Your parents responded with such enlightened grace, it was wonderful to read about. The risk to many Christians who are converting is that they will be seen as rejecting Jesus as the messiah. This is a big no-no in many groups (I think mostly Catholic and Evangelical, but I'm sure that is not a hard and fast rule).
The details of your parents' response; namely, that you will have a religion and a community is consistent with the very positive message of this blog.
I have personally been unable to find a religion I can call home in spite of a long search and a few trial memberships. My difficulties arise with the stronger points of belief, which for many in the group were dogma. My upbringing as a Roman Catholic has made me allergic to dogma and the rigid, often superficial thinking that accompanies it.
I was wondering if either you or Nellie could comment on what your thoughts are about the belief system you have entered. Are the specific beliefs important to you? Or do you see them as less than central?
Hello, speaking for myself there's so much about Judaism I was drawn to- the oneness of God, the structure and beautiful rituals, and the emphasis on action over belief. At first glance Jewish law can seem overwhelming, but the further you go you realize how practical it is. There was another essay written about mourning in Judaism, and I think that highlights very much how, initially it seems very strict and ritualistic, but truly there's so much wisdom behind everything- from shiva timeline, to the community rallying around those grieving and bringing food, etc... incredibly practical. And that's just one example.
Another nice thing, among the different denominations there's different levels of observance, laws, worship, and it's not difficult to find one that fits your beliefs and how you want to live. Conservative Judaism is the best option for me, but for others Reform might be better, or Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Humanistic. I think Judaism is enhanced and benefits from the variety.
This is a lovely and informative painting of contemporary Judaism. I can see why you are converting. I have had many Jewish friends over the years, who were raised in Jewish homes. I do not think they would use your description. Human nature lends towards a kind of sclerosis of our most beautiful and meaningful practices. I do not know the source, but there seems to have been a renaissance in Jewish practice that has led to your experience. Long may it live.
Another inspiring story
Your parents responded with such enlightened grace, it was wonderful to read about. The risk to many Christians who are converting is that they will be seen as rejecting Jesus as the messiah. This is a big no-no in many groups (I think mostly Catholic and Evangelical, but I'm sure that is not a hard and fast rule).
The details of your parents' response; namely, that you will have a religion and a community is consistent with the very positive message of this blog.
I have personally been unable to find a religion I can call home in spite of a long search and a few trial memberships. My difficulties arise with the stronger points of belief, which for many in the group were dogma. My upbringing as a Roman Catholic has made me allergic to dogma and the rigid, often superficial thinking that accompanies it.
I was wondering if either you or Nellie could comment on what your thoughts are about the belief system you have entered. Are the specific beliefs important to you? Or do you see them as less than central?
Thank you in advance for any feedback.
Hello, speaking for myself there's so much about Judaism I was drawn to- the oneness of God, the structure and beautiful rituals, and the emphasis on action over belief. At first glance Jewish law can seem overwhelming, but the further you go you realize how practical it is. There was another essay written about mourning in Judaism, and I think that highlights very much how, initially it seems very strict and ritualistic, but truly there's so much wisdom behind everything- from shiva timeline, to the community rallying around those grieving and bringing food, etc... incredibly practical. And that's just one example.
Another nice thing, among the different denominations there's different levels of observance, laws, worship, and it's not difficult to find one that fits your beliefs and how you want to live. Conservative Judaism is the best option for me, but for others Reform might be better, or Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Humanistic. I think Judaism is enhanced and benefits from the variety.
This is a lovely and informative painting of contemporary Judaism. I can see why you are converting. I have had many Jewish friends over the years, who were raised in Jewish homes. I do not think they would use your description. Human nature lends towards a kind of sclerosis of our most beautiful and meaningful practices. I do not know the source, but there seems to have been a renaissance in Jewish practice that has led to your experience. Long may it live.