Fitting in...
I so understand your thoughts/feelings on this. I actually come from a "mixed" family. My father was not Jewish but some of his ancestors were. My dad has what people think of as "sterotypical" features of what a Jewish person would look like. In fact, some people have met him and said to me, "Oh, I didn't know you were Jewish!"
I myself am blonde and fair eyed and look nothing like my father's family (nor anyone else in my family!) I have always felt out of place. I have considered converted to Judaism and I have worried about not "fitting in" as you say. But I have thought about what you have said here - that eventually has people convert and families from all backgrounds mere, the stereotypical look will change (as it has been doing so for some time.) One book I read pointed out that the original Jews were all from one distinct area, and since that time the faces of Judaism have changed greatly.
I commend your journey and enjoy the honesty of your blog. It's been wonderful following along on your journey. Keep writing!
Wow, a much belated response to your thoughful comments. I would love to hear more about your mixed family and not fitting in. I'm sorry to hear it was difficult, but I imagine your self-reflective upbringing made you more self-aware than others. But please don't let that be the reason keeping you from converting. 'Fitting in' is overrated, and oftentimes the similarities shared by a community or group appear to the outsider to be more substantial than they really are. It took me a while to feel comfortable in my skin at Friday night services, but as I often say, all good things in life present challenges. What led you to consider conversion?
It's a wonderful experience
It is really nice to have someone writing a blog in the detroit news about the same experience I am going through. (Let alone having a them be in the same "Intro to Judaism" class.
I have been searching for the right religion my entire (but not near complete) life. I was brought up Christian as well, which never really suited me. I used my own time studying religion and philosophy along with history and psychology. I found that almost every war has been created on the offensive side by every different monotheistic religion except Judaism. The jews have been on the defensive position every time.
After realizing this I went "Wow!" then went on with my studies. It wasn't until some time later did I really think about Judaism. As I looked harder for a religion that was sane yet fit my theological beliefs, I drew nearer to Judaism. Finally, after talking with several of my Jewish friends and then a Rabbi, I knew for a fact that it was right for me.
I am really excited for what is in store for me. Everyone tells me it is going to be a long journey, but I just get more excited. The more I learn the more I wish I had learned of it long before.
I have my regrets, having been Christian. I had at one point in my life shunned my friends for their personal beliefs. As I grew my own mind outside of the close-minded church I grew up in, I apologized to my friends for the way I treated them. I told them it would be hard for me to forgive myself, which it was and still is. To this day I regret having been so close-minded. However, I am proud that I can say that I grew and took up my own personal mind.
Anyway, I don't exactly know why I posted all that aside from the fact that it is always nice to relate to someone that has been in a similar situation. Especially for it to be posted in the Detroit News!
It is really cool to see all the different people in the class.
-
Warren Clark
West Bloomfield, MI
(248) 842-1118
warren_bsa@yahoo.com
I sound like a broken record with my apologies for late responses. I love the diversity in our "Intro to Judaism" class, too. What an interesting slice of society we have the opportunity to meet! We're so different but have all been drawn to Judaism, or the class.
I find myself nodding a lot when I hear the reasons why others decide to convert. I imagine you do, too. I don't think anyone, aside from converts and converts-to-be, can understand that excitement you talk about, the one that comes from having found a path you've been searching for, one that fits your personality and spirit and requres no compromising of your actual beliefs.
Thanks for reading and I'll see you in class in December.
Becoming Jewish
Catherine,
I am glad you found, what is right for you. "Religion" should not be that hard. Religion should only keep you steady, make vaules for you, your children, and spouse. And also, make you aware; That we are all human. And its ok to make mistakes, or even feel a bit of "guilt" sometimes lol. But sometimes, that is not the case.
Hinei ma Tov uma naim
Shevet achim gam yachad!
Behold, How Good and how Pleasant it is for us to dwell together in unity!
Valid point. But I wonder if many of the enriching things in life - faith, love, marriage, children - would be as worthwhile if they didn't require some struggle? Admit it, if converting could happen in a snap, would you have been as interested in Judaism? I know I wouldn't. That goes the same with joining a community. If you or I neatly fit right into our new community without a ripple, where's the fun? Where's the stories? Where's the learning? You and I, as minorities within the Jewish community, have to transform what is hard into what is good: real-life learning, for ourselves and everyone else around us. Let's both do that, lyssy1. Because I can't do it alone.
Catherine
quick info on Judaica
Catherine, welcome to the tribe! Another great site for quick info is AskMoses.com
They even have live communication when you can't find what you're looking for on their site.
L'Shana Tova!
I've discovered I'm digitally challenged for my generation; I just figured out how to respond to comments on this thing.
I love this link.
Catherine Jun
Test Comment link
Testing the comment link.
TEst the blog post
Testing
Becoming Jewish
Dear Ms. Jun:
The choice to embrace the Jewish faith cannot be taken lightly.
Our faith is based on respect for G*D, our family, our community, and not least of all ... ourselves!
Judaism is not just a religion, but a way of life, and I am certain that you have thought about this journey (upon which you are about to embark), seriously.
Welcome! And I hope that your experience is an enriched one.
After all ... Connie Chung is among our 'tribe'!
Yours for a better Detroit!
Agreed. Converting is not a decison to take lightly, and it is the very fact that Judaism is both a way of life and a religion that drew me.
Hoorah for Connie Chung and the many Asian-American Jews out there!
Catherine
Becoming Jewish
Catherine,
I wish you well on your new path. Just read your first enty. Very similar to my wife Helene. She also could not go along with what the parochial school was teaching. Helene will hopefully be done with her taining soon and would probably love to talk with you once she can divert a little focus.
I have your blog in my favorites now and look to forward to reading as you post to the blog.
Mickey Bennett [Jason sailing friend]
Mickey,
I found your message buried in the digital muck of my blog. Thank you for your words. I hope my journey keeps readers as riveted as it has kept me.
Catherine
