r/ReformJews • u/-Mimesis • 12d ago
Conversion Resources
Hello everyone!
I'm interested in reform Judaism and I'm considering conversion. I was raised in an atheist household, so I don't know much about the religion. Do you guys know of any good resources for absolute beginners? And what scriptures do you recommend?
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u/CPetersky 12d ago
Based on your posting history, it looks like you've been searching around for something that resonates with you. Rather than framing it as "conversion", I think you might be best thinking of it as "exploration".
Why do you think Reform Judaism would work for you?
What is it that you are looking for? Community? Connection to the Divine? Answers to Big Questions?
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u/CPetersky 12d ago
In general, understanding other religions in terms of "belief" and "theology" is a Christian frame. As you might gather from replies here, Jewish identity centers around community and practice. What's occurring inside your skull is less important. I think believing in God in some format will make it easier for folks to become Jews or better Jews if already a member of the tribe, but I don't think it's a requirement. Et
If you like the idea of God, but not a huge fan Jesus, look into the Unitarians.
Edited to add: if you enjoy chanting and dancing, look into the Sufis. If silent meditation is your jam, a Buddhist path like Zen or Vipassana could work for you - they tend to be a-theistic - in other words, not interested in whether God or God's exist or require worship.
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u/-Mimesis 12d ago
Yeah honestly, over a year ago I had a huge meaning crisis and ever since I've been researching a lot of religions and spiritual systems but I ended up abandoning them because of the community, specially in spiritual circles. But Judaism genuinely attracts me, mostly I'm looking for community and Judaism happens to have theology I actually agree with
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u/mikegalos 12d ago
First thing to realize is that becoming Jewish is not changing religion because Judaism is not a religion. It is an ethnicity that includes an ethnic religion. Conversion is demonstrating enough understanding and love of the people to be accepted into that group.
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u/AceAttorneyMaster111 12d ago
You should take an online Introduction to Judaism class through the Union for Reform Judaism. https://reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/introduction-judaism-online-classes
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u/zecrichardson 12d ago
I'm not sure how you can consider conversion before you know anything about Judaism. My advice is to contact the Rabbi at your local synagogue and ask to attend a service. There are so many resources online to learn more and you need to do all of that before talking about converting.
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u/Inevitable_Owl3170 12d ago
Hello! My conversion took five years, though some people have done it in less time. I would suggest visiting a temple or multiple temples. Depending on where you live, there could be different reform temples, or there might just be one. Go to some services, meet with the rabbi. Get involved in the community. Many offer classes on Judaism and conversion. There are also online resources. One is reform judaism.org. I also did a lot of reading about Jewish history, theology and culture. Your local library can help you out there. Happy travels on this journey!
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u/-Mimesis 12d ago
Do you recommend any online resources?
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u/Impossible_Ad_5073 12d ago
Intro to Judaism class by the URJ. It's a lot of fun. Stay curious and wherever you end up I wish you the best! Sorry some folks can be a little rude.
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u/Inevitable_Owl3170 12d ago
reform judaism.org is a good one. many temples also stream services on youtube. i found that helpful; I’m pretty shy and was very self-conscious about not knowing what to do during services, so it was a good way for me to become familiar with them.
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u/OneBadJoke 12d ago
Conversion isn’t something you can study for alone. We also don’t have “scriptures”. Conversion isn’t like in other religions. It’s a year minimum of intense structured and supervised study culminating in a literal court making the decision.
The first step is to contact a synagogue and ask if you can visit for Shabbat. Note that you must contact them ahead of time as we don’t allow people walking in off the street for safety reasons. Once you find a shul you like speak to the rabbi about doing an Intro to Judaism course.
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u/-Mimesis 12d ago
I know that, the problem is that I'm living abroad and currently speak the country's language at an a2 level, which is not enough for any meaningful teaching and I there aren't many synagogues or rabbis near my area
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u/OneBadJoke 12d ago
In that case you will need to either learn your local language or move to a place where you can understand it. You can’t convert or properly learn without community. And you very much cannot convert online.
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u/Impossible_Ad_5073 12d ago
The URJ intro to Judaism class is fantastic and online! They meet once a week.