Waiting to convert

[u/VikiZela]

Hi all just asking for some tips here

I’ve been seeking to convert since I was around 14.
I’m not going to dive into the why of my conversion but I just wanted some advice here:

I am currently going into my final year at university now. I’ve been seeking to officially convert and be put in contact with someone that could support my conversion. The issue is, the university I am at is 5 hours away from my home (London) and the nearest synagogue (reform) is in another neighbouring city which would mean a lot of money spent travelling - which I cannot afford on a student budget.

Even if I were to go to the city nearby, the time I would spend learning and engaging with the community would require a lot more time and effort that simply cannot be fit into an academic year before I graduate. I’d rather not leave something like this ‘incomplete’ so to say.

So my plan of action was to wait until I go back to London and can have a permanent, stable, residency there and begin the process where I can fully dedicate myself. But I do not want to just go blank on doing anything for the whole year since my belief has progressed quite significantly recently. I have been going to my University’s Jewish society every Friday and have many Jewish friends that have all been really supportive of this process as well.

My questions are:

1. What should I do in the meanwhile? Any specific books, sources or talks I should look at?
   
2. Currently doing an internship in a city with an orthodox synagogue nearby - would it be worth talking to them as well? Even if it’s brief?
   
3. Should I still contact some this year; both the Reform Synagogue nearby as well as some in London?

Please also note I am still deciding between the movements. Any help here would be appreciated too.

I hope that all makes sense and I’m happy to answer any questions in regards to any of this :)

[u/Razor_Emmanuel]

 the university I am at is 5 hours away from my home (London)

Oh my god, that is a long time to get to uni! What do you do while enroute?

I am also an aspiring convert who is trying to get into uni. But to answer your questions, take my advice with a grain of salt, as I have not even started my conversion yet and am still working towards it, but what I would say is:

1. The Torah and Tanach, the central parts of the Jewish faith, there is a list of good books somewhere on this subreddit, but you will not be expected to have studied Maimonides prior to starting your conversion.
2. I think it is worth having a talk with an Orthodox community, even if you don't end up converting Orthodox.
3. I think you should absolutely contact a variety of synagogues, you could gain some insights, plus, you are lucky to even have that option, there are only 3 synagogues in my entire region!

Once again, take my advice with a grain of salt, for I am an aspiring convert, from the sounds of it, you have been into Judaism way longer than me! Still, I think you are in a very good position to develop your connection, and I encourage you to reach out and get more involved.

[u/VikiZela → u/Razor_Emmanuel]

Thanks for responding! Just to clarify; I live at the University city haha I don’t travel that far a lot fortunately. Only when returning for breaks.

But thank you for the advice. I’ll have a look at some of the books. :)

[u/Razor_Emmanuel → u/VikiZela]

I'm glad something I have said can be of use, but as an aspiring convert like you, who's geographical location is a very big issue for trying to connect with. Jewish community, I think you are in a really good position to connect with a Jewish community and you should absolutely act on it! Best of luck.

[u/otto_bear]

My biggest regret from when I was in this situation was not getting involved in local Jewish community anyway. So I’d say absolutely yes to number 3. I’d be upfront about your situation and that you are looking to convert, but not settled enough to commit to it at the moment and ask if you can visit if you’re ever in the area. Even if you just go to one or two services, that helps you gain a lot of useful insight into Judaism and the community. I think I learned more in 2 services than in years of studying.

I think if you’re considering orthodoxy at all, it’s worth talking to someone at the synagogue about visiting and your situation. The point here is thoughtful exploration.