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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My parents are divorced. My mom is a reform not really practicing Jew and my dad is a conservative Jew and I want to be orthodox but I live with my mom and I feel like it is impossible to do so because she is not religious like I am. I am only 14 years old but I feel like I am old enough to make my own decisions. I just feel so blocked because my mom only goes to synagogue on high holidays, doesnt keep shabbat, un kosher, etc. I am starting to keep shabbat and I am kosher and I want to go to the synagogue more and learn more about Judaism and fulfil commandments. I also do not go to a Jewish school so I only have one Jewish friend. It would be awesome if I can get some advice on what to do. Thanks. [/quote]

This is a very difficult situation. I remember being in high school and having friends with the same issues.  Have you told your mom about your desire to learn and practice more? I'd have a talk with her and see how she feels about it. Perhaps she is willing to take you to orthodox services, or attend an after-school program.  There are also many online programs to learn.  Its hard to keep kosher or observe Shabbat when your household does not, but there are certainly things you can do on your own - stop eating pork and shellfish and milk/meat, choose not to watch tv or use your phone on Shabbat - but its important to 1) avoid imposing these restrictions on your mom and 2) making her feel like what she is doing is "wrong."  Parents (in my experience) tend to feel very judged when their children want to make more stringent religious choices than they made.

I would explore NCSY (National Counsel of Synagogue Youth), Chabad, or Aish HaTorah online for more information about incorporating Orthodoxy into your life while being careful not to alienate your family. If your mom is ok with it, obviously, the process will be much easier.

Good luck![/quote]

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