Converting Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

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By Douglas Turner


It is not easy being a Jew in the world today with so much anti semitism going around and especially so in Israel where there is continued fighting with Palestinian civilians. A Jewish and interfaith rabbi can be contacted to find out what it really takes to become a Jew and how one goes about doing just this. Judaism is one religion where converters are not encouraged to take on this faith and Jews in general do not go out there looking for people to convert.

It has to come within in and a really strong desire to take on the religion. It is not an easy process and requires dedication both in mind and spirit and especially with the practical issues that need to be addressed. Nevertheless there are those that want to by pass in becoming fully fledged Jews and just need a Rabbi to help them in the case where there is intermarriage of two differing religions.

Marrying in accordance with known practices does not render the individual a Jew but many want to marry and celebrate it the way others do especially if one is adamant that this be so. Embarking on the path of converting is not an easy one and can take years to achieve. Rabbis will advise on how to proceed especially so if this is what one wants.

A court of Law is called a Beth Din which translates to House of Judgement. Here all the laws that govern each and every individual within this faith, are adhered to and enforced. This is especially so for laws concerning dietary laws called Kashrut. This governs laws and practices so that any food that is bought off the shelf, be it animal or other, has the Beth Din stamp of approval for consumption.

Before partaking of any food, a strict check is done whether the food being eaten has passed the dietary requirements as stipulated by the Beth Din. Booklets can be bought that cover all the products that are kosher in a particular area. Apart from this, an emblem can found on the product itself that shows which Beth Din has okayed the product for consumption.

A Hechsher is the seal of approval and when wanting to purchase products, it is necessary that there be one on the product itself. Apart from this, many Beth Dins worldwide, put out a book month on month listing all the products that are permissible for consumption. This is just a small fraction of the bigger whole as it means to be a practicing Jew.

It is a hard and difficult process and one which is very challenging. It requires a complete change in lifestyle. Once one becomes a member of the house of Israel, they are accepted by others as having acquired the soul or neshamah such just like anyone else in the faith.

It is said that once the converter graduates, they take on a different soul. Interfaith Rabbis can assist with this transition. It is a life changing event and one that is taken on by many especially because of marital reasons.




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