How do you become integrated into an Orthodox Jewish community?
Do you just start attending services at an Orthodox synagogue? How do you get to know how to actively practice all of the customs, Shabbat, and holidays right? What would I do on Shabbat if I live with my parents and they don't observe it?
Are any of you baalei teshuva?
Dear Daniel
I would also suggest calling a local Orthodox Rabbi in order to sit down and ask some questions. Possibly he can arrange for some home hospitality so that you can share in the wonder and holiness of a Shabbat. I am amused by my secular friends who see Shabbat as restrictive yet they understand that the lights have to be dimmed in a movie theater in order to view the movie.
An excellent site that I love and would suggest for anyone interested in Judaism is Aish.com
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May 30 2009 07:04 pm | Uncategorized
lubob on 31 May 2009 at 12:46 am #
GO TO A CHABAD HOUSE THEIR ULTRA FRIENDLY
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Neil N on 31 May 2009 at 1:13 am #
Walk as they do, act as they do, talk as they do, dress as they do, eat as they do, you get the point.
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devora k on 31 May 2009 at 2:01 am #
Chabad is your best answer
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3 Tribes, 2 Clans on 31 May 2009 at 2:47 am #
Great site is Chabad.org, there you can ask all the questions you want and there are plenty of books to learn from, also, plenty of groups from secular Jews to converts new to Judaism and even God-Fearers that live by the Noahite laws, that learn with Jews in the community, and there is no problem. Questions are always asked and no one seen as stupid, we all have been there one time or another about learning and learning is what counts, never ending.
Each week there are women's groups, new beginners classes, oldster looking to recharge their spiritual battery, some just find they want to learn more and find a class. You can have 18 to 90 year old people in same room. And getting invited for holidays and Shabbos comes as you open up as you feel the need you can.
Home and community is the center of Judaism, not the synagogue–so it isn't the main attraction even though it stands out, but the classes they have are great. The website will direct you to people and places near you and they are really nice about it, lots of men and women scholars on line and they all come from every background you can think of and any race or country, even Japan and Peru.
Besides Chabad website, go to Orthodox Union, they have programs too. For books, go to ArtScroll publishers, Kehot publishers, Feldheim publishers — so many tapes and books.
Lots of videos and audios on Chabad.org for beginners to more experienced, even stuff for kids. It will help you get rid of any fears of being "new' quickly.
Ask any time.
Be well.
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indifferenttimes on 31 May 2009 at 3:08 am #
buy a penguin suit and start thinking you are way better than everyone around you.
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carin b on 31 May 2009 at 3:19 am #
Of course!
You can show up at an Orthodox Shul.
After services, talk to some of the Rabbis and get to know the community.
Don't hold back any questions, feel free to ask anything.
You may have to go a bit slowly, you cannot become religious over night.
You can still keep Shabbat even if your parents don't, although it may be a bit difficult at times.
Study Torah whenever you can, it's the best way to get to know more.
Good luck!
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Stainless Steel on 31 May 2009 at 3:33 am #
Dress up as a short order diner waiter, grow a thick black mustache, get your self a thick pair of glasses and a pork-pie hat and start smashing your head against any wall you find on your way.
You'll sure fool me, son.
Steel
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Zazazaza on 31 May 2009 at 4:11 am #
Your parents are right.
You are obviously wrong.
You do not have the nose for it.
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textile guy on 31 May 2009 at 4:31 am #
Dear Daniel
I would also suggest calling a local Orthodox Rabbi in order to sit down and ask some questions. Possibly he can arrange for some home hospitality so that you can share in the wonder and holiness of a Shabbat. I am amused by my secular friends who see Shabbat as restrictive yet they understand that the lights have to be dimmed in a movie theater in order to view the movie.
An excellent site that I love and would suggest for anyone interested in Judaism is Aish.com
References :