8/13/2019 jew 2a

1/8

Of course not everyone born of Jewish mothers (or fathers) practices the religion of Judaism (nor

practices it properly). Such people are still accepted as fully Jewish due to their association with

father Avraham (Abraham) and the Covenant HaShem established with his and Sarah'sdescendents through Isaac and his son Jacob/Israel. Jews are in the Covenant because of

Avraham and Moshe not because of personal merit.

Gerim

Likewisegerim(converts) do not always practice the holy religion properly, however once theyleave the waters of the mikvah they are Jews in every sense of the word. Concerning converts

Rambam wrote:

"Loving the convert who has taken refuge (lit., 'came and entered') beneath the wings of the

Divine Presence [comprises] two positive obligations, one because he is included in 'fellowship'

(and so is included in the obligation to love one's fellow as himself (Levit. 19:18), and twobecause he is a convert and the Torah said, 'You shall love the convert' (Deuteronomy 10:19).

[The Torah] commanded to love the convert as it commanded to love G-d (lit., 'His Name'), as itis stated, 'And you shall love the L-rd your G-d' (Deut. 6:5). G-d Himself loves converts, as it is

stated, '...and loves [the] convert'" [Sourceof this quote.]

Once formally, genuinely, converted ones status as a Jew can never be revoked by anyone.HaShem makes people Jewish, not human courts. Despite this, excommunications are sometimesperformed, especially by the Haredim (Ultra Orthodox). These excommunications should be

viewed as disfellowshipment from ones particular community or sect, not from the Covenant.

One who is Jewish is eternally Jewish regardless of acceptance or rejection by religiousauthorities. For this reason, in part, Judaism has historically discouraged conversion.

The different movements have different requirements for conversion (and excommunication).Before seeking admittance into the Covenant one does well to research these requirements and

related issues. The differences between the Rabbinic sects are vast. Determine which form fits

you best, which synagogue you plan to mainly associate with, whether you plan to have childrenetc. (an Orthodox conversion is particularly important for those who plan to have children that

may one day wish to receive an Orthodox Jewish education, marry an Orthodox person, etc.). Do

not rush into conversion, do your homework. Decide which movement is best for you first. Manyconverts go through the conversion process 2 or more times before achieving what they seek.

Preparation can save a lot of time, money and stress.

So strong is this anti-convert sentiment among some Jews that prior to August 1, 2007 theKaraites had not admitted gerim for the past 500 years! Facing the near extinction of the sect

they now accept them. Those who convert through the Karaism are not accepted as Jewish by

most Rabbinic authorities. Likewise, those who convert through the non-Orthodox Rabbinicmovements are not accepted by the Orthodox and many who convert Orthodox are not accepted

by the Haredim (ultra-Orthodox)!

Judaism is more than the religion of the House of Judah. It is the life of the whole House of

Israel. It is membership in the Sacred Covenant not the observance of its mitzvoth (laws).

http://www.torah.org/learning/mlife/chapter6-4.htmlhttp://www.torah.org/learning/mlife/chapter6-4.htmlhttp://www.torah.org/learning/mlife/chapter6-4.htmlhttp://www.torah.org/learning/mlife/chapter6-4.html

8/13/2019 jew 2a

2/8

Judaism is therefore most accurately defined as an extended family rather than as a religion.

Once one is Jewish one remains Jewish for all time, even if one is sometimes likened to the crazy

uncle living in the basement (I speak from experience hehe)! There are no ex-Jews nor half-Jews.One is either Jewish or one is Gentile.

So we still have the question: Who is Jewish?

Judaism is not a race. As I discussed in myRoots of Judaismstudy most Jews today are

Ashkenazim. They are Japhethites not Semites (in other words, they are descendents of Noah'sson Japheth rather than Shem), nonetheless they are accepted as full members of the Covenant

despite the claims of certain enemies of our People about the Khazar Jews and other non-Semitic

Jews. The presence of non-Semitic Jews therefore goes way back and it can include you.

It is important to understand that no oneis Jewish because of race, ethnicity, personal

righteousness nor level of Torah observance. We are Jews solely because HaShem chose usaccording to His Will at Mount Sinai to be of the Covenant, either through our mothers or

through formalgerut(conversion).

No onecan enter the Family without the active consent of the elders of the people and the Will

of HaShem. But who among our elders has the authority to make the needed decisions and

rulings? What happens if one is accepted for formal conversion by a beit dinbut one is notactually Jewish, i.e. was not personally present at the Sacred Mount? There are so manyquestions! Sadly Judaism is possibly more divided today than ever before. There is no Jewish

Pope and even our Chief Rabbinim sometimes have theirown agendasthat are not consistent

with the best interests of our people. The existence of movement-based politics and extremistrulings is causing serious injury to the Jewish people and those seeking to convert. But don't let

that stop you!

If one is accepted into the Covenant by a beit dinof People Israel it is a blessing to the person in

every case. One who is allowed to enter the mikveh should consider him/herself fully Jewishin every sense regardless of the affiliating movement or other considerations. Such a personshould leave no quarter for doubt. Those seeking association in a particular movement or

synagogue will have to meet the requirements of that group for acceptence of course, but

conversion is awarded not from the rabbis seated on the beit dinbut from HaShem Himself.HaShem speaks through the Beit Din. Doubt is destructive.

Frankly it appears that for many rabbis keeping people away from HaShem is now regarded as a

virtue!

If one is not able to meet the hurtles of conversion don't worry.The Noahide Pathis a fully

authorized form ofDerech HaShem(the Way of God). There is only One God and He acceptseveryone who comes to Him whether Jewish or non-Jewish. Despite this, the common and

needless hurtles placed before many perspective converts is a shame. Judaism is not a missionary

religion true, but neither should it be an intentionally exclusionary one.

Sheva Mitzvot B'nei Noach

http://yeshivabethhashem.org/being/whois.htmlhttp://yeshivabethhashem.org/being/whois.htmlhttp://yeshivabethhashem.org/being/whois.htmlhttp://www.jpost.com/National-News/Senior-Chief-Rabbinate-official-investigated-by-police-for-bribery-money-laundering-317231http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Senior-Chief-Rabbinate-official-investigated-by-police-for-bribery-money-laundering-317231http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Senior-Chief-Rabbinate-official-investigated-by-police-for-bribery-money-laundering-317231http://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://www.jpost.com/National-News/Senior-Chief-Rabbinate-official-investigated-by-police-for-bribery-money-laundering-317231http://yeshivabethhashem.org/being/whois.html

8/13/2019 jew 2a

3/8

Those Gentiles who seek to observe biblical religion according to their understandings, without

undergoing formal conversion into Judaism, are known asNoahidim.God is One. Noahidim do

not need to convert into Judaism to be all that HaShem's has in mind for them unless He leadsthem to do so. Whether or not to convert to Judaism is between the Noahide and God. IF one

feels drawn to embrace the Covenant then there will be study and other requirements as ones

rabbi and beit dindirects. Determining which movement to associate with is often a first step inthe process of becoming Jewish.

Becoming Jewish

'Becoming Jewish' requires meeting certain conditions and acquiring formal admittance from a

recognized beit din(Jewish religious court). One can not simply decide to 'be Jewish'. Believingwhat Jews believe does not make one Jewish. Observing Torah does not make one Jewish

anymore than moving into someone's house uninvited makes one a member of their family.

There are requirements and approval needed.

Judaism is a religion, a people, a culture, an ethnic identity and more. No single definition willsuffice. The heart of Judaism however is Torah and Torah determines who is and who is not

Jewish.

All true Jews are equally Jewish regardless of possible religious affiliations or movements .These divisions are useful as they enable Jews to connect with like-minded sisters and brothers.Unfortunately the movements can also become divisive when one places itself above its peers as

the 'true path'. As with denominalism in other religions, this divisiveness happens all too often in

Judaism.

By the authority of halacha(Jewish law), all Jews are required to accept all born and convert

Jews as Jews regardless of their movement etc. The difficulties arise when determining who isand is not a true convert. Can a non-observant rabbi authorize the entrance of a person into the

Covenant? Who determines their observance? HaShem is One and Judaism is One and yet some

Jews are quite sectarian in their religious beliefs. In other words, its politics as usual.

Some rabbinim justify their exclusionary spirit by charging that other Jews are not halachically

as correct in their observances. This charge fails to appreciate the historic diversity of Jewishthought and practice and even the diversity that exists among the Orthodox themselves. This

divisiveness is causing grave harm to born Jews and potential converts alike. It is also fueling

anti-Semitism by presenting the Jewish people as petty and self-condemning.

Choosing the best movement for you

Disclaimer: I belong to an independent synogogue that is unofficially related to Jewish Renewal.

In case you are wondering about my potential biases.

Jewish denominations are generally known as movements. The principle Rabbinic Jewish

Movements are as follows:

http://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/noahide/sevenlaws.html

8/13/2019 jew 2a

4/8

Orthodox Judaism:This major movement was founded circa 1860 CE, although its founders

and adherents claim its beliefs and structure date to shortly after Masada (71-73 CE). The

Orthodox Jewish Unionbegan as a reaction to the 19th century Humanism that was spreadingamong the Jewish people (known asHaskalah: Enlightenment) at that time. Orthodox rabbinim

seek to codify what orthodox (small o) Jews should believe and do according to their standards.

In Israel this minority Jewish movement wields the greatest authority in all areas of society.While the Orthodox wield less authority in other countries, their fundamentalist rulings and lawsremain vitally important everywhere.

Many Orthodox regulations are based on Talmudic rulings and have no direct biblical basis

(which does not nullify them). Orthodox Jews believe that Judaism and its application must be

progressive under the strict determinations of each generation's rabbinic elders and authorities.

For this reason the present Orthodox rabbinate wield moreHalachicauthority than even theShulchan Aruch(i.e. Yosef Karo's 1563 Code of Jewish Law). This works fine when the present

generation is righteous, inclusive, and knowledgable. When this is not the case their rulings can

actually harm the Jewish people and our ongoing mission ofglobal Tikun.

This movement includes groups like theOrthodox Union,the Chassidim (such asChabad,the

Breslovers),Dati Leumi:National Religious,and other groups. Orthodox Judaism only acceptsits own converts as being authentically Jewish. Even then not all Orthodox Jews accept

conversions though other Orthodox groups!Consolidating all conversionsthrough the office of

the Jerusalem chief rabbinate is making Orthodox conversion extremely difficult, costly and time

intensive. It is also preventing many sincere people from returning Home to Judaism. Due tocurrent exclusionary politics the majority of converts today enter through the non-Orthodox

movements. As a result Judaism is becoming ever more fragmented. Most Haredim converts

(those who convert into Ultra Orthodox Judaism) have to undergo several conversions over aperiod of a decade or longer before finally being accepted as Jews by their chosen sect. The vast

majority of converts to Judaism therefore are not accepted as authentically Jewish by the

Orthodox Movement. Conversion through the Orthodox Movement is by far the most difficult,

time intensive and expensive way to convert. There are however significant advantages to itdepending on ones situation. When considering conversion this is something to think about.

According to the Council of Jewish Federations 10% of American Jews identify as Orthodox,

including 22% of those who belong to a synagogue. In Israel it is estimated that no more than

30% are Orthodox.

Conservative Judaism (also known as Masorti Judaism outside the United States and

Canada):A mixture of traditional and modern ideas, this movement leans toward tradition while

embracing current social realities. It is generally Torah observant by spirit but typically lessdogmatic to the letter than the Orthodox require. This movement began as a balance between the

Orthodox and Reform movements (see below) in 1913.

Overall the Conservative Movement is in my opinion the most historically grounded of the

Jewish movements as it blends the 'letter' and 'spirit' of the Torah in a way that upholds Jewish

Tradition and values as well as honoring the personal freedom and dignity HaShem has bestowedupon us. The current Conservative movement is largely embracing the move towards the

http://ou.com/http://ou.com/http://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkhhttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkhhttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkhhttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkshttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkshttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkthttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkthttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkthttp://www.ou.org/http://www.ou.org/http://www.ou.org/http://www.chabad.org/http://www.chabad.org/http://www.chabad.org/http://yeshivabethhashem.org/yeshiva/breslov.orghttp://yeshivabethhashem.org/yeshiva/breslov.orghttp://mizrachi.org/http://mizrachi.org/http://mizrachi.org/http://www.rza.org/http://www.rza.org/http://www.rza.org/http://www.judaismconversion.org/http://www.judaismconversion.org/http://www.judaismconversion.org/http://www.judaismconversion.org/http://www.rza.org/http://mizrachi.org/http://yeshivabethhashem.org/yeshiva/breslov.orghttp://www.chabad.org/http://www.ou.org/http://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkthttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkshttp://allfaith.com/questions/glossary.html#linkhhttp://ou.com/

8/13/2019 jew 2a

5/8

unification of the non-Orthodox sects. Many, not all, synagogues that define themselves as

'independent' are in practice Conservative.

The NJPS found that 26% of American Jews identify themselves asConservative,including 33%

of those who belong to a synagogue. There are approximately 750 Conservative synagogues in

the world today.

Reform Judaism:Developed through the liberal, non-observant wing of Judaism that embraced

Haskalah('the Enlightenment'). Formally founded circa 1900 in reaction to the then emergingOrthodox Movement (and vice versa), which it tended to view as backward and superstitious.

The Reform Movement hoped to modernized Judaism and provide a home for Jews living in

contemporary societies throughout the Diaspora. The founders ofthe Reform Movementdid notagree withHaskalahcompletely nor with the attempt to strictly redefine Judaism according to

OrthodoxHalakhah. They sought to establish a Judaism that embraces personal freedom in a

way that is meaningful for modern Jews yet that is consistent with traditional Jewish ethics and

morality while rejecting what they considered the superstitions of past ages (such as the divine

authorship of Torah, the Covenant, ritual practices like wearing kippot and tzitzit and so on).

The Reform offers a mixture of traditional and modern ideas while leaning towards the modern.Current Reform synagogues vary greatly between being somewhat Torah observant and almost

completely secular unitarian communities. It typically regards itself as harmonious with the

"spirit of Torah" while 'transcending the letter of Torah'. Some Reform Jews view HaShem moreas a concept of goodness than as an individual Being and would be more comfortable with the

Star Wars idea of "the Force" than with the traditional view of "the God of Israel," while others

share the essential Torah perspectives of God. Likewise some Reform Jews regard the Torah

more as a book of history than as divine revelation, while others view it as the eternal God-breathed Word of HaShem. Some with the Reform Movement are just as dogmatic in their views

as their polar opposities among the Haredim.

The current Reform movement is largely embracing the move towards the unification of the non-

Orthodox sects. There are approximately 900 Reform synagogues in the United States and

Canada. There are many more elsewhere. This is largest Jewish movement.

Reconstructionist Judaism:Reconstructionist Judaismis a diverse, generally progressive,contemporary approach to Jewish life that integrates a deep respect for traditional Judaism with

the insights and ideas of contemporary social, intellectual and spiritual life. It is a diverse

movement with both impressive strengths and disturbing weaknesses in my opinion.

Many Reconstructionist Jews view God more as a Omnipresent bi-gender Force or Collective

Consciousness than as an individual God (Other) in the historic Jewish sense. Others view

HaShem in a more traditional, biblical light. Torah is considered very important to most, butagain there is debate about why and to what degree it is applicable and inspired. Some consider

Torah to be divine revelation while others see it as an example of significant human wisdom and

tradition.

http://www.uscj.org/http://www.uscj.org/http://www.uscj.org/http://urj.org/http://urj.org/http://urj.org/http://jrf.org/showres&rid=141http://jrf.org/showres&rid=141http://jrf.org/showres&rid=141http://jrf.org/showres&rid=141http://urj.org/http://www.uscj.org/

8/13/2019 jew 2a

6/8

Like many in the Reform Movement, many Reconstructionist Jews have what is best described

as a universalist or unitarian view of religion and God. This view is in part based on Martin

Buber's (February 8, 1878 June 13, 1965) distinction between the IThou relationship and theIIt relationship. Again others stress the uniqueness of the Covenant and the Jewish people.

More than among the Reform movement, many do not believe in a personified deity who isactive in history, nor that any God chose the Jewish people as the Elect. Much varies with the

individual as this is a very diverse and lightly aligned sect. As with most Jews, specific beliefs

tend to be down played.

This movement seeks to offer Jews (and non-Jews equally) a connection to Jewish culture

without appearing "too religious" in traditional terms. The current Reconstructionist Movementis largely embracing the move towards the unification of the non-Orthodox movement.

Only about 2% of Jews in America identify as Reconstructionist however many of the"independent" groups are essentially Reconstructionist and contemporary Jewish philosophers

like Buber remain quite popular within and without the non-Orthodox world. It seems likely thatat least one significant split will occur within this small movement due to its theological

diversity. There are less than 100 Reconstructionist synagogues world-wide. This movementmay be ideal for non-traditional independent minded people who are open to a wide array of

Torah and non-Jewish New Age interpretations, and for those who are wary of authoritative

dictates about faith and practice that come down from the Orthodox rabbinim.

Independent Judaism:This is a growing 'non-movement' outside of Israel. It is

house/synagogue (local congregation) driven and varies in its level of Torah observance,interpretation, etc. depending on local perspectives. This non-movement is drawing many

previously non-practicing Jews back into the fold as well as many ex-Orthodox who are weary or

wary of rabbinic dictates.

These loosely connected house/synagogues are largely embracing the move towards the

unification of the non-Orthodox movement. Among these groups one will find tremendousdiversity. Depending on the rabbinic qualifications of the leaders converts through this non-

movement will be accepted by some as Jews and rejected by others (always including the

Orthodox). Check with the synagogue authorities about this before beginning the conversionprocess if you are interested in acceptance beyond the local synagogue

"Those who say they are Jews but are not" --So-called Messianic Judaism (Revelation 2:9,

3:9): This term is used so broadly that it lacks any concrete definition. There is no establishedMessianic Movement within nor without Judaism nor is there any central authority nor

agreement about what the term even means beyond the obvious.

Be clear that in none of its forms does Judaism, neither Rabbinic nor Karaite, accept the essential

claims/beliefs of Messianic Judaism (so-called) or of Christianity at large. All forms of Judaism

reject the belief that Jesus is the Messiah. Thus far the Messianic prophecies have not beenfulfilled by anyone, hence the Messiah has not yet come. This is a fact of observation apparent to

anyone who looks. For more on this see my studyWhat the Messiah must accomplish.Those

http://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.html

8/13/2019 jew 2a

7/8

who wish to practice the religion of the historic Y'shua of Nazareth should study and embrace his

religion: Judaism.

Many people today, both Jews and non-Jews, are seeking to understand the Torah based reforms

of the historic Y'shua. The vast majority of these groups overlayNicene Christian doctrinesonto

an imaginary Jewish framework, thus making their use of the term "Messianic" meaningless. TheTanach is quite clear onwhat the Messiah will accomplish.As presented in the New Testament

writings themselves, Y'shua, in some cases, accomplished the exact opposite! As early as the late

first century CE some heretics were claiming to be Jews but their beliefs were Nicolaitan(Universalist) and anti-Torah as John the Revelator warned at Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. By

definition 'Messianic Jews' would be Jewish, not Christian and yet groups like "Jews for Jesus"

invariably espouse the essential anti-Torah beliefs of theNicean Creedand other anti-Torah

Christian declarations.

Who then is a Jew?

One is a Jew if:

1. One is born of a Jewish mother.2. One formally converts through a recognized Jewish beit din(religious

court). Those who are considering conversion have many things to

consider:

o Why do you want to convert? Conversion is not necessary for mostpeople.

o Do you understand and accept that conversion will impact everyarea of your life?

o Are you prepared to embrace a Torah observant life as you grow inyour understanding and emunah (active faith)?

o Which Movement best fitsyourdesired practice of Judaism?o Do you have a Jewish support system in place?o Are you really prepared to join an extended family that historically

and presently is so despised by so many?

o Are you really prepared to become part ofthe Suffering ServantofHaShem?

o Are you truly prepared to say:"Do not entreat me to leave you, to return from following you, for

wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you lodge, I will lodge;

your people shall be my people and your God my God.Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. So may theLord do to me and so may He continue, if anything but death

separate me and you." -- Ruth 1:16, 17

o Do you understand the nature and purpose of the EternalCovenant? Do you understand the requirements and blessings it

http://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/sufferingservant.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/sufferingservant.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/sufferingservant.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/sufferingservant.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/moshiach/moshiachreq.htmlhttp://allfaith.com/Jesus/nicene.html

8/13/2019 jew 2a

8/8

brings to those who enter it? This is the subject of part one of this

study: