I want to convert to Judaism

No, this isn't a troll thread - I'm serious. Judaism is the only mainstream religion I've ever really liked, it's the only religion that encourages you to enjoy life and live it to the full instead of waiting for that in heaven. Christianity and Islam seem to want to make your life on earth suck, and the bible and Qur'an talk about how much it sucks. Also, I don't think any messiah has been yet, it doesn't make sense, there's so much fighting in the world, it doesn't make sense any messiah has been.

So basically, can someone explain to me the process of converting to Judaism and how I'd get it started? Also, I'd prefer not to be snipped, would I have to get snipped in Liberal Judaism - what I agree with?

I'm interested in joining the IDF, also, though the Mahal2000 program, you have to be a Jew, would a conversion to Liberal Judaism be accepted inside Israel?

[iSoape]

Why do you feel you must follow a mainstream religion? A lot of people have their own beliefs about an entity but don't have to practice all the rituals and customs. They are content with what they believe. I feel weird though helping you with religion when Im an atheist and should be saying "religion sucks." But if Judaism makes you happy go for it.

Tebetan Buddism is another religion that has attracted me, but the problem is I don't know any Tebetan Buddists, I have no idea how to convert, how to practice the religion, or any scriptures. I just like their mindsets and practices. I wish there was a book called "How to convert to Tebetan Buddism" .

[malaria]

Well I know that converting to Judaism is a long process. It's a tough decision, so they will make you jump through hoops to make sure you really want to be a jew. That said, circumcision is required for at least some branches, I don't know about the more liberal ones. I don't think you'd be able to join their forces, either. Again, I'm not certain, you'll have to ask someone from Israel.

Well, if you want to be a full Jew, then youd have to go through an Orthodox synagogue. Contact a Rabbi and ask him about it. They would require you to have a Bris(circumsision). It also could take up to 3 years. Its a long process, and its probably not very easy.

If you wanted to convert to Reform Judaism, the process would probably be shorter, and Im not sure if they require a Bris(Although they would probably have at least a ceremonial one). The problem with this path though is that you could not emigrate to Israel, since the Chief Rabbis do not consider Reform convert to be converted through Halackah, and therefor not real Jewish Converts.

I would recomend Orthodox Judaism anyhow, because it has a lot more cultural value, and also the Rabbi doesnt preach at you like a Reform Rabbi would.

As always though, a Rabbi would be happy to meet with you and discuss the process, and Im sure that he would be more helpful than I. I would recomend seeking a Orthodox and Reform Rabbi in you area to talk to.

quote:Originally posted by Sharule:

Well, if you want to be a full Jew, then youd have to go through an Orthodox synagogue. Contact a Rabbi and ask him about it. They would require you to have a Bris(circumsision). It also could take up to 3 years. Its a long process, and its probably not very easy.

If you wanted to convert to Reform Judaism, the process would probably be shorter, and Im not sure if they require a Bris(Although they would probably have at least a ceremonial one). The problem with this path though is that you could not emigrate to Israel, since the Chief Rabbis do not consider Reform convert to be converted through Halackah, and therefor not real Jewish Converts.

I would recomend Orthodox Judaism anyhow, because it has a lot more cultural value, and also the Rabbi doesnt preach at you like a Reform Rabbi would.

As always though, a Rabbi would be happy to meet with you and discuss the process, and Im sure that he would be more helpful than I. I would recomend seeking a Orthodox and Reform Rabbi in you area to talk to.

Nah, you dont need a circumcision for everything. My sister's friend converted for marriage and it was a really short and painless transition. As for Judaism, its cool that you see it as a laid back religion, whcih it is. No real fundies or rules to make you go psycho. I mean Israel (aside from politics and how you view it) is a VERY laid back place. You find porno booths, strip clubs, bars, any movie of rating or catagory and 60 percent atheist Jews. What would happen if their was a country of only HARDCORE christians or muslims? I wouldnt wanna think about it.

Good luck to you. I didn't have the discipline or conviction to go through with it and be a faithful Jew.

I was in the initial stages of conversion, but I couldn't do it. I thought I could, but the religion was not for me. I can't in good conscience follow a monotheistic religion if I'm being harassed by an entity from a polytheistic one, no matter how much I respect it and its people.

Yes, if you are sincere then we would love to have you. Contrary to popular belief, although we don't active seek converts we do welcome them (provided they prove they're sincere) so goodluck!

As to which stream of Judaism to convert to, do some reading and pick the one best suited to you. Liberal Jewish conversions are generally not recognised in Israel however. Theres plenty of websites about converting to Judaism but the best way is to enquire at your local Synogogue.

Judaism is more of a set of principles to live by than a dogmatic religion proscribing how best prepare your life for death. It is certainly the most "pure" of the three major Monoteistic faiths. Aslo you can drink! Always a bonus.

I also like Taoism.

[Zay]

Admit it, you just want to be jewish so you can bone girls like these: http://snipurl.com/hg9j

quote:Originally posted by Zay:

Admit it, you just want to be jewish so you can bone girls like these: http://snipurl.com/hg9j

That was my motivation, at least.