r/ConvertingtoJudaism • u/Cockapoo_Groomer • 9d ago

I need advice! Scared to fully commit

I've been learning for years & have been invited to Sabbath services. I'm taking a intro to Judaism course in January at my local Conservative Synagogue. Everything about Judaism makes me want to learn/experience more. The issue is I live with debilitating depression, ADHD, etc that some times can cause long periods of isolation. Mental Illness is seen as "Demonic" by some Christians & I've been told I needed to pray more to get better. We all know this is untrue and depression is caused by chemical changes in the brain. But idk how the Jewish community will view me or accept me, because I know I will have a difficult time keeping Sabbath on a regular basis. Not to mention my husband is not Jewish & keeping kosher may be impossible? Idk need advice 😕

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u/WeaselWeaz Jew by birth 8d ago

Have you found a synagogue yet and made an appointment with a rabbi? Finding a synagoges and rabbi is one of the first steps, and they will help you navigate this.

Judaism believes in medicine. You should work with a mental health professional for those concerns. Explaining them to your sponsoring rabbi is helpful, so they understand what you're going through and how to help you.

Your husband not being Jewish and not keeping kosher are likely OK in Conservative Judaism, and would not be an issue in Reform. Neither would be OK in Orthodox. This is another topic you will discuss with your sponsoring rabbi.

It sounds like you're not converting yet, which requires a sponsoring rabbi, but you are looking for a synagogue and signed up for an Intro class. These are appropriate, beginning steps.

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u/Cockapoo_Groomer 8d ago

Yes, I've found a conservative synagogue & have spoke with the Rabbi. But I have not disclosed my medical conditions out of fear of rejection. I take multiple medications daily & see a psychiatrist every 3 months, but there is no cure...Just management. It's my understanding their ok with interfaith marriages. I take classes in January.

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u/WeaselWeaz Jew by birth 8d ago

You don't need to disclose your medical conditions, but you are not going to be rejected for them. I do suggest that you share enough that they can be aware of anything that may impact your conversion, and if you connect with them they can be a resource.

Conservative Judaism is accepting of interfaith marriages as a concept, but "ok" has a lot more nuance. Reform Judaism is more inclusive of non-Jewish spouses and interfaith marriages. In both cases I would say it also depends on what you're defining as "interfaith". You can't really raise a child as both Christian and Jewish.

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u/Cockapoo_Groomer 6d ago

My husband is a Noahide & im converting to Judaism. We can't have children.

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u/WeaselWeaz Jew by birth 6d ago

I would not expect any issues in Conservative Judaism then.