Buddhist Catholic Contemplative Evangelical General Christian Hindu Jewish Latter-day Saint Muslim New Visions Progressive Christian

Beliefs

Topics

Columnists

Resource Library

Research Tools

Video

Podcasts

Thought Readers

Faith In Media Tracker

Newsletters

Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In Subscription Support

Follow Patheos

Following Ruth

Home
Jewish
Community – What Online Conversion Lacks

Community – What Online Conversion Lacks

Last updated on: January 30, 2014 at 3:00 am by Lynn Swayze

Community – What Online Conversion Lacks 2014-01-29T00:18:26-04:00 Lynn Swayze

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

There seems to be a proliferation of “convert to Judaism” online websites lately. I’m not sure why this is, although it does seem fueled by demand. Judaism is attractive to a lot of people and the internet helps would-be converts find resources and Rabbis. It’s a cool thing, really. That should say a lot about the power of Judaism to bring people to the faith without actually proselytizing.

Here are just some sites where you can convert online, at least up to the Beit Din and Mikveh part:

Online Convert to Judaism Program / http://www.convertjudaism.org/

Karaite Jewish University

PunkTorah

ConvertingToJudaism.com

These resources are very useful and do change lives. But it’s not the same as living in a Jewish community.

Every week I go to erev Shabbat or Torah study or meet with my Rabbi refreshes me. Everyone is so nice. I meet people in my congregation and make connections. I learn from others – what to say, what to do. I learn my community’s unique mini-culture. I can belong. That doesn’t happen so easily online. It’s not very easy to be your own community.

I actually very strongly agree with Rabbi Ruth Adar’s thoughts on online conversion: “Can I Convert to Judaism Online?”

IT TAKES A JEWISH COMMUNITY TO MAKE A JEW.

IT TAKES JEWISH EXPERIENCES TO MAKE A JEW.

IT TAKES TIME TO MAKE A JEW.

Every other Friday I rush from work to grab my kids, schlep back into the city, and go to erev shabbat services. I pray that they enjoy their time, that they behave a bit better than last week, and that I don’t cause too much trouble for anyone. But always, everyone is nice. They ask how I am. They offer help with my children. They give me some of the oneg to take home. (Aren’t they awesome??) Everyone is so nice and welcoming. No one points me out as the convert-in-process. No one stares at me with judgment. It’s amazing. I feel at home when I go to shul. I love being with the community. It brings me a sense of rhythm and family and blessing.

That’s what the internet, even if I connect to a thousand online, will never replace. Real live human warmth.

convert to judaism online

online jewish conversion

web

Previous Post

January 12, 2014

Questions, Please!

Next Post

February 2, 2014 Is Interfaith Dialogue Worth The Trouble?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Anti-Semitism Comparing Religions Conversion Family Life Food Holidays Interfaith Learn Hebrew Mitzvot Shabbat Spiritual Life Tanakh

Select a Month August 2016 July 2016 February 2014 January 2014 November 2013

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jacob Paul Joseph Daniel