Re: Where to start?



"Aeryn.Phoenix" wrote:

I've reached the point in my life where I've come to the unavoidable
truth that the path that I wish to walk is that of a member of the
Jewish faith and I'm not sure where to start. I don't think that I
should just walk into the local synagogue. I've tried contacting the
lady in charge of the Adult education, but no such luck. I have
bought the book Choosing a Jewish Life by Anita Diamant, I'm going to
read through that tonight. But then what, if I don't get anyone to
return my emails and phone calls, what do I do? Any ideas?

Much warmth
AP

Ideas are easy - to explain your position.
Everyone is accepted into the Jewish community - Jews and non jews.
However, there is a family and only Jews can be part of the family.

If you wish to join your family, you will have to do it. Nobody is going to
coerce you to do so.
As a jew, you have a right of place in the family - not something you have
to earn.
A convert has to learn how to fit into the family.
A friend can be accepted without being part of the family.

Having said that it is all up to you (which it is) and you have to join
(which you do) at the same time it is quite acceptable to be welcomed home.

blessed are you who have returned to us to join and be part of our family.

Judaism is partly religious - some can avoid the religion but it is hard.
Most are not consumed by it.
It is also culture, friends and belonging, just as in any other family.
With friends outside the family, just as in other families.

To start - join. It is that simple, and that difficult.
One of the best sources is your local rabbi. Some branches of Judaism
encourage the religious aspect - like chabab. Some want people to join at
all levels. Most rabbis are more than happy to try to find resources to
allow YOU to join - it might be social settings, community work like
charity - joining for meals ... anything to help you become part of the
community.

If you do not desire to become part of the religion at this stage (which I
personally would recommend) then tell the rabbi that up front.
Don't try to force anything ... you are not on trial.

You need not be afraid of your family.
Be welcome.

--
Mordecai!

When words and actions disagree, believe actions.
When rhetoric and reality disagree, either rhetoric is wrong or reality is
wrong, and reality is Never wrong.


.

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