How do I go about converting to Judaism?

eat this!!!: How do I go about converting to Judaism?
I’ve been contemplating a bit about converting to Judaism. Any rabbi’s out there that can help me learn the difference between being a Jew and a Christian???

Answers and Views:

Answer by Ocean
Unless your mother was Jewish, you will always be treated as a second-class. Judaism appears to have something against Gentile women, for some strange reason. Talmud (Abodah Zarah 36b ) teaches that, “Gentile girls are in a state of niddah (filth) from birth.” That is why only children born of a Jewish mothers are considered pure or “true’ Jews.

You may want to consider Islam, which is sort of like Judaism. Conversion is instant (only need to recite the “Shahada”), and there is no need to spend years learning from a Rabbi who will keep judging you. God should be your ONLY judge! Islam has a universal appeal. There are Muslims among all nations of the world, including Russia and China. If you believe there is only one God and do not think of Jesus as God or a literal Son of God, you are almost a Muslim!

EDIT: Convert Ruth, if you think I am being bigoted, read this:

Answer by arigont
Before making any decisions, make sure to truly think about how hard it is to be a Jew. There are many more rules and laws on how to live your life (such as Kosher, Sabbath) and it is something that you truly have to feel strongly about to do. If you do want to do it, start with talking to a Rabbi near you, to discuss more. (Remember I am assuming you are converting to Orthodox Judaism with an Orthodox Rabbi)

Answer by Houda
Jews do not believe the Messiah has arrived yet. Christians and Muslims do. That is the major difference.

Also, what are your reasons for converting to Judaism?

Answer by Convert Ruth Aravah
answer; Ocean is…. being less than truthful and bigoted. Converts are treasured in Judaism.

answer: Orthodox conversion – 2-3 yrs, Conservative/Reconstructionist 2 – 2 1/2 yrs, Reform 1 – 1 1/2 yrs.

I can describe my conversion process: finding a Reform synagogue near me (well, 50 miles one way isn’t near but that’s the best I could do). Got up enough nerve and went in, talked with someone who introduced me to the rabbi and his wife. I attended synagogue for a couple of weeks and began an Intro to Judaism class, a 16 lesson class that just touches on the surface of Judaism, actually.

While going to class, attending synagogue and celebrating the holidays. Keeping shabbat (without saying the blessings/prayers as I’m not Jewish yet).

then a take-home final from the class and turning in of a Judaism journal. Talking with the rabbi and working one-on-one in any area where one is weak and needs more study. When the rabbi thinks you’re ready, you’re referred to a rabbinical court.

If approved and male, one is required to be circumcised (or a ritual drop of blood is drawn if already circumcised).

Then the convert is sent to the mikvah, a ritual immersion where prayers are repeated, total immersion and when one emerges, they are 100% Jewish.

It can take so long with Recon and Orthodox because of needing to keep strict kosher and live near the synagogue.

Orthodox recognizes only Orthodox conversions.

conservative Jews recognize Orthodox and Conservative.

Reconstructionist and Reform Jews recognize all conversions.

advise – learn about the branches of Judaism, determine which will work for you. Find a synagogue and talk with the rabbi.

recommended books: the Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Judaism (a real book by a rabbi), Choosing a Jewish Life, Living a Jewish Life, the Jewish Home, Jewish Literacy, What is a Jew, What’s Special about Judaism

https://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm

begin learning and you’ll find it never ends but I’ve enjoyed it!

side note – there is NO branch of Judaism known as “Messianic Jews” – those are Christians that dishonor both Judaism and Christianity

Differences: divine savior, taking on the sins of others, performing miracles, a belief in hell, original sin, elitism in who gets to heaven, aggressively seeking out converts – all of those are NOT Jewish beliefs. The Jewish Messiah won’t be divine and will accomplish the 23 prophecies.

Most importantly, the Jewish Messiah will NEVER be worshiped by Jews.

Answer by Kosher Ninja Chick JPA
If you don’t know what Judaism involves, why do you want to convert?

Non Jews are very welcome to join the Jewish family, but any Rabbi will expect you to know *why* you feel drawn to Judaism.

Ignore ‘ocean’ – those who become Jewish by choice are every bit AS Jewish as those born into the faith, though be aware that only Orthodox conversions are accepted by all groups.

Here are some of the differences between Judaism and Christianity:

Christianity is a belief based religion. If a person affirms belief in and worship of Jesus, and the other core Christian beliefs of their particular Christian group, they are welcomed as a member.

Judaism is lineage-based, and is a tribal faith. You are Jewish if your mother is Jewish – or you convert to Judaism, when you are then ‘adopted’ by the Jewish people.

Christianity is a belief based religion. If a person affirms belief in and worship of Jesus, and the other core Christian beliefs of their particular Christian group, they are welcomed as a member.

There are also specific ideological and theological differences:

JUDAISM
– says that no human can ever die for the sins of others
CHRISTIANITY
– says that Jesus died for the sins of mankind

JUDAISM
– says that all humans are born pure, and innocent
CHRISTIANITY
– says that all humans are born with ‘original sin’.

JUDAISM
– says that G-d would never allow/enable a ‘virgin birth’
CHRISTIANITY
– says that Mary gave birth, though a virgin

JUDAISM
– says that no man gets a ‘second coming’
CHRISTIANITY
– says that Jesus will have a ‘second coming’

JUDAISM
– says that every human should speak directly to G-d
CHRISTIANITY
– Jesus claims in the ‘new testament’ that the ‘only way’ to G-d is via him

JUDAISM
– says G-d is one, indivisable, cannot be separated into three aspects/incarnations
CHRISTIANITY
– speaks of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

JUDAISM
– says that we are ALL equally G-d’s children
CHRISTIANITY
– says that Jesus was ‘god’s son’ above all others

JUDAISM
– has no concept of ‘hell’
CHRISTIANITY
– *****some***** Christians say that non believers go to ‘hell’

JUDAISM
– has no ‘devil’, the Jewish ‘satan’ is just an ordinary angel, under G-d’s control
CHRISTIANITY
– describes ‘satan’ as a devil and ‘fallen’ angel

JUDAISM
– the ‘messiah’ will be a normal, mortal man who must fulfill all the Jewish messianic prophecies in one normal, mortal lifetime
CHRISTIANITY
– Jesus was the ‘messiah’ and will fulfill the prophecies when he ‘returns’

JUDAISM
– says that the righteous of ALL faiths will reach ‘gan eden’ or ‘garden of eden’.
CHRISTIANITY
– *****some****** Christians insist that only those who ‘know Christ’ can reach heaven

JUDAISM
– forbids Jews from trying to convert anyone to Judaism
CHRISTIANITY
– believes in actively ‘witnessing’ and encouraging people to convert to Christianity

Judaism and Christianity also share some ideals. Both faiths adhere to the original, ancient Jewish teaching ‘love thy neighbour’, found in the Torah, the holy Jewish text.

Answer by Michael B
You can try searching for a synagogue in your area, and contacting their rabbi. Replace “CITY” with the name of your city and try searching for the following:
“CITY aish synagogue”
“CITY chabad synagogue”
“CITY synagogue”

Although, usually Jewish ppl say “shul” and not “synagogue”.

You will want to get an Orthodox conversion if you want your conversion to be accepted by all Jews. (Also, you’ll learn more.)

btw, start reading. Here’s a site with some good articles:
https://www.torahandisrael.com/recommended_reading.html