converting to judaism

[FerralRabbit]

hi everyone,
am new to the forum and have just posted a introduction on the new members board but have got some questions have been wanting answers to for a long time.

the past few years,have been desperate to convert to judaism;liberal in particular ;have got a strong feeling towards it,a strong connection and relation-something have never felt towards any belief.
unfortunately am from a hardcore catholic background and was always told by mum woud be disowned by her if became a non christian.

have also got other barriers to starting the journey towards conversion, am severely autistic and have mild intelectual disability;both of these have significant impact on ability to understand beliefs and remember things and learn.

is judaism adapted for people with impairments like mine,especialy when conversion is involved,woud a rabbi and jewish community be willing to support someone who acutely struggles to understand?

a support staff of mine is jewish and said we can go visit her rabbi about it but am very worried will be expected to have the same capacity to learn as anyone else who is wanting to convert,and as a result be turned away.
woud this happen,or is judaism adaptable to intelectual disability?
are there any easy read texts that have been adapted specificaly for special needs?


used to live with several muslims who had intelectual disability so am aware other religeons can be supportive,am probably worrying over nothing but guess am just very worried due to past with catholicism;the church we went to was awful with accepting the disabilities of mine-had eventualy physicaly fought back against parents to avoid going.


thanks very much in advance.

 

[Tarheeler]

Welcome to RF!

The first step is to speak with your local rabbi. How well he or she is prepared to work with you will depend on the individual, but I doubt it would be an issue. While some are going to use a "one-size-fits" approach to the conversion process, I would think that most would be able to adapt the process to fit those who need more time.

While I've never specifically looked for materials aimed at those with intellectual disabilities, I'm fairly confident that it shouldn't be a barrier to conversion. Part of the rabbi's function during the process is to help you to understand the commitment and requirements that come along with joining the Jewish people.

 

[FerralRabbit]

thanks so much tarheeler! have really put mind at rest-have been having a lot of anxiety over it.