#i really do. but they don't have a Rabbi or even offer Judaism 101 classes so i can't progress in conversion like i desperately want | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jewishtransdyke · 6 years

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Hi, I'm Jewish on my biological mom's side, but I was raised Christian and I'm working on conversion to Judaism now, but I don't know anyone who is Jewish so it's really hard for me to know what is and isn't okay for me to practice & the best way to convert. I was wondering if you know any resources or books that could help me understand the branches of Judaism better? I am looking for a rabbi, but while I look for one I still want to be learning and growing in this faith. Thanks/thanks anyway!

Ok. So. First of all, if your biological mother was halakhically Jewish (i.e., Jewish according to Jewish law) at the time of your birth, there’s a good chance you’re already halakhically Jewish as well, and you might not have to formally convert. That depends on the community you want to join, though, and what movement they’re affiliated with, and I think it might depend on the circumstances of your birth and upbringing as well. Ask your rabbi, once you find one.

The first book I’d recommend to anyone seeking a Jewish education is “Jewish Literacy”, by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. It’s a massive, encyclopedic tome full of information on Jewish history, culture, and religion. Despite its length, it’s a pretty easy read. Highly recommended, despite what I’m about to say in the next paragraph.

You asked specifically about the various branches of Judaism (I tend to call them “movements”, as above), though, and tbh there’s not a ton of information about that subject in “Jewish Literacy”. There’s some, scattered throughout the history section, but it’s mostly just about the history of the movements and is probably not the greatest resource for comparing and contrasting them.

I can’t think of any particular book off the top of my head that covers that specific subject, but Wikipedia has some good information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish_religious_movements

I personally identify most closely with the progressive side of the Conservative movement (which can be very, very progressive, despite the name - it refers to the movement’s approach to halakha, not politics).

I’d also recommend taking some sort of “Judaism 101″-type class, if there’s one available in your area. Synagogues often offer such a class, and it’s usually a prerequisite to conversion, although you should take it even if it turns out you don’t have to formally convert.

If you live in or near Los Angeles, I *highly* recommend the “Intro To Judaism” class offered by American Jewish University. My partner’s in the process of converting, and I took the class along with her, just to get a refresher. Try to get into a class taught by Rabbi Adam Greenwald, if you can; he’s a really good teacher.

As far as what is and isn’t ok for you to practice goes, that part I’m not sure about. I’d maybe hold off on doing any sort of ritual stuff until you find a rabbi and/or take a class, if for no other reason than that you probably won’t know how to do it right, before then. If you just want to try keeping kosher or something, I think that’s probably fine.

Anyway. Sorry, that was longer than I expected it to be. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m happy to help.

(Followers, if you know of any other resources that might help anon, feel free to share them.)

#ask #jewish #judaism #conversion #los angeles

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