Google Boris the Terrible for stories to learn about the holidays.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

Tell me you aren’t Jewish without saying you aren’t Jewish.

Conservative is a movement in Judaism, like Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist. It doesn’t refer to political orientation.

[Anonymous]

OP- In addition to Temple Micah, I also suggest checking out Temple Sinai. Lots of interfaith / Jews by Choice at the temple. Very political, lefty temple focused on social justice. Active committees on racial equity, gun violence, reproductive freedom, enviro.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

Tell me you aren’t Jewish without saying you aren’t Jewish.

Conservative is a movement in Judaism, like Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist. It doesn’t refer to political orientation.

Tifereth Israel is also involved in a lot of progressive social action and has a reputation as inclusive of converts, interfaith couples and families, LGBTQ members. It's part of the Conservative movement like Adas but it's a smaller congregation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

Not OP - but I can confirm temple Micah is warm and friendly. Not Jewish but one of my dearest friends is and she converted there many years ago.

[Anonymous]

Just curious - are you descended from Christians, celebrate Christmas and Easter, but you believe the messiah has not come yet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

Tell me you aren’t Jewish without saying you aren’t Jewish.

Conservative is a movement in Judaism, like Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist. It doesn’t refer to political orientation.

Tifereth Israel is also involved in a lot of progressive social action and has a reputation as inclusive of converts, interfaith couples and families, LGBTQ members. It's part of the Conservative movement like Adas but it's a smaller congregation.

Same with Kol Shalom in Rockville. Conservative, but very liberal. Most conservative synagogues in this area are fairly liberal politically because most people (even more so most Jews) are liberal. Even orthodox shuls will have plenty of liberals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

Tell me you aren’t Jewish without saying you aren’t Jewish.

Conservative is a movement in Judaism, like Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist. It doesn’t refer to political orientation.

isn’t there a really crunchy conservative congregation in NW DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi OP. I don't know where you are located but when you start attending services, I would suggest going to a few different synagogues. If you are in DC, Temple Micah is very warm and welcoming. I've been a member for a long time. I am Jewish but my husband is not but he felt comfortable raising our son Jewish based on what he has observed and heard at Temple Micah. It is very social justice focused. For example, the congregation has supported several refugee families, helping with housing, supplies, language and finding jobs, etc. The synagogue also has a large banner that reads, "Abortion Access is a Jewish Value" on the railing in front of the synagogue. Having said that, I think you are going to find that most reform and conservative synagogues lean left.

For a conservative synagogue, you might want to try Adas Israel. My son went to preschool there and I have many friends who attend. Adas is a very big congregation but it has lots of offer in the way of community activity. I liked the vibe I got being there and even considered changing synagogues so my son could go to Sunday/Hebrew school with many of his friends from preschool.

Best Wishes.

How could a conservative synagogue and “lean left” go together.
It seems oxymoron to me.

Tell me you aren’t Jewish without saying you aren’t Jewish.

Conservative is a movement in Judaism, like Reform, Orthodox, Reconstructionist. It doesn’t refer to political orientation.

isn’t there a really crunchy conservative congregation in NW DC?

Tifereth Israel but they also are known as the synagogue who hates small children. I would check out Ohr Kodesh in Chevy Chase.