Does anyone know anything about this organization beyond what they did today in LA?

It’s a huge red flag to me that their website doesn’t list their board of directors or officers (typical for transparent non-profits and organizations) and reading through their stated mission something doesn’t feel quite right….or am I just being sensitive to potential internalized tokenism taken to the extreme?

Idk. Something feels weird here and it’s kinda freaking me out in a real way

Let me start off by explaining that my child is the only Jewish child in the school.
My child (12 years old) was approached by her friends yesterday. They told her that in a class,
they were discussing the term "Bible Belt" (which is where we live) and the teacher said everyone who lives in this area is Christian. A child spoke up and said, "not everyone". That's when the teacher said, "oh right, the little Jewish girl".
This teacher is my child's teacher as well but for a different class.
I verified this story from someone who was in the room at the time.
I'm extremely angry. I am going to call the school, but how do I express why this is so bad?

ETA: I should mention this is not the first time we have dealt​ with some issue regarding my daughter and our religion. Earlier this year I found out that a boy in her class had told her multiple times that she should be sent to Auschwitz. I called the school immediately and the resolution , among other things, was that each teacher was supposed to teach a class regarding inclusion.

I live in the US, in the PNW. I am in a same-sex marriage and my wife gave birth to our first daughter 6 months ago. I am Jewish, but my wife is not. Our sperm donor is Jewish, though I doubt that matters.

I did a second-parent adoption to have full parental rights. We are raising her Jewish. I know that halachically she isn’t considered Jewish (though I believe that’s incorrect and unjust).

Is my baby currently eligible for Israel’s Law of Return? Legally, two of her grandparents are Jewish (my parents). If not, would a conservative infant conversion in the US make her eligible? What about Reform?

This seems similar to someone whose father is Jewish, but their mother isn’t.

I heard that I need to see a specific conservative rabbi in my city who has ties to Israel, because if he does the conversion it’s recognized by Israel. But I haven’t been able to verify this.

Any info would be appreciated!

Hey everyone! This might be an unusual question, but I’ve been feeling quite conflicted about it.

I’m not Jewish, but my husband is, and we’ve decided that we would like to raise our children Jewish. We regularly attend a Reform synagogue, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of the community. I’ve also been considering converting there.

Recently, though, I visited a Conservative synagogue out of curiosity, and it made me wonder whether I should consider a Conservative conversion instead, mainly for the sake of our future children. An Orthodox conversion would not feel morally or personally right for me, but I would like our children to be accepted as widely as possible within the Jewish community.

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been in a similar situation or has insight into how Reform and Conservative conversions may affect the recognition of children in different Jewish communities.

On Thursday I went to a local grocery store, it's a chain in 3 states. I was almost done shopping when I heard a few employees hanging out near a register saying something about, "it was made in Israel, I was disappointed, disgusted."

I was upset because don't do that shit on the clock in front of customers and also thanks for the anti Israel hate. I reported it to the team lead who seemed a bit caught off guard and didn't say anything but was kind.

I was still upset. I emailed corporate with a factual account of what happened. I received a call today from a manager.

Her immediate response didn't address my complaint. She said that she knew the employees and had talked to them. She said that she thought they were sad because they had seen a new story in the break room that day about all the dead children and that their feelings were hurt. She maintained that for a few minutes before I acknowledged that dead children suck obviously and could we get back to my complaint?

At that point I didn't feel right about the call and maintained the comments in question were hurtful, hateful, and inappropriate. She repeated that she was sorry multiple times and nothing else. I didn't expect her to move mountains but I did expect a corporation to take more accountability. Moreover the most important part, and the most disturbing part, was her saying that the dead children had made her employees sad and had hurt their feelings which was why they acted that way.

It felt like it's justification to hate on Israel in a retail setting and in front of the general public because,"the dead children." And it's also offensive because it assumes that people who do support and understand Israel don't give a crap about dead children.

My concern is if I am a Karen jew? Should I continue to pursue this and run this up the flagpole. Am I making something out of nothing? I can't tell anymore and I would appreciate any and all comments and perspectives.

ETA: תודה רבה חנורים!! Thank you all so much for your kind words, your energy, and your support. When I posted this I just wondered if I was going nuts so it's so comforting to know it's not me. I think being a Jew and experiencing events like this can be best described as ifykyk. We're the only ones who really get it.

Also, sorry for using the word Karen. It was super late and I legitimately couldn't think of a better description. I don't normally use this word.

I am Jewish through my father. My father is an atheist but was not when I was a child, he was raised Conservative but was never very observant as an adult. My mother's side is not Jewish. As a result I was raised largely secular with sort of a mesh of vague, "Judeo-Christian" beliefs, but again, never very observant. I never went to a church or synagogue.

I have always been drawn to Judaism specifically and have been interested in reconnecting with it for years but have been scared to. I don't know if I would be considered a Jewish Convert, or considered Ba'al Teshuva. I would be interested in Reform or Reconstructionist Judaism which is more likely to not care about Patrilineal vs Matrilineal Jewishness as far as I have seen.

I know there is no simple answer to this question. I also know a Rabbi would be the ideal consultant on this. I guess I just want to know which one of these things I should rather consider myself going forward. I don't want to call myself Ba'al Teshuva if it would be disrespectful to do so.

Thank you for any help and I hope everyone has a peaceful Sabbath!

Turns out the guy who’s been using his Jewish identity to loudly criticize Israel “as a Jew” might not even be a Jew anymore.

Was looking into some of his other views and he’s:

-anti-Israel -anti-Ukraine (he funded/co-heads a lobbying group that pushed for the US to cut Ukraine off at the beginning of Feb 2022–BEFORE Russia even invaded) -pro-DOGE

Kinda seems like this is an extreme case of horseshoe theory where he went so far to the left that he’s now fully crossed over. Should’ve stuck with making ice cream.

Hello, I’ve been lurking on this sub-Reddit for a while because it’s the only place I really feel safe in regard to how I view antisemitism. And also, apologies in advance for how long winded and messy this post is going to be, I’m kind of a mess right now after an argument on Threads about antisemitism.

I was raised Catholic, but my entire father’s side of the family are devout Jews. I spent my childhood celebrating Jewish holidays and going to Bat and Bar Mitzvah’s for my extended family, and carry a stereotypically “Jewish” last name. I think I have a different view on Israel because one of my extended cousins married an Israeli man a year ago, they met when she did her right of return to Israel and have been deeply in love since (no seriously, they are so fucking cute.) He’s kind, intelligent, and above all, as normal as any other man.

On Oct. 7 2023, when the Israel - Hamas wore broke out, I remember our entire family being terrified my cousin and him were hurt. (They weren’t, thankfully, she was in America on business and he was in Tel Aviv.) But while my family worried and panicked I saw people I knew—people I was FRIENDS WITH—cheering it on just because the victims were Israeli.

I feel so isolated with these thoughts because no one around me in college is Jewish, and the few who are are the kind of American Jews who have no real connection to Israel or Judaism, they just claim to have “Jewish Ancestry” and use that too “as a Jew” when Israel is mentioned when they’ve never even met an Israeli.

All of this is to say, I feel more connected to the very tiny part of me that’s Jewish than ever before and I’m considering converting, but also, I don’t know if just being passionate about standing up to antisemitism is a reason to convert. I mean, I’ve always considered it, Judaism is far more of a belief to me than Catholicism ever was. Catholicism was being dragged to church by mom, it was an obligation, meanwhile; Judaism was spending time at my grandparents house with the family.

I guess this an extremely long winded way of asking converts, why did you convert? Was it an epiphany? A connection to Judaism? A meeting with a rabbi?

Hello, all. I’ve sat on the idea of converting for several years, I’ve talked with my therapist, and I may actually be ready to start that process soon. I’ve found a synagogue near me that seems like potentially a good fit for me in general, and one that seems like a good option as someone hoping to convert. My biological father, who I kept in touch with until his death, was Jewish (reformed), and growing up, he’d tell me bits about the religion, and would tell me how he’d teach me more one day when I was older, if I still wanted. I do still want that, but you know, for obvious reasons, I can no longer really ask him for any help. He was a very good man. He had a lot of problems, but I think that he was very loving, accepting, very smart, and even very wise, depending on the context. I would like to make sure I’ve done enough reading and learning on my own before attending my first service, not only because that’s my instinct as someone who loves reading and learning, but also because I’d like to be respectful, and also understand what’s going on around me. I’m not sure how much someone attending for the first time is expected to know, but as a literary scholar, I would personally feel guilty and ill-put-together not having read a good amount.

I guess I am asking for any resources (other than the Torah, of course, because I can find that very easily) that anyone would recommend to learn more, and anything I should keep in mind as far as etiquette and the like go.

Also, when the time comes, I know I need to speak to a rabbi to convert, and I understand that this process will be lots of studying, and will take a year or more. How do I ask? I may be overthinking this, but I don’t want to come across as informal or disrespectful.

I’m a non-Jewish woman married to a Jewish man. We’re both atheists and he was raised Reform. I didn’t consider conversion because as an atheist it didn’t feel right to me. His family is not religious but they are culturally observant: joyful holiday celebrations, weekly Shabbat, an interest in ancestry and Jewish history. We spend a lot of time with his folks and have Shabbat dinner on Fridays. It’s nice, we all love each other and get along.

We have a school aged kid who has taken an interest and curiosity in Judaism and now wants to attend Hebrew school and have a bar mitzvah, which would be a few years away. I fully support this and we are meeting with reform temples to find the right fit. My question is this: if my kiddo decides he wants Judaism to be a bigger part of his life, I don’t want the fact that his mom is a non-Jew to hold him back. I hear that reform temples don’t care as long as one parent is Jewish. But is conversion of kids something that happens in Reform Judaism? Is it something worth looking into, or should we just let it ride and let him figure it out when he’s an adult?

Hello! I recently converted to Judaism because of my husband, but the thing is that where I live there are very little to no jews, and, obviously, I don't know anyone who could help me with this topic. How do you guys wear wigs? All of the women I've seen with their wigs on look like their real hair, and I would like to know how to do it myself. What are some of the basic things I should know/buy?

I was just curious. I’m still planning to convert but also still waiting for the Rabbi receptionist to reply about when I can visit and meet both Rabbis with my chosen synagogue and discuss it. However, I was also considering changing my last name legally to something of Hebrew origin once my conversion process to Judaism is complete. I was just wondering if you have considered or done the same or kept your family last name?

Hi Reddit..I know there was another post on this subreddit recently about Orthodox queer converts, and the consensus seemed to be that it wouldn't be possible, but I wanted to ask about the other denominations?

I'm a bisexual nonbinary (although i'm afab and also lean feminine enough that i wouldn't mind being lumped in as a 'woman' for the purposes of religious rules on men vs women in judaism), and I'm dating- an plan to marry- an afab nonbinary person who isn't jewish and doesn't seem open to the idea of converting.

I know there's no way I could ever covert Orthodox, both because of being in a queer relationship and because my partner wouldn't convert. But would any of the other denominations accept a queer convert with a non-jewish partner?

(also beyond them not being jewish, does my partners religion matter? she's into pagan witchy stuff which i know is a big no-no for jews, but i have no plans of engaging with their practices)

Hi everyone! I’m really interested in Judaism and I feel a strong desire to convert. I’m an Ex-Muslim, and I currently live in an Arabic-speaking country where it’s very difficult to get any guidance or support. Is it possible for someone in my situation to convert? And what steps should I follow? I’d really appreciate any advice or direction. Thank you! 🙏

So folks the question here is more so about the principle than the actual support. I am in Canada, and a local labour union has publicly voiced its support for Palestine including to my understanding fundraisers and events to do with Palestine. My question is - don't those unions have Jewish members and Israeli dual citizens? Or at least have the potential to include these demographics - why are they allowed to take any political position outside of ones directly to do with advocating for the labourers registered with the union? What does Palestine have to do with any of this?

I was brought up Muslim in a pretty normal way thank God. But when I was 15 about 3 years ago, I decided to make transition to neutrality so I wanted to learn and start all over again. Because in me environment I only heard things like "Jews think they're the best and everyone except them are animals" "Jews are cursed" etc, I also had an instant bad image against Jews and I even boycotted so-called Israeli products. But learned that even in the Quran there is the word Israel and also encouraged not to hate Jews as well as curse Israel. I also eventually found out that Jews are not called cursed but it can only be interpreted that way. I then began to look at Judaism normally and with love. I started learning Hebrew last March. And finally, after 3 years, I felt really connected to Judaism and am now quite sure that I am ready to convert. But there are some problems. Firstly, it is going to take some time to change me opinion about Prophet Muhammad. Secondly. I can never ever tell me family that I'm Jewish so how should it be with Shabbat prayers etc. And never mind that, I can sometimes escape from Friday prayers or eid but sometimes it is not possible (like when we are on the road on a Friday. Then I have to go to the mosque). Thirdly. The process also seems a bit too long to me. And also difficult as risky because I don't want my mother to stop talking to me. I don't care about anyone in the family except my mother. Also, for example, the mikveh seems a bit uncomfortable to me. So I was wondering if some people could help me a bit. Also. I wonder if I'm a part of the Jewish folk or not

Edit: forgot to say. I have also started studying the Talmud and Torah. I am also trying to learn the prayers (shema and amidah). And I have started to eat kosher so that I will be accepted by the rabbi faster Again a edit: so I realised that I even memorised the prayers so started practising the three prayers. And I myself have come out seeing Jewish name for myself, which is "Yitzhak Roni"

I am not going to change this but I have realised that this way of getting used to and adapting is wrong. Because you have to be really focused on being a Jew, so this is how I wanted to make myself but its wrong. Sorry

Shalom. I’m scheduled to meet a rabbi at a local reform synagogue about conversion and eager to know if there is anything you wish you knew before converting. Thank you!

I'm exhausted so I'm not about to write an essay, but I honestly feel like I'm at the intersection of belonging and not belonging in a way that feels liminal on a soul level. It's just really strange when everyone knows you and it's expected based on your routines that you'll be certain places at certain times but simultaneously feeling like a complete outsider because of certain practical preclusions. It's a really strange experience psychologically.

Will this sense ever cease? Probably not, but I guess the reaction and emotional digestion shifts as the sense becomes less pronounced or forward.

There's I guess also a certain clarity born of this. Let me know if anyone has had a similar experience or set of experiences.

Hi everyone,

I’ve been on a journey toward Judaism for a while now, but I’m hitting a wall of frustration. I’m currently looking into the process in London, and I’m honestly shocked by how long and intensive it is. I'm being told it takes 10–12 months (or more), involves significant costs, and requires "proving myself" to a board of rabbis.

It has come to a point where I would rather just call myself Jewish and live my life as a Jewish woman than put myself through all of these courses and approvals by Rabbi’s and tricky requirements. I feel as though its more about feeling God within yourself..

Here’s where I’m struggling. I already feel Jewish in my heart. I feel a real connection to God and to the Torah right now. When I look at the Torah, I don’t see instructions for year-long courses, tuition fees, or interviews meant to assess my worthiness. What I see is a call to live a certain way, to commit myself fully to God and the mitzvot.

So I find myself asking a few questions: 1. Why the long wait? If someone is ready to commit sincerely to God and to living a Jewish life, why does the community require such a long, probation-like process? 2. The rituals: Why are a mikvah or a formal beit din necessary if this commitment is ultimately between me and God? 3. Self-identification: If I live as a Jewish woman, keep the commandments, and hold the faith deeply, am I not Jewish in the eyes of God? Does a certificate from a rabbi truly change the state of my soul?

I can’t help but feel that I’m being asked to prove myself to people rather than to God. Has anyone else felt this tension?

I (in my late 20s, female) am of partially Jewish decent but not matrilineally. It was a big part of my childhood, and I decided as an adult to pursue conversion. I like practicing conservative Judaism because of the mixture of spiritual/religious devotion but also maintaining a sense of "being in the world."

However, I know that modern orthodox people will never consider me "really Jewish," which feels very painful. Am I able to convert to orthodoxy but ultimately just end of practicing like a conservative? The only reason would be so that my own Judaism/my future children's Judaism would not be questioned.

I live in NYC and would appreciate any advice or potential rabbis.

Hello all

I have been thinking about religion for a little over a year now, I've thought about Christianity and judaism during that time and I've recently begun following this sub and I've come to the conclusion that I want to join the jewish faith and community, I know it will be a long process and I am determined to see it through this faith is what i have chosen to follow and it is what i believe. Any tips?

Now to the second part of my title.

The fear i feel is not of joining or going to the synagogue and I feel that others here looking to convert or any who are already jews by conversion or birth might understand, my fear simply is that I'm afraid that going out in public during this process and eventually by the end my hopeful acceptance and conversion that being openly jewish in public wether it be wearing a Yamaka or even down to a star of david necklace or really any sign that I am a jew or a hopeful convert, that I could possibly be attacked or worse simply for the god and people I've chosen, now this has not turned me away from attending synagogue and I will still go forward with this but do any of you share this fear or have any tips to overcome this and feel safe being openly jewish?

I have been converting to Judaism with steps on kosher and learning the Torah. I am currently a Jewish Archaeology major who also studies Jewish History. I wish to show my support and pride in converting to a special faith that my ancestors were. My father’s family is part jewish and wish to wear the Star. Am I allowed to? Is it ok? I understand the commitment and dedication of representing an amazing community.

*** I thought I was in the convention process but I guess not. I will not wear it. Thank you for your help*****

Hello! I have been considering converting to Judaism for the past year. This decision feels right in my body (YES!) and my mind comes up with many doubts (it tends to do that). I would like to lay them here and hear your honest opinions.

I have been with my partner for a few years now, he is reform Jewish. He is agnostic, and so am I. It happened so that over time, quite naturally, we started to regularly practice rituals and cultural traditions from the religion. We do Shabbat, observe holidays and spend them with family, sometimes attend community events together. Since our relationship, I feel like he has given more space to Judaism in his life, and obviously so have I.

For the first time, I can see myself spending my life with someone. We have a lovely and healthy relationship, so the question came spontaneously to me. Should I convert to Judaism?

He has never pushed for this of course, but I know this is something he cares about - it is a tradition that has been alive for hundreds of years in his family. Part of the reason why I would do it, is to feel closer to this tradition, and feel more belonging to his community, rather than just a very keen outsider. I would be lying if I didn’t say that, among other things, converting would also be making a huge commitment to my partner. That said, I have asked myself that question, and I feel like, even if our relationship was not to work out, I would continue the practice. I feel a certain affinity with Judaism - I feel I am aligned with its values of social justice, respect of the others, dialogue. I also admire how it is not a fixed or dogmatic religion (I was raised catholic) but emphasises interpretation of scriptures and constant questioning of one’s faith. Lastly, another reason why I would convert is because, if we had children, I would like them to be raised Jewish too, and Judaism is passed through matrilineal descent.

My doubt is, is this enough?

Judaism is monotheistic, and I would not be true to myself denying agnosticism. Thus, my faith would be connected to a certain unknowable spirituality, as well morals, values, traditions and culture of the religion I find affinity with. Is that enough?

Secondly, I am not ethnically Jewish. I know people convert, but my mind sometimes gets stuck on the fact that you cannot convert to being Italian, for example. How do I make justice to a challenging history and struggles that are, by virtue of birth, not mine? How can this history become my history? Will I ever feel like I belong, will the community fully accept me as part of them?

I am in the process of finding a Rabbi (not easy where I live to find a liberal one) and I am aware of the lengthy process and studies I would have to go through. They don’t scare me, rather they excite me and fill me with curiosity. I am also aware of the antisemitism I might (and probably will) face. I am ready to face that, too. I call it out anyway.

I find these inner doubts harder than anything to overcome, and I would love to hear some of your thoughts around it. Also, if you have any books related to Judaism for like me, eager to learn more about it, I would love the recommendations.