Wednesday, February 3, 2010

What is the procedure for converting to Liberal Judaism in the UK?

Is it necessary to write to the London Beth Din first of all or can it be done by simply starting to attend the services on Saturday mornings?





I need some accurate advice about this.What is the procedure for converting to Liberal Judaism in the UK?
answer: First off - talk with the Rabbi. Call and find out when services are and then talk with him/her. No, you don't write the Beit Din to begin attending services.





Here's a breakdown:





How to Convert to Judaism





MAKING THE CHOICE: Know first that Jews do not ever try to convert anyone, this is strickly a sole decision. Making the choice to become Jewish may have been a long journey and you may feel as if the time is finally here, I have made my choice and now I am ready, but understand that the journey is only the beginning. Know why you are converting and what it means to be a Jew. Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah; therefore, if this is something that you have the slightest bit of confusion about, you are not ready! Do not choose to convert just to marry someone or for any other reason other than for yourself!





Step 2 MOVEMENTS OF JUDAISM: Once your decision has been made, it is time to consider what movement of Judaism you would like to do your conversion and what form you choose to become a part of. The major options to choose from are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Although there are other forms these are the basic three and the easiest ones in which to find a congregation.





Step 3 BE CAREFUL! Know that there is an organization that calls themselves Messianic Jews...this is not Judaism! This is a form of Christianity and their organization is fine except that it can be very confusing to non-Jews - since they call themselves Jews and call their churches Synagogues. An important part of Judaism is that Jews DO NOT recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It is not possible to believe Jesus is the Messiah and be a Jew at the same time.





Step 4 RESEARCH: Research the differences in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. You should have a pretty good idea since you have made the decision to convert. However, it is very important to be sure you understand all three. Orthodox will only accept an orthodox conversion. Conservative will only recognize an Orthodox and Conservative Conversion and Reform will recognize all three. So remember if you convert Reform, then Reform is the only group that will recognize your conversion.


It is important to know which community you will feel the most comfortable becoming a part of and which one will allow you to join. For example: if you are already married to a non-Jew Orthodox will not do your conversion. Conservative may do your conversion and Reform will do a conversion. Read and research everything you can, this is an important decision.





Step 5 BEGIN LEARNING: Begin learning everything you can on your own. The best website to help you with this is www.myjewishlearning.com A link is below. Throughout this website you will find online classes and quizzes to help you begin learning and help prepare you for conversion class. Read everything you can. Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook, by Lawrence J. Epstein is an exceptional book to assist you in your decision and to help you understand this process. The Everything Judaism Book by Richard Bank is also a very easy to read guide that is helpful to refer to even after your conversion.





Step 6 ISRAEL: Understand the rules of Israel. Israel will become a huge part of your life after conversion if it is not already. A conversion in Israel is the most highly accepted conversion there is. However, this type of conversion can take up to 5 years if they allow you to convert. It is very difficult to convert in Israel. Israel will accept all conversions as long as your conversion is done properly and recorded for citizenship purposes. Israel Rabbis will usually not perform any life changing events or life cycle events (i.e. Bar Mitzvah, A Bris Milah, or Wedding) if your conversion did not take place in Israel or by their standards. This is important to know if you plan to visit Israel for a life event.





Step 7 A RABBI! Finding a Rabbi: Finding a Rabbi for conversion is the very most important step. This is the person that you are intrusting your faith and future to. You will spend a lot of time with your rabbi during conversion classes, when going to Shul (Temple or Synagogue), and throughout your conversion. Your Rabbi will be just that, YOUR Rabbi, the person that you will want to feel comfortable going to for life cycle events, times of need, and for times of grief.





Step 8 DO NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED: Once you choose a form of Judaism and a Rabbi asking the Rabbi can be very scary. Be secure in your decision and know that when you ask the Rabbi he will probably “slam the door in your face”. This is the best way to describe a worst case scenario. It is standard practice for the Rabbi to refuse your conversion three (3) times. Do not become discouraged or upset, this is a test of your commitment. Rabbis know that this is a major life changing decision that cannot be reversed and should not be entered into lightly; therefore they must test your commitment. This is for your benefit and not to be takenWhat is the procedure for converting to Liberal Judaism in the UK?
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You are going to need to study for conversion with a good Rabbi. So, start by attending services %26amp; finding someplace %26amp; a Rabbi you like. Then ask. Mostly, you'll need to learn %26amp; spend time going through the yearly holiday cycle. For the conversion itself the Rabbi sponsors you to go in front of the Bet Din %26amp; there are a few other rituals.





Good luck! Also different congregations can have different feelings so if one isn't right for you... look for a different one.





Here's a good entry site on Judaism %26amp; there is a conversion link on the left.


http://www.jewfaq.org
1. You will first be asked to sign an oath affirming that you will never pay retail for anything again.





2. You will learn how to order for large parties at Chinese restaurants.





3. You will immediately stop complaining about any and all ailments from which you suffer....and never fail to mention at every opportunity that you are not complaining.





4. For further direction, check with your mother. In fact you will be expected to call your mother on a daily basis. If your mother is not available, then your wifes mother will automatically step in. No need to call her, she will just know when to step in.
shouldn't you be attending services, developing a relationship with the rabbi, and then asking her or him these questions?
Talk the appropriate source: a rabbi.





You will have to consult one to be converted.
Talk to the Rabbi. He/ she can answer all your questions.

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