Converting to Judaism in NoVA?

[Anonymous]

I recently found out my maternal grandfather was a Jew descended from forced converts. I'm also led to believe that I do have some Jewish ancestry on my maternal grandmother's side, given what I've found out from researching my family history and the fact that a DNA test showed I'm definitely more than 25% Ashkenazi (it's not from my father's side). However, I have no actual documentation that ANY of my ancestors were Jews, since they converted so long ago. It's possible my mother converted to Judaism when she married her first husband, but it's such a sore subject that I'm hesitant to bring it up, and it would have been a Reform conversion.

My husband is not interested in converting at the moment, and I'm sure he would not be interested in an Orthodox conversion if he WAS interested. I, on the other hand, am not interested in a Reform or Reconstructionist conversion. What are my options? Would any Conservative or Orthodox rabbis in the area allow a woman married to a gentile to convert?

[Anonymous]

Even if you convert very few conservative or orthodox will take you very seriously. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even if you convert very few conservative or orthodox will take you very seriously. Good luck.

np and not Jewish. I don't understand, why wouldn't OP be accepted?

[Anonymous]

I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

PP again. I'm not Jewish and no ancestry, not even remote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

That is not being a Jew and most Jews would find Jews for Jesus offensive so you may want to consider who you share that with.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

That is not being a Jew and most Jews would find Jews for Jesus offensive so you may want to consider who you share that with.

I didn't say this was about being Jew and was sharing my experience as a non-Jew with some tenets. The Jews who are my friends do not take offense as I respect them and they respect me.

I don't take my marching orders from some anonymous poster on an anonymous board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

That is not being a Jew and most Jews would find Jews for Jesus offensive so you may want to consider who you share that with.

The Messianic Jews would disagree with the idea that they need to pipe down so as not to offend other "real" Jews. Talk about offensive statement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm missing something op. Why do you want to convert?

It's hard to explain, but I'll do my best. I was raised Christian, but it never really "clicked" for me. I've always seen it as having certain inconsistencies, especially re: the Old Testament. I've never been able to fully reconcile the two sections. When I considered the Bible without the NT, everything suddenly made a lot more sense. I've also been researching Judaism since I found out and I find it to be much more consistent, and the philosophy more sound. It makes much more sense to me. It's impossible to go into all the details here, but I really do feel that it is the right path. I also have what I guess is an emotional reason. My grandfather's ancestors were forced to convert by the Catholic Church, and eventually they stopped passing the traditions down and the younger generations didn't konw they were Jews. Returning feels right, like I'm correcting the wrong that was done. And, as I believe I am matrilineally Jewish based on the various evidence I have found, though descended from a convert to Protestantism, I would want to be recognized as such by the community (or at least part of it), return to the community, and follow the Law. It just seems impossible to continue on with my life as I have been, now that I know.

Interesting comment. About a year ago, I started occasionally attending a Messianic Jewish service. For me, the teachings and ceremonial aspect (I enjoy dancing before he Lord as David did) have breathed new life into my understanding of the OT and its evolvement to the NT.

I don't say my experience is for everyone but I feel I get a better understanding of the Jewish Jesus.

That is not being a Jew and most Jews would find Jews for Jesus offensive so you may want to consider who you share that with.

The Messianic Jews would disagree with the idea that they need to pipe down so as not to offend other "real" Jews. Talk about offensive statement.

+1.

[Anonymous]

OP - do you intend to practice Judaism? Do you intend to observe the Sabbath? Keep kosher? Attend services? Raise your kids to be Jewish?

Those are the questions that generally are brought up when entering into the conversion process. The fact that you may be biologically Jewish may be helpful to you, as a rabbi may be more likely to convert you if there is a solid chance of you already being Jewish.

Orthodox conversion would be unlikely unless you plan to actually be orthodox and observe Shabbat and keep kosher, among many other obligations. The non-Jewish husband would certainly present a problem. Conservative is possible, but would depend on the rabbi. A reform rabbi would likely convert you.

[Anonymous]

You can convert even if you don't have Jewish lineage. Not to being Orthodox, but definitely Reform, and probably Conservative.

My SIL was not Jewish at all (my brother and I grew up Conservative) and she converted with a reformed temple/rabbi.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can convert even if you don't have Jewish lineage. Not to being Orthodox, but definitely Reform, and probably Conservative.

My SIL was not Jewish at all (my brother and I grew up Conservative) and she converted with a reformed temple/rabbi.

Of course you don't need Jewish ancestors to convert, but before you dismiss certain branches I would I look around for a congregation you are comfortable with and start going to services.

[Anonymous]

I'm just curious, why are you opposed to converting with another denomination of Judaism? They are all valid.