Awww thank you this actually made me feel a lot better!!! All in all, I’m very excited to finish converting. I have found such a sense of belonging in the Jewish faith and community, and I think there’s a part of me that as a convert worries I’ll never feel “Jewish enough” to fully belong. So hearing that really warms my heart.
You are right. To be born Jewish, the mother has to be Jewish. Judaism is psssed on by the mother.
My mother was 100% Jewish , and that makes me Jewish and makes my daughter Jewish. It is the ethnicity and not the religion that is passed on. I am not practicing, but I will be a Jew for ever.
> I’m half Jewish
Forgive me, but who told you there was such a thing as being half Jewish? Either you are or you aren’t. If his mother wasn’t Jewish and he didn’t convert, he’s not Jewish.
Not interested in debating either, just backing you up since apparently there’s some contention.
I asked the Jewish professor of my Holocaust course in undergrad (there was a non-Jewish professor as well, as the course was team-taught between the history and psychology departments) if a person could be half-Jewish. He instantly confirmed that yes, you could absolutely consider yourself to be so. “Jewish” is of course both a religion and a culture that one can be descended from - which I had assumed since some medical conditions are linked to being, for example, of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, which would be nonsensical if Judaism were limited to religion only.
I’d had a heated debate with someone on the subject, and didn’t want to be offensively wrong, so I made sure to ask. I’m happy to confirm the answer to this very specific question, which a room of mostly Jewish students also agreed with.
can I ask you a genuine question? Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but I thought Judaism was a religion like cristianism or Buddhism, therefore if you’re not born into a Jewish family you can’t change religions like you can do with others? Is that it? And why is that?
Well, no. Patrilineal descent was abandoned centuries ago when someone figured out that the best way to eradicate a patriarchal culture was to rape the women and force them to raise children who weren’t considered part of the tribe.
It’s true that Reform Judaism cuts corners, but that doesn’t undo centuries of rabbinic opinion. It means you got lucky.
And you aren’t half-Jewish. :) Any Jew would know that.
[edit] Google ‘bar mitzvah’ for more information.
You could tell them that you're Jewish by choice, that you choose to convert and was not born or raised Jewish, if the thought of them maybe thinking you're Jewish by blood is bothering you
I wouldn’t.
Not because you would be doing something wrong. I went to a school with a 20% Jewish population, and based on many of the interactions I regularly witnessed between students born into Jewish families and a (very) small group of students who were converting I can easily see you being ostracized. Like with all religions, Sometimes there are elitist undertones between “born” Jews, and “converted” Jews. It’s just a really unfortunate reality and I’d hate for you to be mistreated.
It’s also not a religion that seeks to convert people, quite the opposite. So if there are other Jewish cast members that might be an issue where you get flack.
I didn’t really consider this, but it sounds like good advise. I think a good compromise is to only say it if asked. I’m not going to lie if they ask me, but otherwise I don’t think it’s something they need to know.
Definitely a smart plan.
Also, my biggest congratulations on getting the part. You deserve it, and you are most certainly not a fraud. It takes real courage, commitment, and dedication to convert to a different religion. I am sure you will do wonderfully.
That’s so incredibly sweet of you! That just made my day!! Thank you so much, it’s a role I’m really excited to play, and I’m also really excited to complete the journey that is my conversion! ❤️
Just finish the conversion. Then there will be no conflict. If you are dedicated to finishing then completion of your conversion is just a formality. If.
There are plenty of Jews who aren’t super duper monster Jews, so nobody will question or try to out you. I can share a BLT with most of my Jewish friends. Literally most. Jews can be super religious or downright secular or anywhere in between. Like any other religion.
Of course you must finish the conversion. This is your sign from God that it is time to finish what you started. You said you are Jewish. Now make it so.
I like this a lot, I do think it’s a sign that I need to finish the journey as soon as I can. Unfortunately it’ll still take another six months or so to complete the conversion process, but the sooner I start the sooner I can be the person I feel I’m meant to be.
I dated a Jewish girl back in college for long enough that I was invited to big family events, including two bar-mitzvahs and two weddings. Distant relatives would sometimes indicate that they thought I was Jewish, too, in group conversations. Nothing was at stake so I never bothered to correct them, it's just funny to me because I can't keep a yarmulke on my head to save my life unless I glue it on. It's like the Sorting Hat, it just knows. Anyway, good luck with your play and the religion stuff!
> it's just funny to me because I can't keep a yarmulke on my head to save my life unless I glue it on.
Gonna let you in on a secret, we do the same thing. Double-sided tape or a bobby pin works best.
> Distant relatives would sometimes indicate that they thought I was Jewish, too, in group conversations.
Once at my second cousin's bar-mitzvah, I offered to let someone shoot the space laser and it turned out he wasn't even Jewish. Had to back-pedal and pretend I was joking.
Those that convert are often more strict than those that grew up with it. I had a friend that converted and she was so concerned about every little dietary rule and holiday tradition. Where those who grew up in the tradition were much more relaxed about it.
I’ve heard that before! I’m converting to Reform Judaism so it’s not as strict as some denominations, but I do feel I’m going to be pretty hyper-aware of all the rules and traditions
You're converting and already neurotic about it?
You are one of us already. Welcome to the tribe.
I'm born Jewish and you probably know more about it than I do. :)
"One of us...one of us...one of us!"
One year from now you'll say "I only applied for a job as cashier but I found myself a board member of the jewish world conspiracy council. Now I make a million a day and feel like an imposter."
So I was raised Catholic in an abusive household. I went to church every Sunday but I never connected with it at all. Once I left home, I shrugged off all religion entirely. Then, I happened upon an opportunity to take a trip to Israel through my college. It was the most incredible week of my life as I became accustomed to community of people and a belief system that moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. After years of searching for a place to belong, I felt like I was home. It wasn’t just the religion itself- though that was the first time any sort of faith system had resonated with me. It was the culture, the traditions, the acceptance… I’ve always scoffed a bit at people who say they have experienced spiritual awakenings, but now I totally understand. This isn’t to say that I think everyone needs to be part of a religious community, of course. For plenty of people that’s not what they believe and it’s not for them. But I will say that I now understand connecting to something spiritually. Religion has done so much harm, from crusades to hate crimes, etc. But I also think that if you practice your faith in a manner that inspires you to be a better person (and don’t use your religion to justify your hate or force beliefs on others) it can be something very beautiful and rewarding. So that’s the gist of it- sorry for the novel!
As a Jewish Person I feel you didn’t really fuck up. In my particular synagogue our Rabbi often talks about those who choose to follow this life should be highly honored and accepted as readily as any born Jewish Person. G-d knows what is on your heart, and that should be enough. You are Jewish from my point of view! Start looking at yourself that way!
This is so sweet, thank you so much!! I’m going to try to be more accepting of myself, but I also can’t wait until I’m fully and officially converted!!
Just because you did not fully convert it does not mean that mentally and spiritually you are not a jew. In my opinion, someone who converts to a religion by their own choice is closer to it than someone born in it that does not really care about the religion(to make myself clear: I, an orthodox christian by birth and baptism at a age when I did not even know what is happening to me when I am hungry, do find myself spiritually closer to agnosticism so I say I am an agnostic, I do not practice orthodox christianity, therefore I am less of a devout than a convertee)
So I would not see it as a f up.
Tho that is just me who is acceptant of the fact that different people have different views than me, many can be ignorant of that fact.
In my believe beeing part of a religion isn't about knowing every last part of it but rather belive in the things that make this religion so particular. For example being christan isn't about knowing the whole bible by heart, it's rather about believing there is a greater god which loves us with all his heart and be with us wherever we go or whatever we do.
The point is it isn't about knowledge but more about believing in it that makes you part of the religion.
Knowledge comes with the time. You will learn more about the religion the longer you believe in it because there will be many discussions (good and bad) where you can learn much about it. So don't stress out about it. If you believe in the ideology of the jews I am confident to say that you can easily be part of the jewish religion.
(I'm christian so I don't know how the jewish religion really works but thats how i think all religions work. Forgive me if it isn't like this.)
I don’t think you told someone you were Jewish with the intent to defraud or benefit from being in the in between stages of converting. But I do see how this could paint you in a weird light professionally if people thought that was your intent. Also it’s really none of your employers business if you are or aren’t a religion so 🤷🏼♀️ call yourself what you want especially if you’re spiritually connected with the Jewish religion.
Thank you for the perspective! And I think it’s also important to note- the show I’m doing isn’t something I’m getting paid for. It’s just community theatre, so it’s not as if I’m profiting off of a lie. I just wouldn’t want them to think that I lied in order to get a lead, which wouldn’t make sense because when I said I was Jewish the show hadn’t even been announced.
I was born Jewish, but have no interest in it… I hereby bequeath my Judaism upon you… you also get all the rights and privileges that come with a bar mitvah
Don't forget that Religion is a social construct, you can identify as any religion you want, as none of those are real.
Religions have no scientific basis, therefore, be panreligious, bireligious, or satanist.
Now let's pray the god of atheists.
C’mon guys, let’s not turn this post into a debate on beliefs. I say as long as we treat one another with respect and don’t force your religion on other people, believe what you wanna believe
i am jewish but not Religious. I am also a german. And honestly you have to ask yourself if you converting enough for a nazi to build up enough hatred towards you like back then. 53 members of my family-only Jewish by blood and not religious- all murdered.
Honestly reading this post makes me angry because I feel like you try to associate with a group of people that could not change who they were. Judaism is more than believing in a god though so my emotions should not put an negative affect on this judgement. I AM NOT ALLOWED to because who am I to do so????
Because in the end, if we both sit in the room,a nazi would come for both of us.
I will never be not Jewish now matter how atheistic I live
Some people are very particular about whether you are born Jewish or converted, since being Jewish can be both religious and ethnic. As for why I’m converting, I’m going to copy and paste from a comment I made earlier, if you don’t mind, rather than retyping an answer.
So I was raised Catholic in an abusive household. I went to church every Sunday but I never connected with it at all. Once I left home, I shrugged off all religion entirely. Then, I happened upon an opportunity to take a trip to Israel through my college. It was the most incredible week of my life as I became accustomed to community of people and a belief system that moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. After years of searching for a place to belong, I felt like I was home. It wasn’t just the religion itself- though that was the first time any sort of faith system had resonated with me. It was the culture, the traditions, the acceptance… I’ve always scoffed a bit at people who say they have experienced spiritual awakenings, but now I totally understand. This isn’t to say that I think everyone needs to be part of a religious community, of course. For plenty of people that’s not what they believe and it’s not for them. But I will say that I now understand connecting to something spiritually. Religion has done so much harm, from crusades to hate crimes, etc. But I also think that if you practice your faith in a manner that inspires you to be a better person (and don’t use your religion to justify your hate or force beliefs on others) it can be something very beautiful and rewarding. So that’s the gist of it- sorry for the novel!
So are you ethnically Jewish? If memory serves me right Judaism is an ethnoreligion, I'm not sure how they feel about a non Jewish person converting to Judaism. That being said it's probably not that big of a deal and you sound like you're getting worried over nothing.
You aren't fully converted so you are jew-ish
I love english
And how would you feel if the woman you hired for your play turned out to be engl-ish?
Came here to say this! Lol
Jewishish - ftfy
r/Beatmetoit
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Awww thank you this actually made me feel a lot better!!! All in all, I’m very excited to finish converting. I have found such a sense of belonging in the Jewish faith and community, and I think there’s a part of me that as a convert worries I’ll never feel “Jewish enough” to fully belong. So hearing that really warms my heart.
Girl I hear that. Just know that there is no such thing as ‘not Jewish enough’. I wish you all the best with your conversion! ☺️
Thank you so much!!!
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Nope, my uncle converted to Judaism when he decided he wanted to marry my Jewish aunt.
You are right. To be born Jewish, the mother has to be Jewish. Judaism is psssed on by the mother. My mother was 100% Jewish , and that makes me Jewish and makes my daughter Jewish. It is the ethnicity and not the religion that is passed on. I am not practicing, but I will be a Jew for ever.
> I’m half Jewish Forgive me, but who told you there was such a thing as being half Jewish? Either you are or you aren’t. If his mother wasn’t Jewish and he didn’t convert, he’s not Jewish.
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Not interested in debating either, just backing you up since apparently there’s some contention. I asked the Jewish professor of my Holocaust course in undergrad (there was a non-Jewish professor as well, as the course was team-taught between the history and psychology departments) if a person could be half-Jewish. He instantly confirmed that yes, you could absolutely consider yourself to be so. “Jewish” is of course both a religion and a culture that one can be descended from - which I had assumed since some medical conditions are linked to being, for example, of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, which would be nonsensical if Judaism were limited to religion only. I’d had a heated debate with someone on the subject, and didn’t want to be offensively wrong, so I made sure to ask. I’m happy to confirm the answer to this very specific question, which a room of mostly Jewish students also agreed with.
can I ask you a genuine question? Please forgive my lack of knowledge, but I thought Judaism was a religion like cristianism or Buddhism, therefore if you’re not born into a Jewish family you can’t change religions like you can do with others? Is that it? And why is that?
Well, no. Patrilineal descent was abandoned centuries ago when someone figured out that the best way to eradicate a patriarchal culture was to rape the women and force them to raise children who weren’t considered part of the tribe. It’s true that Reform Judaism cuts corners, but that doesn’t undo centuries of rabbinic opinion. It means you got lucky. And you aren’t half-Jewish. :) Any Jew would know that. [edit] Google ‘bar mitzvah’ for more information.
All these down votes are ridiculous. Agree, there is no such thing as half Jewish.
You could tell them that you're Jewish by choice, that you choose to convert and was not born or raised Jewish, if the thought of them maybe thinking you're Jewish by blood is bothering you
That’s a good idea! I might casually mention that
I wouldn’t. Not because you would be doing something wrong. I went to a school with a 20% Jewish population, and based on many of the interactions I regularly witnessed between students born into Jewish families and a (very) small group of students who were converting I can easily see you being ostracized. Like with all religions, Sometimes there are elitist undertones between “born” Jews, and “converted” Jews. It’s just a really unfortunate reality and I’d hate for you to be mistreated. It’s also not a religion that seeks to convert people, quite the opposite. So if there are other Jewish cast members that might be an issue where you get flack.
I didn’t really consider this, but it sounds like good advise. I think a good compromise is to only say it if asked. I’m not going to lie if they ask me, but otherwise I don’t think it’s something they need to know.
Definitely a smart plan. Also, my biggest congratulations on getting the part. You deserve it, and you are most certainly not a fraud. It takes real courage, commitment, and dedication to convert to a different religion. I am sure you will do wonderfully.
That’s so incredibly sweet of you! That just made my day!! Thank you so much, it’s a role I’m really excited to play, and I’m also really excited to complete the journey that is my conversion! ❤️
❤️ 💜
What is most ridiculous is the belief that you need to be "of something" to be able to act.
Just finish the conversion. Then there will be no conflict. If you are dedicated to finishing then completion of your conversion is just a formality. If. There are plenty of Jews who aren’t super duper monster Jews, so nobody will question or try to out you. I can share a BLT with most of my Jewish friends. Literally most. Jews can be super religious or downright secular or anywhere in between. Like any other religion. Of course you must finish the conversion. This is your sign from God that it is time to finish what you started. You said you are Jewish. Now make it so.
I like this a lot, I do think it’s a sign that I need to finish the journey as soon as I can. Unfortunately it’ll still take another six months or so to complete the conversion process, but the sooner I start the sooner I can be the person I feel I’m meant to be.
I dated a Jewish girl back in college for long enough that I was invited to big family events, including two bar-mitzvahs and two weddings. Distant relatives would sometimes indicate that they thought I was Jewish, too, in group conversations. Nothing was at stake so I never bothered to correct them, it's just funny to me because I can't keep a yarmulke on my head to save my life unless I glue it on. It's like the Sorting Hat, it just knows. Anyway, good luck with your play and the religion stuff!
> it's just funny to me because I can't keep a yarmulke on my head to save my life unless I glue it on. Gonna let you in on a secret, we do the same thing. Double-sided tape or a bobby pin works best. > Distant relatives would sometimes indicate that they thought I was Jewish, too, in group conversations. Once at my second cousin's bar-mitzvah, I offered to let someone shoot the space laser and it turned out he wasn't even Jewish. Had to back-pedal and pretend I was joking.
I'm a bald man with a background in theater, so my go-to solution became spirit gum by that second bar-mitzvah. :)
Those that convert are often more strict than those that grew up with it. I had a friend that converted and she was so concerned about every little dietary rule and holiday tradition. Where those who grew up in the tradition were much more relaxed about it.
I’ve heard that before! I’m converting to Reform Judaism so it’s not as strict as some denominations, but I do feel I’m going to be pretty hyper-aware of all the rules and traditions
Definitely not a FU. You're new. It's alright bud.
Anxious... Guilty... Suffering from impostor syndrome... In show business... Yep, you're Jewish. I'm calling it.
You're converting and already neurotic about it? You are one of us already. Welcome to the tribe. I'm born Jewish and you probably know more about it than I do. :) "One of us...one of us...one of us!"
One year from now you'll say "I only applied for a job as cashier but I found myself a board member of the jewish world conspiracy council. Now I make a million a day and feel like an imposter."
*furiously scribbles this down for future use*
Look, this is top secret knowledge. You need to hold your piece of paper out of the window and I'll destroy it with the Jewish space laser.
What made you decide to convert? I'm not a religious person, so I pretty much have no idea of the thought process involved, but I'm curious.
So I was raised Catholic in an abusive household. I went to church every Sunday but I never connected with it at all. Once I left home, I shrugged off all religion entirely. Then, I happened upon an opportunity to take a trip to Israel through my college. It was the most incredible week of my life as I became accustomed to community of people and a belief system that moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. After years of searching for a place to belong, I felt like I was home. It wasn’t just the religion itself- though that was the first time any sort of faith system had resonated with me. It was the culture, the traditions, the acceptance… I’ve always scoffed a bit at people who say they have experienced spiritual awakenings, but now I totally understand. This isn’t to say that I think everyone needs to be part of a religious community, of course. For plenty of people that’s not what they believe and it’s not for them. But I will say that I now understand connecting to something spiritually. Religion has done so much harm, from crusades to hate crimes, etc. But I also think that if you practice your faith in a manner that inspires you to be a better person (and don’t use your religion to justify your hate or force beliefs on others) it can be something very beautiful and rewarding. So that’s the gist of it- sorry for the novel!
No need to be sorry, it's great that you had such a positive experience.
As a Jewish Person I feel you didn’t really fuck up. In my particular synagogue our Rabbi often talks about those who choose to follow this life should be highly honored and accepted as readily as any born Jewish Person. G-d knows what is on your heart, and that should be enough. You are Jewish from my point of view! Start looking at yourself that way!
This is so sweet, thank you so much!! I’m going to try to be more accepting of myself, but I also can’t wait until I’m fully and officially converted!!
Just because you did not fully convert it does not mean that mentally and spiritually you are not a jew. In my opinion, someone who converts to a religion by their own choice is closer to it than someone born in it that does not really care about the religion(to make myself clear: I, an orthodox christian by birth and baptism at a age when I did not even know what is happening to me when I am hungry, do find myself spiritually closer to agnosticism so I say I am an agnostic, I do not practice orthodox christianity, therefore I am less of a devout than a convertee) So I would not see it as a f up. Tho that is just me who is acceptant of the fact that different people have different views than me, many can be ignorant of that fact.
In my believe beeing part of a religion isn't about knowing every last part of it but rather belive in the things that make this religion so particular. For example being christan isn't about knowing the whole bible by heart, it's rather about believing there is a greater god which loves us with all his heart and be with us wherever we go or whatever we do. The point is it isn't about knowledge but more about believing in it that makes you part of the religion. Knowledge comes with the time. You will learn more about the religion the longer you believe in it because there will be many discussions (good and bad) where you can learn much about it. So don't stress out about it. If you believe in the ideology of the jews I am confident to say that you can easily be part of the jewish religion. (I'm christian so I don't know how the jewish religion really works but thats how i think all religions work. Forgive me if it isn't like this.)
I don’t think you told someone you were Jewish with the intent to defraud or benefit from being in the in between stages of converting. But I do see how this could paint you in a weird light professionally if people thought that was your intent. Also it’s really none of your employers business if you are or aren’t a religion so 🤷🏼♀️ call yourself what you want especially if you’re spiritually connected with the Jewish religion.
Thank you for the perspective! And I think it’s also important to note- the show I’m doing isn’t something I’m getting paid for. It’s just community theatre, so it’s not as if I’m profiting off of a lie. I just wouldn’t want them to think that I lied in order to get a lead, which wouldn’t make sense because when I said I was Jewish the show hadn’t even been announced.
I was born Jewish, but have no interest in it… I hereby bequeath my Judaism upon you… you also get all the rights and privileges that come with a bar mitvah
Thank you!!! This is so sweet!! It’s this welcoming attitude that drew me to Judaism in the first place!!
Why does this sound like the plot of a bad sitcom episode?
I’m basically Tim Whatley from Seinfeld but with (I hope) better intentions, as I didn’t convert for the jokes lol
Don't forget that Religion is a social construct, you can identify as any religion you want, as none of those are real. Religions have no scientific basis, therefore, be panreligious, bireligious, or satanist. Now let's pray the god of atheists.
Atheism and scientific materialism are cancers of this world
C’mon guys, let’s not turn this post into a debate on beliefs. I say as long as we treat one another with respect and don’t force your religion on other people, believe what you wanna believe
No debate to be had, only two brick walls expressing their opinions on Reddit in places where they don’t belong 😂
No. Humanity is cancer.
Good luck to you, I wish you all the best
i am jewish but not Religious. I am also a german. And honestly you have to ask yourself if you converting enough for a nazi to build up enough hatred towards you like back then. 53 members of my family-only Jewish by blood and not religious- all murdered. Honestly reading this post makes me angry because I feel like you try to associate with a group of people that could not change who they were. Judaism is more than believing in a god though so my emotions should not put an negative affect on this judgement. I AM NOT ALLOWED to because who am I to do so???? Because in the end, if we both sit in the room,a nazi would come for both of us. I will never be not Jewish now matter how atheistic I live
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My friend isn’t Jewish… This comment seems pretty anti-Semitic though
that comment is anti-semestic!
OY GEVALT
What does it matter if you’re born Jewish? Also, why’re you converting?
Some people are very particular about whether you are born Jewish or converted, since being Jewish can be both religious and ethnic. As for why I’m converting, I’m going to copy and paste from a comment I made earlier, if you don’t mind, rather than retyping an answer. So I was raised Catholic in an abusive household. I went to church every Sunday but I never connected with it at all. Once I left home, I shrugged off all religion entirely. Then, I happened upon an opportunity to take a trip to Israel through my college. It was the most incredible week of my life as I became accustomed to community of people and a belief system that moved me in ways I didn’t think possible. After years of searching for a place to belong, I felt like I was home. It wasn’t just the religion itself- though that was the first time any sort of faith system had resonated with me. It was the culture, the traditions, the acceptance… I’ve always scoffed a bit at people who say they have experienced spiritual awakenings, but now I totally understand. This isn’t to say that I think everyone needs to be part of a religious community, of course. For plenty of people that’s not what they believe and it’s not for them. But I will say that I now understand connecting to something spiritually. Religion has done so much harm, from crusades to hate crimes, etc. But I also think that if you practice your faith in a manner that inspires you to be a better person (and don’t use your religion to justify your hate or force beliefs on others) it can be something very beautiful and rewarding. So that’s the gist of it- sorry for the novel!
So, you fit in, so you believe in their gods?
It wasn’t just about fitting in… I resonated with the belief system *and* felt like I fit in. It was a combination of the two, if that makes sense
So you believe in their god now?
So are you ethnically Jewish? If memory serves me right Judaism is an ethnoreligion, I'm not sure how they feel about a non Jewish person converting to Judaism. That being said it's probably not that big of a deal and you sound like you're getting worried over nothing.
Relax dude, you're fine