Judaism is an ancient religion rich in culture, history, traditions and customs. Modern Judaism has become more and more open to accepting followers of new religions, either through marriage or of their own accord. If you are thinking about converting to Judaism or simply want to deepen your Jewish faith, there are many ways to find out about this religion and participate in it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Engaging in Learning about Judaism
Step 1. Learn about the five main denominations in Judaism
Although there is no official list, Judaism has five main denominations. Learn about each of these Jewish traditions to determine which denomination you want to join.
- Hasidut – This denomination is very strict and conservative; they practice religious teachings into every aspect of life. The Hasidus also incorporated Jewish mysticism into their teachings.
- Orthodox – Orthodox Judaism has several sub-denominations, the most common of which is Modern Orthodoxy. In general, Orthodox Jews adhere to all religious rules and customs, while Modern Orthodox Jews usually also try to balance them with a secular lifestyle.
- Conservatives – Conservative Jews are generally more lenient in terms of obedience than Orthodox Jews, but conservatives stick to the basic values and traditions of this religion.
- Reformation – This denomination is quite lenient in terms of obedience, although it still adheres to basic Jewish values and traditions.
- Reconstructionist – This denomination is also very lenient when it comes to obedience. They follow a largely secular lifestyle.
Step 2. Engage in a period of learning about Judaism
Whether you want to convert to Judaism or want to deepen your teachings, a period of study can educate and connect you to this religion. Many synagogues and centers for Jewish studies offer study classes.
- For some Jews, you are required to take this kind of study before embracing their religion.
- The duration of the study varies, from 14 weeks to 1 year.
- Find a rabbi who will support and guide you throughout your study, and possibly until you convert.
Step 3. Learn the basics of Judaism
Even the slightest knowledge of Hebrew can deepen your understanding of the Jewish faith. If you know some Hebrew pronunciations, you can participate further in the synagogue. If you understand some important vocabulary, you can better understand the prayers.
- Take a study class, or find a Hebrew teacher.
- Ask a rabbi for advice on the best way to learn the basics of Hebrew.
- Your knowledge of Hebrew will develop over time.
Part 2 of 3: Participating in Jewish Society
Step 1. Go to the synagogue
Find a synagogue that fits your denomination and level of devotion. Start attending the synagogue once a week, and participate as much as possible. If you have questions about worship, make an appointment with a rabbi.
- In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately to avoid "inappropriate" behavior and harassment, and worship is mostly conducted in Hebrew.
- Other synagogues may free up seats and worship is conducted in both the local language and Hebrew.
Step 2. Celebrate the Sabbath
Orthodox Jews are called Shomer Shabbat, which means Sabbath keepers. The Sabbath begins at sunset every Friday and ends when the three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. Practice Havdalah, the celebration after the Sabbath. On the Sabbath, Jews were forbidden to work, travel, carry money, discuss business, use electricity, light a fire, and make or receive telephone calls, but this day is celebrated for its soothing spiritual separation from the hectic work day.
Other Orthodox denominations follow the Sabbath to varying degrees
Step 3. Adhere to the Kashrut eating rules
Part of the way to participate in the Jewish lifestyle is to adhere to a kosher or kosher diet. There are some basic guidelines that must be adhered to. As with most things in Judaism, the degree of dietary strictness in different Jewish denominations also varies.
- For packaged or canned foodstuffs, make sure they have the hechsher symbol (usually looks like the letter U in a circle or the letter K, but can be another symbol)
- Don't eat shellfish or fish that don't have scales.
- Don't eat pork or other animal meat that doesn't have split hooves that doesn't chew its food.
- Don't eat dairy and meat products at the same time – different Jewish denominations adhere to this rule to varying degrees: some Jews have sinks, dishwashers, ovens, tablecloths, silverware, etc. which is completely different. For meat and dairy products, some only separate the food, some wait up to a certain number of hours before eating meat or dairy products, etc.
Step 4. Celebrate Jewish holidays
The stricter your observance, the more holidays there will be to celebrate or commemorate. Some of the major Jewish holidays include Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (Day of Repentance), Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Lag b'Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B'Av, and Rosh Chodesh.
Part 3 of 3: Performing Jewish Rituals
Step 1. Perform circumcision
If you convert to Judaism, the extent to which you need to participate in certain rituals will depend on your denomination and rabbi. If you are male, you may need to be circumcised (also called brit milah). If you are circumcised, you may undergo a ritual called hatafat dam brit, which involves drawing blood.
Some of the more liberal schools of Judaism may allow you to skip the hatafat and brit
Step 2. Seek approval from the council of rabbis (or beit din)
To convert officially to Judaism, you need the approval of three people on the council of rabbis, or beit din. This council has the authority to decide whether you are ready to convert or not. They will evaluate your knowledge, motivation, and intention to practice Judaism.
- For more traditional Jewish denominations, you must pledge to accept the burden of command (or kabbalat ol ha-mitzvot).
- The more liberal rabbis only required a commitment to live the optional commandments.
Step 3. Immerse yourself in a ritual bath (or mikveh)
Once you have the approval of the rabbinic council, the conversion is completed by immersing the body in a ritual bath. Usually this is a special pool (called a mikveh), but less conservative streams may allow use of the ocean or pool.
Step 4. Choose a Hebrew name
In some Judaism, once you are accepted into the religion, you will use the Hebrew name. In addition, some Jewish documents may require you to list your family relationship with the Jews. In this case, you may list your father as Abraham and your mother as Sarah.
