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When you converted to Judaism, did you make the decision to join a synagogue?  Why or why not?

11/5/2012

2 Comments

 
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Answers from our readers:​
#1  It's funny, but when I started the conversion process, I had little thought of joining a synagogue.  I didn't even think it was a possibility, or something I should do. I thought I should convert, and had my eye on the "prize."  During the Intro class I attended, I went to a couple of different synagogues, met some rabbis, and saw how each did things differently.  But I found myself going back to the same synagogue over and over, as things became more comfortable for me, and I began to recognize more people there, people who would stop and say hello.  It was the same synagogue as my rabbi.  

During my year-plus of study, I figured out that I needed to have a Jewish community, and that I needed to be where I had respect for the rabbis and felt warm and welcome when I walked in.  So, within a few months of my conversion, I joined Temple Sinai. 

#2  Yes, I did join the synagogue.  I was not pressured to at all, but I decided to join simultaneously with my Beit Din/Mikvah day.  It turned into kind of a nice ritual. I did the "ceremony" part in the morning, then went to the synagogue and gave them a check in the afternoon.  Felt like I was completing the circle of fully joining the community.

#3  Yes, at the time I didn't know of any other entry point into Judaism but to get connected to my local synagogue.  I knew nothing about how to contact a Rabbi outside of a synagogue setting.  We had no Jewish relatives, so it made sense to get connected to our local Jewish community for support and learning.

#4  I joined after my conversion was completed. I didn't think it made sense to be a member if I wasn't a "full" Jew. After converting, I wanted to be part of a community. The day of my mikvah, I received an email from the membership director, inviting me to become a member. I love being a member at Emanuel. What a wonderful community.

#5 (From DMD) It's the only way. They are soooo supportive!! All are so welcoming, & helpful. They will take you under their wings. It's all about community. Look around, find one you like. I love, love, love mine in Tucson, AZ.

2 Comments
Amira
11/5/2012 03:29:40 pm

My rabbi would only agree to work with me on the assumption that I would become a member of that synagogue after conversion. Luckily it's a wonderful, welcoming shul that I'm happy to feel a part of even though I'm not finished with the process yet.

Reply
Dawn Kepler
8/7/2019 05:11:00 pm

I'm quite surprised Amira. I've never heard of a rabbi making such a requirement. What city are you living in?

Reply



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