Finally taking that first step into Judaism - years in the making.

[StarryNightshade]

The past year or so has been transformative in many ways. One is that I finally figured out what it is I want to do with my life and degree. Another is that I found someone special to spend my time and life with.

Another is that I no longer identify as Hindu and am taking the first steps for converting to Judaism.

I've been practicing Hinduism for the better part of 5 years and it has been a major force in my life. It's helped me understand myself and others better. As well as being a foundation to my personal moral and ethical philosophies. However, for the past 14 to 15 months, I've been trying to force myself into believing something I no longer do. This doesn't mean that I hate Hinduism, or that Hindus are "filthy idol worshippers", but it does mean that it no longer plays a role in my spiritual life.

I can no longer ignore these feelings toward Jewishness that I've had since middle school. I'm settling into a city for my internship for the next year, and I've contacted a local Conservative rabbi. We're currently figuring out the logistics of my conversion and the next logical steps. Something that I've wanted to happen for so long is finally coming to fruition and I'm extremely excited for it.

 

[Terese]

I'm glad you're in a good spot in your life Starry, and i hope you find Judaism fulfilling

 

[Rival]

Baruch HaShem!

 

[Sundance]

STARRY, WHAT?! I really never saw this coming! What a pleasant surprise! I wish you the very best of luck.

 

[Rival]

Never forget Starry Psalm 121.

 

[PureX]

The past year or so has been transformative in many ways. One is that I finally figured out what it is I want to do with my life and degree. Another is that I found someone special to spend my time and life with.

Another is that I no longer identify as Hindu and am taking the first steps for converting to Judaism.

I've been practicing Hinduism for the better part of 5 years and it has been a major force in my life. It's helped me understand myself and others better. As well as being a foundation to my personal moral and ethical philosophies. However, for the past 14 to 15 months, I've been trying to force myself into believing something I no longer do. This doesn't mean that I hate Hinduism, or that Hindus are "filthy idol worshippers", but it does mean that it no longer plays a role in my spiritual life.

I can no longer ignore these feelings toward Jewishness that I've had since middle school. I'm settling into a city for my internship for the next year, and I've contacted a local Conservative rabbi. We're currently figuring out the logistics of my conversion and the next logical steps. Something that I've wanted to happen for so long is finally coming to fruition and I'm extremely excited for it.

I'm happy for you, but in the end religion is just religion. They all address many of the same human issues relative to the same great mysteries in life. There is no one right theology. And there is no one big God-answer that will stand as the ultimate truth. In the end we all have to live by humility and by faith, not by religious or theological pretense.

Good luck to you.

 

[Magus]

So you will be circumcised?

 

[George-ananda]

I can no longer ignore these feelings toward Jewishness

To better understand this; are you of Jewish ethnicity?

 

[Rival]

To better understand this; are you of Jewish ethnicity?

If he were, he would not need to convert

 

[StarryNightshade]

So you will be circumcised?

Already am, but yes, if I was uncircumcised. I would have to be if I was going Orthodox or Conservative (they both require males to be circumcised). Reform and Reconstructionist generally don't require men to be circumcised (as far as I'm aware).

Since I'm circumcised, I would have a Hatafat dam brit, which basically means drawing a drop of blood from where a male's foreskin would be.

 

[StarryNightshade]

To better understand this; are you of Jewish ethnicity?

No, as far as I'm aware.

 

[Rival]

Remember not to start mixing dates! My pa once asked me what date it was and I said the 27th when it was like the 23rd or something. Silly me, I was using the Jewish calendar

 

[Brickjectivity]

The past year or so has been transformative in many ways. One is that I finally figured out what it is I want to do with my life and degree. Another is that I found someone special to spend my time and life with.

Another is that I no longer identify as Hindu and am taking the first steps for converting to Judaism.

I've been practicing Hinduism for the better part of 5 years and it has been a major force in my life. It's helped me understand myself and others better. As well as being a foundation to my personal moral and ethical philosophies. However, for the past 14 to 15 months, I've been trying to force myself into believing something I no longer do. This doesn't mean that I hate Hinduism, or that Hindus are "filthy idol worshippers", but it does mean that it no longer plays a role in my spiritual life.

I can no longer ignore these feelings toward Jewishness that I've had since middle school. I'm settling into a city for my internship for the next year, and I've contacted a local Conservative rabbi. We're currently figuring out the logistics of my conversion and the next logical steps. Something that I've wanted to happen for so long is finally coming to fruition and I'm extremely excited for it.

I don't know you that well, but after the few short conversations we've had I think I can imagine it working out for you. Well I guess this is goodbye. See you in the next life.

 

[George-ananda]

No, as far as I'm aware.

What attracts you to conservative Judaism? I was raised Catholic myself, but have come to believe the higher forms of Vedantic thought are way beyond western religions.

 

[Desert Snake]

Alot of studying, eh

 

[StarryNightshade]

What attracts you to conservative Judaism? I was raised Catholic myself, but have come to believe the higher forms of Vedantic thought are way beyond western religions.

1.) I think Conservative Judaism is a wonderful "half way" point between Orthodoxy and Reform Judaism. It teaches that Jewish law is binding, but allows a fair degree of openness to interpretation and cultural pragmatism.

2.) I think that's an unfortunate and simplistic thing to say about eastern vs western philosophies. Western traditions can be very deep and have a lot of complexities to their teachings. Look no further than Kabalah and Catholic/Eastern Orthodox mysticism. Likewise, eastern traditions do have their issues, but many choose to ignore them because "At least they aren't Abrahamic."

 

[George-ananda]

1.) I think Conservative Judaism is a wonderful "half way" point between Orthodoxy and Reform Judaism. It teaches that Jewish law is binding, but allows a fair degree of openness to interpretation and cultural pragmatism.

Why would you want to be bound by Jewish law? (meant in an inquisitive way)

2.) I think that's an unfortunate and simplistic thing to say about eastern vs western philosophies. Western traditions can be very deep and have a lot of complexities to their teachings. Look no further than Kabalah and Catholic/Eastern Orthodox mysticism. Likewise, eastern traditions do have their issues, but many choose to ignore them because "At least they aren't Abrahamic."

Your points here are well made and taken.

I guess I was getting too much into comparing dualism (God and creation are two) versus non-dualism (God and creation are not-two). But there is more to it than that.

 

[StarryNightshade]

Why would you want to be bound by Jewish law?

Your points here are well made and taken.

Well, the traditional answer is because it was established by HaShem and His nation.

My answer is because it gives Jews a unique cultural and religious identity. It comes with the territory of practicing Halakhic forms of Judaism.

I guess I was getting too much into comparing dualism (God and creation are two) versus non-dualism (God and creation are not-two). But there is more to it than that.

There's a wide array of thought within Judaism. For example, I'll forever be a Panentheist and see G-d as the ground of all existence. This can also be found in Kaballah and even in some forms of Hasidism.

 

[SomeRandom]

Good luck Starry. Hope you find completeness.