So here I am, in the process of (potentially) converting to Reform Judaism, and I am very conflicted. I love the ethics of Judaism, I love the culture, I love the people, I love the shabbos services. I think the High Holy days are an incredibly wonderful experience. My problem? I can’t wrap my mind around the idea that a religion is as intimately interwoven with a piece of real estate as Judaism is with Israel. To place so much emphasis on G-d’s “deeding” of Israel to the Hebrews seems to take the huge issues of soul and spirit and reduce them to something small and venal. Am I the only one with this problem? How can I even be considering converting when something so central is so meaningless to me? Is this hopeless?
Well, first of all, talk to your Rabbi about it, or whoever is teaching you about Judaism. The land is important, but it’s not important in itself. The land of Israel is important because it’s part of the covenant between G-d and the Jews. I don’t know if that made any sense.
I guess the other question you need to ask yourself is, you love the culture, you love the shabbos service, the High Holy Day services, and all that’s great, but are you willing to take on the responsibilities of being a Jew? I’m sure you love G-d, but you can love and serve H-m now as you are, without converting. If you convert, as part of that, you’re going to have more restrictions put on you. They’ll also be people who hate you as a jew, and won’t care that you’re a convert. That won’t matter to them at all. Just think about it.
Is there something wrong with your “I” and “O” keys? Or is there some religious reason for typing “G-d” and “H-m”? Just curious.
Marc
The G-d is a part of Judaism. I think it has to do with not profaning H-s name. Maybe someone who is more versed in Jewish knowledge can help out here.
I know I really need to ask the Rabbi about my concerns. I also know that answering questions is a big part of being a rabbi! It’s just that I feel embarrassed asking him about something so fundamental. I know it’s foolish, but there it is. I do intend to consult with him on this, I’m just warming up to it, so to speak.
About the possibility of being hated for being Jewish, I know that is always out there. However, I figure that if I could get over worrying about being hated for being gay, I could get over that, too! ;j