Q&A for How to Be Jewish

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  • Question
    Can black people be Jewish?
    Yuval awesome_54
    Community Answer
    Of course. I am black and I converted. There are also Jews who are born black (like my best friend).
  • Question
    I would like to convert to Judaism, but I'm old. Can I still be accepted?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can convert regardless of your age!
  • Question
    What should I say to convince a rabbi that I am sincere in my desire to become Jewish?
    Community Answer
    Just be honest! If you're actually sincere in wanting to convert, you'll come off as such.
  • Question
    Is it possible to learn how to be a Jew?
    Sam Stanley
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! Ask a rabbi, Google it, read a book, or talk to any Jew.
  • Question
    How long will it take me to convert?
    Yuval awesome_54
    Community Answer
    It will take about approximately 1-2 years.
  • Question
    If I committed a sin before being Jewish, will I still have to clear that sin?
    Community Answer
    Judaism does not require the clearing of sins. Instead, it is expected that people will end up sinning, so the important thing to do is to repent and try to avoid sins in the future.
  • Question
    I need to become Jewish, but I cannot seem to quit smoking, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    Under Jewish law, smoking is prohibited due to it being self-harming. I recommend you try further to find healthy alternatives for both your own health and your religious pursuit. Don't give up on quitting! You can still convert as a smoker, but you are obligated to do everything in your power to try to quit.
  • Question
    If I become a Jew following the rules of Judaism, will other Jews consider me equal?
    Sam Stanley
    Community Answer
    Yes. If you convert according to the rules of whatever sect you want to be a part of, as soon as you are done converting, you are as much a Jew as anyone else. Some people may be less accepting, but the stance of the religion is that everyone is equal.
  • Question
    My parents are Methodist, but I kind of want to become Jewish. Are there any tips to discreetly practice Judaism without my parents finding out?
    Community Answer
    Sooner or later, your parents will find out, and you need to be honest with them. You shouldn't be hiding your religion; that indicates you think you're doing something wrong. There's nothing wrong with learning about a different religion.
  • Question
    How can a woman convert?
    Community Answer
    The same way a man converts. Find a rabbi at a synagogue that you like and talk to them about it.
  • Question
    What can I do if I am a race that isn't usually Jewish, and I am worried it will be difficult to convert?
    Community Answer
    There are Jews of every race. I wouldn't worry about not being allowed to convert.
  • Question
    Can I become Jewish if my parents are not? If so, how do I contact a synagogue?
    Sam Stanley
    Community Answer
    You definitely can! If you Google it, you should be able to find a synagogue in your area, so feel free to give them a call, and they'll help get you started on the path to conversion.
  • Question
    I was brought up Jewish and went to synagogue every week with my dad and granddad. I miss it. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Contact your local synagogue or temple, and speak with the rabbi about your situation.
  • Question
    Are Jews allowed to drink alcohol?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but not to the point of getting drunk! It can still happen, and someone else will need to drive.
  • Question
    I live in Morocco and I want to convert to Judaism. Where should I go to get help?
    Community Answer
    Go to a local synagogue at talk to the rabbi. The rabbi is going to try to push you away from converting, but that's part of their job. Just keep saying you want to convert, and the rabbi will help you.
  • Question
    Can I convert to Judaism without asking a rabbi?
    Community Answer
    It's not impossible, but it also isn't ideal. Judaism is a communal religion, it's meant to be experienced with others, to share your Jewishness with other Jews. Hasidic and Orthodox Jews will not accept you as Jewish if you do not convert through traditional means, and Conservative and Reform Jews, whereas more lenient, still would like it if you went through a process (usually an Intro class to Judaism followed by a mikveh, sometimes with a full beth din). Reconstructionists have an easier process, but still require you to take classes, attend services, etc. Each Synagogue has its own process, and it is really up to you how you want to go about it.
  • Question
    I'm a former Catholic who has also explored the Baptist faith. Can I convert to Judaism?
    Community Answer
    You can, but you ideally need a rabbi to get started, and you need to ask G-d to bring you to Judaism.
  • Question
    I'm a teenager. What if my family won't allow me to convert or go to a synagogue?
    Community Answer
    Talk to them about your feelings, your faith, and why you want to become Jewish - perhaps you can convince them to at least allow you to attend synagogue. If not, you might just have to wait until you're a little bit older.
  • Question
    Is there a day of atonement that covers the sins of the people?
    Community Answer
    Yom Kippur is called the Day of Atonement and it is the holiest day of the Jewish year. With true teshuvah (repentance), sins against G-d can be forgiven. If you sin against man, you must first ask that person for forgiveness and then G-d.
  • Question
    How is a Jew saved from sin?
    Community Answer
    By adhering to the Halacha (Torah law) and doing teshuvah (repentance) for sins preformed. The Halacha can be found in the Shulchan Aruch (they have English additions). It would be best to learn with a Rabbi (such as Chabad).
  • Question
    Can Jewish women drink alcohol?
    Community Answer
    Yes, during Passover, all the people sitting around the table are required to have a few sips of wine.
  • Question
    What can I do to learn more about my Jewish heritage?
    Sam Stanley
    Community Answer
    Talk to family members, perhaps speak to other older people who knew the family, or even learn about Jewish culture and history.
  • Question
    Can I convert to Judaism from another religion?
    Community Answer
    Contact your local synagogue and enquire about the possibility of converting. At the very least, they may encourage you to become a Noahide.
  • Question
    Can I convert to Judaism if I believe in Jesus?
    Community Answer
    You'll need to become as Messianic Jew to do that. "Regular" Jews see Jesus as a false prophet.
  • Question
    How long does Giyur last?
    Community Answer
    It lasts as long as the person needs to learn how to become a full, observant member of the Jewish faith.
  • Question
    I live in Iran, where it is illegal for Muslims to convert. Am I still required to be baptized and go to a synagogue?
    Community Answer
    Jews are not baptized through conversion, although there is an immersion in the mikveh. However, the answer to your question is yes. A legitimate convert is only one that has done the entire process through the three rabbis of a kosher beis din, done brit milah (for a man), and immersed in the mikveh.
  • Question
    My dad's side of the family survived the Holocaust, and I want to continue being a part of the Jewish community, but my mom isn't Jewish. Am I ethnically Jewish?
    Community Answer
    According to (Orthodox) Jewish law, you are not Jewish if your maternal side isn't Jewish, but many conservative/reform/reconstructionist synagogues will still consider you a Jew. Depending on how religious your local Jewish community or synagogue is, you may or may not have to convert in the future. You can still practice Jewish traditions either way.
  • Question
    What is the difference between Judaism and Islam?
    Community Answer
    Both religions believe in one G-d. However, Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet of G-d and that Muhammad was the final prophet sent by G-d to guide the people. Jews do not believe in these prophets. Additionally, Jews and Muslims have different traditions and holidays. Muslims pray five times a day and fast for a month during Ramadan. Many make a pilgrimage or hajj to Mecca. Both Jews and Muslims may dress conservatively and both believe in the Old Testament, though the Jewish holy book is the Torah, while the Muslim one is the Quran. Jews fast one day a year during Yom Kippur, though some very religious Jews may fast more often. Many Jews also keep kosher.
  • Question
    Is there a way to do this free?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can always practice religion at home on your own. The internet has tons of free resources on Judaism, access to Jewish texts, and you can learn a bit of Hebrew on the free app Duolingo. Additionally, joining a temple is usually free (though they may ask for donations, you are obviously not obligated to give them if you can't afford it). Religion is very personal, and you can easily form a relationship with G-d by just praying and talking with Him every day. If you want a group, try to find Jewish group chats online or find other Jewish people to hang out with in your neighborhood.
  • Question
    Why can't I become a Jew if I'm LGBTQ and African-Jamacian-American-Swede?
    Community Answer
    Judaism doesn't look for converts, but will gladly welcome anyone with a sincerity of heart. There are gay synagogues and black Jews, mostly from Ethiopia. Anyone who told you you can't become Jewish is very wrong!
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