- Question:
I am a convert to Judaism, completely "ka halacha"
following lengthy study with an Orthodox rabbi . One of my friends has
told me that my conversion would not be recognized in a certain
community. Can this be true? Please explain. Thank you very much.
-
- Reply:
- You should not be dismayed by what any sect recognizes.
-
- If your conversion was performed by an orthodox rabbi, you are
Jewish.
- End of story.
- It is unfortunate, but many people today feel they are being MORE
religious if they support stricter, unfounded ideas. In fact, they are
distorting the Torah, not upholding it.
- I hope I can be of assistance in providing answers to any of your
questions, and give you a warm welcome on making the decision to
convert.
-
- You should feel comforted that many of our prayers and many Jewish
texts are the writings of King David and King Solomon, both
descendants of Ruth, who converted. Joshua, who commanded after Moses,
also married a convert.
-
- Hashem never cared for a person's history, what is of import to Him
is the current level of the individual. Hashem didn't create
'religions'.
- Man did.
- It therefore stands to reason that this is not a consideration of
Hashem.
-
- May you set an example for others as a true lover of G-d. Now, as a
Jew.
-
-
- Sincerely,
-
- Moshe Ben-Chaim
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Follow-up Question:
-
- Thank you for your thoughtful, and prompt, response.
-
- I am fortunate, indeed, that I have always felt fully accepted as a
member of the Jewish people, from the time I first determined to
"convert." Actually, even over x years ago when I made my
first serious steps, I never felt that I was "converting" in
the sense of changing my deepest convictions. Rather, I felt that I
had been able to discover my elemental spiritual and religious sense,
and my community. Finding home, perhaps.
-
- Over the passage of time, and with the knowledge that I was (baruch
Hashem) to become a mother, I knew that I must take all steps
necessary to comply strictly with Halacha. I felt the overwhelming
responsibility to my unborn child that there be no question whatsoever
of his Jewish bona fides. So it was then, x years ago, that I came to
understand more clearly the need to insure for my family and myself
adherence to Halacha and a Torah way of life. I say that, I hope, with
humility, because I know deeply that teshuvah is a process.
-
- So I very much appreciated your warm words and comforting response.
Still, since I believe that I do have a "yiddishe kop," I
also read between the lines of your response. It was a gentile friend
who suggested to me that some sects, at least, might not recognize my
Jewishness. It is not that I have any doubt in my heart or my mind of
myself, but rather that I am interested to know exactly on what basis
some Jews might have that belief.
-
- I would like to have the understanding of the position, even if it
is not one with which you (or I) agree. In general, to your knowledge,
would such a person recognize my son as a Jew?
-
- Your further counsel would be most meaningful. Thank you in advance
for your time and attention.
-
- Reply:
- It should be of no consequence whether another human being
recognizes your status, or that of your son. Any talmud chocham would
definitely recognize both yourself and your son as Jews. If they
don't, it is their mistake.
-
- I do not see any reason why one would hold a view which G-d doesn't
hold Himself.
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- Follow-up Remark:
- Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your answer made me laugh out
loud,
- with joy.
-
- Sincerely, An.
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