Judaism is an ancient religion whose beliefs have inspired many large off-shoots. If you are of Jewish descent or feel a connection to the Torah, it is important to learn how to be Jewish.
Step 1
Talk to a Rabbi to make sure you totally understand what you are taking upon yourself. The Rabbi will take you through the steps for a proper conversion. Search online for an Aish shul (synagogue) in your city. Call the Rabbi and arrange an appointment.
Step 2
Go to a shul (synagogue) on Shabbat. Call or email the shul and ask what time it would be good for you to arrive Friday Night or Saturday morning. Friday Night is shorter, and there is more singing involved. On Saturday morning, some shuls (especially Aish shuls) will have classes between 10:00-12:00.
Step 3
Follow the strict dietary laws of Kashrut. This means that only things that have been prepared according to the laws of the Torah may be eaten. This can be difficult to keep, and the laws are complex.
Step 4
Become Shomer Shabbat, which means keeping the sabbath. The sabbath starts at sundown every Friday and ends when there are three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Keeping the sabbath prevents you from using electricity, driving a car, lighting a fire, and cooking, along with many other things. The sabbath is meant as a day for reflection and prayer.
Step 5
Keep the holidays: Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Channukah, Tu B Sh'vat, Purim, Pesach (passover), Lag B'omer, Shavuot.
Step 6
Men should wear a Yarmulke (Kippah) and Tzitzit, while women should dress modestly.
Step 7
Learn about Judaism. Get some recommended books and read them. Also, take a look at the articles on the following websites: www.aish.com, www.torahandisrael.com, www.simpletoremember.com (it is a good idea to bookmark them.)
Step 8
Lastly, Rabbi Hillel (a great rabbi of the Mishnah) said that if the Torah could be summed up while balancing on one foot one would say, "treat your neighbor as you want to be treated."
Tips
- Ask questions to your Rabbi and to yourself. Always ask "why."
Warnings
- To convert to Judaism correctly, it should take at least a year, usually longer.
- Judaism is a difficult religion to keep, because every jew is expected to keep the Torah.
