Saturday 21 December 2013

Welcome back!

Dear Rabbi,

My name is Tom James and I want to convert to Judaism.
I currently attend a Progressive Synagogue in a small town. I grew up in a Jewish household, with my moms boyfriend being from Israel and his three children being Jewish, and my mom also grew up in a Jewish household as her grandmother was Jewish and moved to Australia from France. I have had a very Jewish upbringing and am wanting to convert so I can be recognised by the Jewish community in my own right. I attended the synagogue with my family in Auckland and the local synagogue here with my girlfriend. I have visited Israel because I feel a deep connection with Judaism and because of this I really want to convert. I want to do a progressive conversion because I strongly believe in equality and I think that the progressive stance, women as equals, resonates with me strongly, as does relating the Torah to modern day life. I do believe that there are many timeless truths in the Torah that are very relevant today but also that some things that are not so relevant in this modern time.
I have talked to the on-line course tutor from the local synagogue and he is willing to sponsor me and support my participation in the conversion course. I realise that he is overseas for the next few weeks but I am willing to do the study on my own and ask from help from my family and girlfriend as well as email the tutor if I have any questions. I am very keen to do this conversion and I would very much appeciate it if you gave me the opportunity to study with him and do the conversion.


Hello Tom,

How lovely to get your email.

We are here to help and it sounds as if you have definitely arrived at the right place.

I am glad you have talked to the local tutor - you are lucky there is one there, as sometimes it all has to be done on line - and that he is happy to supervise your course.  For conversion, you require a Sponsoring Rabbi, and, with his recommendation, I expect that there would be no problem in me fulfilling that role (though of course it would be easier for all of us if there was a Rabbi locally for you!).

May I direct you to the blog I have which is at http://progressivejudaism.blogspot.com.au/ and which will help give you a fuller understanding of the process and the way we approach different situations.  

There are a number of things I need to know initially, so please get back to me on them, and then we can see the best way to proceed - and I should precede this by stating quite clearly that 
a) conversion takes a very minimum of a year as you need to experience and learn about the cycle of the Festivals as they occur, and a fair bit of work and commitment, and 
b) you need to understand that orthodox authorities will not accept our conversions (as they don't accept our Rabbis - at least until the Messianic times!).  In terms of Israel this leads to a surprising situation:
a) once converted, you would be able to go and live in Israel as a Jew and become a citizen (because this is not controlled by the orthodox, despite repeated attempts to do so), but 
b) once you are a citizen of Israel, you would not be recognised as Jewish for the purposes of marriage or burial (because these areas are controlled by the internal ministry, controlled by the orthodox!).

Our relationship with Israel - as with orthodoxy - was described in the title of a 2009 as film with Meryl Streep and Steve Martin: 'It's Complicated'.  It would be a bit of a comedy - if it wasn't so sad!

So I have a bit of a list that I need to know so we can move forward:

a) Was it your maternal or paternal grandmother who was Jewish (traditionally the Jewish line has gone through the mother for post-biblical Judaism)?
b) Are you living in the town with the Jewish community and expecting to stay there for the time being?
c) What do you do, and what and where have you studied up to now?
d) Do you have any children?
e) Is your girlfriend Jewish?  If so what is her knowledge level and background?  If not, what does she feel about your plans?
f) Have you done the two introductory free sessions found at http://pjv.org.au/education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course#overlay-context=education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course.  If not, please do them and submit them to the tutor on their return from overseas.
g) Have you been along to services and activities at the congregation?  If so, for how long - please tell me about some, and how you found them. 
h) You describe a 'very Jewish upbringing' - can you give me fuller details of what you mean by this?  For example, when were you in Auckland, how often did you and your family go, was there a Rabbi there (if so which?) and did you talk to him or her, and if so, what did they tell you?

I hope that hasn't put you off - it will certainly give you something to do whilst the tutor is away!  Might I suggest you save the questions until they return, and let them enjoy their travels overseas - we all get so inundated with emails it is difficult to get a holiday these days!

I look forward to hearing from you again.  I truly believe that Progressive Judaism is a wonderful framework for a modern, spiritual life, so once again I extend the warmest 'welcome' - actually, in your case, 'welcome back'!

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Sunday 1 December 2013

JUSTIN Writes

I have visited the Progressive Judaism website recently and am very interested in undertaking the Online Introduction to Judaism Course. I live in ACT and I am a non-Jew. I wish to learn more about Judaism and if there is a natural fit for both parties, eventually work towards joining the Jewish people by converting. I am aware this is an involved process and requires total commitment.

To provide some context, I have been drawn to the Jewish faith and culture for some time now and have been quietly but actively engaging with Judaism through various means of research, observing significant events in the Jewish calendar and attending a service at the nearest synagogue for Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). I read the Progressive Judaism website closely and am very drawn to the progressive nature and philosophy. It has a very warm and welcome feel to it which I have been looking for as I have very much felt as an outsider and learning/understanding in isolation.

I am curious about the general, overarching pathway for someone in my situation including the Introduction to Judaism Course and its preparedness for the option of conversion.


Rabbi Jonathan answers:

Dear Justin,

So good to hear from you.  We believe that Progressive Judaism is a wonderful framework for a modern, intelligent spiritual life.  So I am very glad that you want to undertake some serious study about it.  The Progressive Judaism Victoria website is a useful starting point (pjv.org.au) where you'll find information about the on-line Introduction to Judaism course - and the Union for Progressive Judaism, our regional body, has a very well developed website at upj.org.au - I'm not sure which of those you looked at.

Of course Judaism is not only a subject of academic study but also a community and lifestyle to experience - or more accurately, communities and lifestyles, with plenty of variation across them.  We have just held a busy weekend at Leo Baeck - here is the program to give you an idea of what we covered:  

Friday 
6.30-7.00: Arrival and welcome
7.00-8.00: Soul Shabbat service to welcome Shabbat 
8.00-9.00: Shabbat Dinner, table songs, discussion about aspects of Shabbat

Saturday 
9.00-10.00: Study Group - an introduction to the service and Torah portion
10.00-12.00: Shabbat morning service
12.00-2.00: Kiddush and Chavurah lunch–meet members of LBC community
2.00-5.30: Free afternoon – or guided tour of the Jewish parts of Kew cemetery
5.30-7.00: Meet at Leo Baeck to walk to dinner at Vicki’s Italian restaurant – discussion about Israel issues.
7.00-10.00: Havdalah followed by movie: ‘The Gatekeepers’ and discussion after.

Sunday 
10.00-10.50: Choose one session: The Jewish Calendar or Blended families
10.50-11.05: Coffee break
11.05-12.00: Choose one session: Blended families or Jewish Belief and Ethic
12.00-12.30: Chill and chat
12.30-2.30: Relaxed community BBQ, Israeli dancing
2.30-4.00: Ask the Rabbis–your chance to ask a ‘Bet Din’ of Rabbis questions!
Rabbis Adam Stein, Aviva Kipen and Jonathan Keren-Black

We plan to hold a similar weekend in the future and those on the course will be informed in good time, and perhaps other communities will do something along the same lines.

To be clear, the Introduction to Judaism course is NOT a conversion course. It is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about Judaism from a Progressive perspective.

However, for those who wish to convert, it may well be the best way to deliver the Jewish education required.  It is necessary to have a meeting with one of our Rabbis, who will be interested to hear the story and the journey, and will give guidance as to the best way forward.  The content of the Introduction to Judaism course does cover much of the academic knowledge required for conversion.

If, having completed the Introduction course successfully, a student decides they do wish to go on to convert, they can speak to a Rabbi at that time - there will be other requirements such as achieving a fluency with hebrew reading, and regular attendance at services and developing a relationship with a community, but the academic learning will have been largely covered.

I hope this is helpful and look forward to getting to know you better,

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Am I right that I can only convert if I am marrying a Jew?

Dear Rabbi,

Am I right that I can only convert if I am marrying a Jew?



Rabbi Jonathan answers:


ABSOLUTELY NOT!  We are delighted to welcome anyone who genuinely wishes to join the Jewish people

So no, not at all - on the contrary, it is really important to persuade the Bet Din (Rabbinic Court) that  you are converting for yourself - because you feel Jewish and ready to take on the traditions, obligations and expectations of a Jew.

Welcoming people to Judaism is one of the highlights of Rabbinic life - to hear the moving and varied stories of what brings intelligent adults to want to take on this framework for life.  I wish many people who are born as Jews and take it for granted could hear some of these amazing stories!

Another happy camper!

Dear Rabbi Jonathan and Sue

Thank you both for your last lot of feedback and for guiding me so patiently through the entire course - It has taken me over 2 years and has been extremely interesting, thought provoking and useful:)

I hope to continue on with the local Rabbi and congregation to become Jewish in due course.

I promise we'll keep in touch

Kind Regards



Rabbi Jonathan responds:


Our pleasure.

I was in Adelaide today, chairing a Bet Din (Rabbinic Court) where three excellent candidates became 'new Jews'!  And the range of experience and insight and enthusiasm they bring to the community is fabulous.  However everyone brings something different - and none of them was bringing the youth and vitality (and new baby) that the two of you offer to a congregation!  So I wish you the best of luck on your journey, and look forward to hearing how you are getting on!


L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Sunday 3 November 2013

My husband is an Israeli, my father was Jewish and I want to convert

Hi Rabbi,

I'm just touching base to enquire about the process of conversion for an Australian female non-jew.  

I have had a long standing interest in the Jewish faith (my father was Jewish) and since I have married my Israeli husband 3 years ago- I have been following the practices, traditions and holidays- I also east kosher.  

I have always believed in G_d and am really wanting to take on the commitment of a conversion and further my relationship and life with G_d.  I currently live a Jewish lifestyle and believe strongly in everything that lifestyle stands for. I have visited the Holy Land and the holy city Jerusalem.  

This is not a decision I take lightly, I have been wanting to do this for years and I feel that I must make this commitment for myself, for my faith, for my family and for my community.

If you have any advice on how I can take this next step, I would be very interested to hear your thoughts.

Much appreciated,


Caroline


Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Dear Caroline

Thank you so much for your email.

You have not indicated where you live so I am unclear if you are in our area.  If you are, the best thing would be for you (and ideally your husband) to come and talk things through with me and I could take the opportunity to introduce you to the community centre we have here.

If you are not local, I can put you in touch with a more convenient colleague and community.  We have four congregations across Melbourne, as well as a school (the King David School, http://www.kds.vic.edu.au/), a Netzer (youth) group and various other associated organisations (Progressive Judaism Victoria, pjv.org.au).  Similarly we have communities in Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Surfers Paradise, Central Coast and Brisbane as well as in New Zealand and Asia (upj.org.au).  We are a part of the largest congregational movement in the world, the World Union for Progressive Judaism (wupj.org) with over 1,200 congregations, representing more than 1.8 million members in 45 countries on six continents.

One of our most dynamic Progressive Jewish communities is in Israel.  You mention that your husband is Israeli, and we find that often Israelis outside of Israel (as well as inside) find it difficult to relate to traditional synagogue communities, but, when they discover Progressive Judaism with our ‘Centres for Judaism’, embracing education and culture and peoplehood as well as prayer in a meaningful and accessible way, they find it easier to become involved.

To address some points in your letter directly – you define yourself as a ‘non-Jew’ and you may be right – but you may not be!  Many people are not aware that in the spirit of equality that is one of the key planks of Progressive Judaism, we recognise someone as Jewish if they only have a Jewish father, just as if they only have a Jewish mother – if they have been brought up as a Jew.  We’d need to discuss this further.  It is possible, depending on your situation, that we could do some ‘top-up learning’ and present you to a Bet Din (Jewish Court) for a ‘confirmation of Jewish Status’, rather than Conversion.  Since, however, you define yourself as a ‘non-Jew’ then this is probably not the case for you.

We would be interested to know how you have been observing the ‘practices, traditions and holidays’ – has this included being part of a community, for example?  And how much have you learnt and understood about those aspects of Judaism so far?  When you say you eat kosher, there is an interesting conversation to be had about what that means to you, both in practical terms and in spiritual ones.

You say you have always believed in God, except you say G_d and I am unsure if you are simply being cautious in writing to a Rabbi, but I have no problem writing God – our tradition is cautious about ‘taking God’s name in vain’ but enquiring about Judaism and converting and belief is certainly not that!  I’d be pleased if people spent a bit more time talking about (and writing about) God in today’s world!  There are certain precautions about writing God’s name IN HEBREW – but ‘God’ is neither God’s name (which we don’t know how to pronounce anyway – it is made up of the four Hebrew letters YHVH, but when we see it, we say ‘Adonai’ instead), and nor is it in Hebrew (El or Elohim is Hebrew for God).  A belief in the universal creator and power of the Universe is important (though question and doubt is also part of the process).  More important is our understanding that humans are God’s ‘tools’ or ‘hands’ in healing the sick, feeding the hungry, welcoming the refugees, looking after God’s world – that we work in partnership (shutafut) with God to make the world better (Tikkun Olam).

You slightly puzzle me by talking about ‘The Holy Land’, having said your husband is Israeli.  Is this some sort of suggestion that you don’t accept the modern State of Israel (that is your choice – but most Jews today are very much in support of its right to exist in safety and security – and generally of the right of Palestinians to a safe and secure land alongside it).  The State of Israel, despite the challenges it has faced since the day it was established, has achieved remarkable things – and when peace finally comes, it will achieve many more in conjunction with its neighbours.

You did not mention whether or not you yet have children, though you talk of doing this not only for yourself but for your family.  Judaism is very much a family-oriented tradition, and it is very hard to do alone.  The synagogue community is like the ‘extended family’.  All in all, we have, in Progressive Judaism, a wonderful framework for spiritual life today – in what The King David School describes as ‘Modern, Thinking Judaism.

So I suggest that, if what I have written makes sense to you, you contact me again to either meet or for me to put you in touch with a colleague convenient to you.

L’shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

From: rabbi@lbc.org.au [mailto:rabbi@lbc.org.au]


Caution - read this if you are thinking of converting to Judaism

Caution.  Tread carefully!

It is a very big step to leave the culture and traditions of your family and upbringing – even if you don’t consider they were very strong and present – and family and friends may not understand or feel fully supportive of your decision.
It is a mistake to imagine that you can slip from one religion into another – Judaism – as if it is a change of clothes.  Though someone who has done the study and the intellectual work and attended synagogue and celebrated the cycle of the festivals over a year or more may be able to be accepted by a ‘Bet Din’ (Jewish court), and indeed may know more than someone born Jewish, the journey is really longer.  That is the equivalent of ‘taking off your Learner plates’.  It can take many years to be familiar with life cycle events like circumcisions, wedding and funerals, comfortable with the cycle of the year, with the smells and tastes and vocabulary.
Someone came up to me once and said ‘I converted thirteen years ago, I have raised two children, made Shabbat dinner and lit the candles every week, celebrated Pesach and Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah and Purim year in year out, fasted and reflected every Yom Kippur.  Now I feel I am leaving Jewish childhood – and I’d like to prepare to lead the service and read Torah – and celebrate my coming of age as a Jewish Adult by having a Bat-Mitzvah’.
What a great thing to do – she really got it!  But it took her 13 years.
The danger is that, if you have a life crisis – death of a parent or child, a serious illness, or loss of a partner or spouse or something else traumatic – before you realise you feel completely safe and comfortable and ‘at home’ in the Jewish community, you may want to go ‘back’ to what you grew up with – and find you are no longer at home or welcome there either.  In other words, by undertaking this journey, you risk entering a ‘nether-land’ for some years, and it is important to understand that this may become more significant and difficult than you realise at present.

I recently found a similar explanation, albeit warning Jews of the danger of leaving Judaism for Christianity, as explained by Mordecai in George Eliot’s last book, Daniel Deronda, in Chapter 42:
Can a fresh-made garment of citizenship weave itself straightway into the flesh and change the slow deposit of eighteen centuries? What is the citizenship of him who walks among a people he has no hardy kindred and fellowship with, and has lost the sense of brotherhood with his own race?


Good luck with your religious journey.

Rabbi Jonathan

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Judaism on education

Excerpt from my Erev Rosh Hashanah sermon, 2013/5774

To have the best chance of success, we are certainly going to need to be well educated – and Judaism has much to say about learning and study.  The obligation to teach one's children is set forth in the instruction to celebrate seder: "You shall tell your child on that day, saying, 'It is because of what God did for me when I came out of Egypt.'" (Exodus 13:8) . In the first paragraph of the Sh’ma, which is traditionally said every evening and  morning, we say: “Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them upon your children. Recite them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deut 6:6-8).  Deuteronomy contains several other references to the duty to provide education: “Remember the days of old, consider the years of ages past; ask your father, he will inform you, your elders, they will tell you.” (Deut 32:7).  The Book of Proverbs also contains many verses related to education: “My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your mind retain my commandments; For they will bestow on you length of days, years of life and well-being.“ (Prov 3:1-2). 

We learn that Joshua ben Perachyah said: Provide for yourself a teacher and a study partner, and the sages said: Let the honor of your student be as dear to you as your own” (Pirkei Avot, 4:15).  It is hardly surprising that we place such emphasis on education: in my own family, my grandmother, father and wife are teachers!  And who did the government turn to, to review the Australian education system and its funding, but David Gonski, a member of The Emanuel Synagogue in Sydney!  Since both major parties have more or less agreed to these reforms, there may not be a major point of difference – personally I didn’t understand the rationale of cutting spending on universities to pay for improved school funding, but we will have to see what transpires, and hope that universities don’t pay the price.

Tuesday 20 August 2013

I am 38, divorced and a non-practicing Catholic

Dear Rabbi, 

Thankyou so much for your detailed reply and information to my questions regarding the introduction course. I had a look last night at the introductory units and they seem very good. 
 
I just thought I should provide some basic information about myself. I am 38, and at the moment a non-practising Catholic. I recently got married and my wife is also very interested in the introduction course. Both she and I have previously been married (I hope this would not hinder a journey into the Jewish faith). I have always had a strong interest in religion and religious life in various aspects, and have read a large amount on various religions. I wrote a master's thesis on the image of Australian Muslims in the media back in 2008. I travelled to Israel some years ago (although I think this has very little to do with my interest in conversion), but it did introduce me to some historical and cultural elements. I now work in the caring professions, and am currently studying towards a higher degree, so I may be a little slow on certain aspects of the introductory to Judaism course, with fitting all my study/work in. But that said, I have always felt a slow steady journey provides a more stable outcome. The slower you go, the more you see.
 
I hope this email is ok, I just thought it appropriate to give you a little information about me. 
 
Thankyou again for your time, 

Jason


Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Dear Jason,


Thanks for the background.  To address your points in order: you would be amazed how many people who wish to become Jewish have a Catholic background!  I often wonder how many Jews there must be queuing to go in the opposite direction!  Today, we are less bound than ever to our family's tradition and upbringing - though its influence, familiarity and support should not be underestimated.  Life seems to offer us a 'Religious Supermarket', and you appear to have given some thought and attention to the religious choices on offer. But it is important to remember that it takes many years - sometimes a lifetime - to feel fully comfortable in a new religious framework and tradition, and there is nothing more sad and painful than to see someone who has rejected or cut themselves off from their own family faith and joined a new one, but, when faced with a life crisis, they discover that it has not really 'taken' and for whatever reason, they don't find the solace, support and acceptance in their new faith - but can also not turn back to their original one - and are stuck in an unsupported 'no man's land' (no-person's land doesn't really work there, does it?!).  When I was a very new Rabbi, a woman came to me and explained that she had converted thirteen years ago, had been celebrating shabbat and festivals, cooking for Pesach, fasting on Yom Kippur, and raised two children - and now she felt ready to celebrate her own 'bat-Mitzvah', as she realised she was finally becoming a 'Jewish adult'.  And of course, we were delighted to help.

In terms of divorce, Judaism has always recognised that people continue to grow and develop, sadly not always in harmony or in the same direction, and therefore, though sad, divorce has always been allowed and provided for. So there is no problem with the fact that you and your wife are both divorcees.

With regard to Israel, it is important to understand that our faith originated in that area and we have very strong ties, feelings and emotions connected to it.  Having said that, Judaism is a faith that can and does flourish and grow nearly anywhere in the world, including here in Australia!  The vast majority of Jews worldwide have strong links to Israel, and may well have family and friends living there, and may have visited and even spent significant time studying or living there.  Never the less, it is a tricky area - Israel's neighbours have not wanted her there even since before she was re-established in 1948, though we note and celebrate the long-standing peace agreements between Israel and Egypt and Israel and Jordan.  Whether the Palestinians were a real people in the past is a moot point - indeed I have seen films of Jewish settlers before 1948 saying 'We Palestinians have a lovely life here in the new Jewish city of Tel Aviv...' but there is little point in trying to argue the past, which we cannot change.  Today Israel and the Palestinians must find a way to live together for their own benefit and that of all the region.  I don't agree with all that the Australian government does, or the American, so there is no reason why I should agree with everything that every Israeli government does either - but that is democracy!  I absolutely believe in Israel's right to live in safety and security - and I absolutely believe in the Palestinian right to do the same.  The upshot is that to be a Jew in the world today, you need to have a relationship with the Jewish State - but it does not have to be an all positive or an all negative one - and for most Jews (should they wish to admit it), it is probably mixed - but there is undoubtedly and rightly great pride in what Israel has achieved, and also a deep understanding of the need to maintain a Jewish refuge and support for those in danger and need.

So I hope that addresses some of your questions - and perhaps opens up some more!

L'shalom  

Rabbi Jonathan

Monday 19 August 2013

Can I bring a six year old and a new baby?

Details changed for confidentiality

Dear Rabbi,

I have recently downloaded the two free trial sessions of your online course and have been working through them over the past few weeks. I have had a growing interest in converting to Judaism for some time now. I have been avidly reading about Judaism and have had the joy of engaging in some Jewish festivals and events this year including Passover and a weekly Shabbat dinner with family and friends. I am contacting you as I am hoping to formally enroll in your online course and I was also hoping to be able to attend somewhere for the upcoming high holidays for the adults service but also for the children's service with my 5 year old daughter. 
I am due to have a baby shortly but I would love to talk with you either before or after the baby arrives to discuss further the conversion process and the next step in this exciting journey. 


Rabbi Jonathan responds:


First my apologies in not responding more speedily - for some reason I have only just come across your email, and the delay should by no means be interpreted as a lack of interest.  I do hope that the baby has arrived safe and sound by now!

You have not said where you are living but we do have Progressive congregations across the main cities of Australia and New Zealand which you can find at http://upj.org.au/ along with lots more information and links about Progressive Judaism.  If you would like tickets to attend at one of them at the High Holydays, please call the office of your nearest congregation and discuss it with them.  Do bear in mind that, sadly, Jewish communities do have certain well-founded security concerns and you may be asked to take identification etc.

Most will have children's services or activities that your child will be welcome to join in with, and many will have baby-change and other facilities should you take the baby as well - though children are welcome (they are our future!), we expect parents to keep an eye on them and remove them temporarily from services if they become a distraction please.

If you do go on to convert, and if you and your partner (you have not said if you have one) commit to bringing them up as Jews, then young children will be considered to be accepted when you are (unless your partner is already Jewish when they would be considered by us to be Jewish anyway - we require one Jewish parent - whether mother or father - and a Jewish upbringing to give Jewish status).  On this basis the children would be welcome to attend Religion School and other activities whilst you are undertaking the course and of course subsequently.

The Introduction to Judaism course is just that - on its own it is not a Conversion course, though it does make up one key component of that process, which also requires some familiarity with Hebrew, and a relationship with a Rabbi and congregation, as well as acceptance in due course by a Bet Din (Jewish court).

Once you finish the two introductory sessions, please send them to tutor1@pjv.org.au and we'll look over them and send you some feedback.

Feel free to contact me further with any other questions or queries you may have regarding commencing the course.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Sunday 18 August 2013

I live miles away from any Jewish Community - can I still join your course, and could I become Jewish?

(Details changed to protect the writer's identity)

Hello Rabbi, 

I am interested in the Judaism online course you offer. I am not Jewish but have had a deep interest in Judaism for many years. I have often thought of learning more for the purpose of conversion, and that is why I am interested in your course now. I would like to learn more about Judaism and see where I am led after this learning.  I realise it is a journey of faith.

Unfortunately, where I live, country QLD, there are no synagogues close by where I could immerse myself into the synagogue and community. So, I do not know where this would leave me following my education. 

Could it be possible to study your introduction course and use that in conjunction with meeting a Rabbi from another area on occasions. The closest synagogue is about 6 hours from where I live. Have potential converts done anything like this before?

Thank you so much for your time, 

Sim


Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Dear Sim,

Thanks so much for your interest.  I am the supervising Rabbi for the On-line Introduction to Judaism course, and I also have a congregation in Melbourne's Eastern Suburbs.  Please look at the two introductory sessions at http://pjv.org.au/education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course#overlay-context=education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course, and if you find them helpful, you will be very welcome to undertake the course which will give you a deeper and more comprehensive of Judaism and especially as we view it through a Progressive lens.  If you do undertake the course, I will keep an eye on your progress and be available for questions, and your tutor may well be my wife Sue, who is the lead tutor.

In terms of Conversion, completion of the Introduction to Judaism course is a major plank  - but there are also important other aspects, some of which, as you rightly point out, will be very difficult for you in your location.

It is very hard to live a Jewish life alone - there are many aspects which are usually family or community celebrations or commemorations.  Yes, you would be trailblazing - but you won't be the first, and as Herzl said, talking about the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland; 'Im Tirtzu, eyn zo agadah - if you really will it, it need be no dream'!

Other aspects required are: Relationship with a Rabbi (you are now commencing that with me!), and with a community... perhaps, over the years, we will be able to develop a 'virtual community' in some ways, but as yet it does not really exist - one thing we are trying to do is to organise an annual weekend for people to gather, study, meet and celebrate together - and of course we also have various congregations such as Central Coast, Gold Coast, Sydney and Brisbane, where we would arrange a welcome if you were able to visit.  We also require an ability to read Hebrew (we have a self-study course for this purpose) and of course circumcision - the 'sign of the covenant with God'.  It is not an easy job to become Jewish - even if you are near a community.  It takes at least a year - simply because we want you to learn about the upcoming festivals as they approach, and ideally, to experience them.  For most people, it takes longer, often two years or more.

But Judaism is a wonderful tradition, with a wealth of experience and guidance for every part of life, and worth the study and exploration.  If you are looking to find out more, you have come to the right place.  God is in this place!

In terms of the cost of the units, there are 7 (a mystical number in Judaism) and they currently cost $140 each - you pay as you work through them, so if it takes you longer, the cost is more spread out!

I hope that is useful.  I would also refer you to http://upj.org.au/ which is the website for the Union for Progressive Judaism in Australia and New Zealand, with lots of other useful information. 

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Thursday 18 July 2013

Mother with young children

The names and details have been changed to protect the identity of the writer:
Dear Rabbi Jonathan,
I am writing to introduce myself to you, and to enquire as to the possibility, due to my circumstances, of participating in the online 'Introduction to Judaism' course which you offer.

My name is Julie.  Originally from NSW, I have lived here in this city for nine years now.  I have three beautiful children, my daughter, aged 4 years, and twin sons, who are almost 12 months old.  They are the lights of my life.  We are regulars at the local Progressive Congregation, and have been for all of the children’s lives.  We have always been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the congregation, and have met some wonderful people who have since become dear friends at our monthly Kinder Shabbat meetings, and at the weekly Parents' Group.
Whilst there is Jewish blood on my father's mother's side of the family, and despite the fact that my dad lived with his Jewish relatives in the UK before he was married, he was not raised in a Jewish home, and neither was I.  My mother is a non-practicing Catholic, and my parents were not religious.  However, I did grow up with great Jewish food, stories of our Jewish family, and a love of the Jewish people and homeland.  I have had an affinity with Judaism for as long as I can remember.

In raising my own children, and possibly more particularly because I am a single-mother-by-choice with no extended family here in Australia, perhaps the greatest desire I have for my children is that they grow up with a sound ethical and spiritual foundation, a sense of identity and belonging to something bigger than just the four of us, and the security and warmth of not just a loving family, but of a whole community of people of whom they are a part.  I also wish to instill in them a hope for the future, faith in the inherent goodness of people, and the belief that we can all make this world a better place.  I have found all of the above possible in the context of Progressive Judaism, and, I believe, a home for us here at this congregation.
So, for some time now, I have had the desire to convert, both for myself and for my children.  Having no resident Rabbi, I initially approached the office at the congregation with this desire, but the only conversion class they offer is a night class, which I am unable to attend.  I thought there was no solution to my dilemma.  I am very keen to formally convert whilst my children are still young, as to all intents and purposes, we are living a Jewish life, they are being raised as Jewish children in an observant Jewish home, and I wish to be able to tell them, "We do this because we are Jewish", without batting an eyelid. I feel we are very much a part of the community here, and as my children get older, my desire is for them to attend the Religion School each week with their friends, and for us to be able to participate in services and events as full members of the congregation.
Still, the issue for me is that I am unable to attend our conversion class.  I simply have to be home to put my children to bed, and will have to for years to come!  In the meantime, I have been continuing my own personal Jewish education here at home, increasing our level of observance as my knowledge increases, and according to my convictions. I am slowly building up a library of great Jewish books here; the more I learn, the more I want to learn!

Whilst visiting the TBI website yesterday to again peruse their booklist, I noticed for the first time that an online/distance education course does exist in Australia!  I wasn't aware of this, but for months have been thinking, "If only one existed..".  And so I called TBI this morning, who referred me to you, and hence this long-winded email to you, Rabbi Jonathan - please forgive my wordiness! - to ask if it would be at all possible for me to undertake your Introduction to Judaism class by distance, in order to finally be able to formally convert to the faith we are living?

I thank you very much indeed, for your time and assistance in this matter.

RABBI JONATHAN’S RESPONSE:
Dear Julie,
The first thing I should say is 'thank you so much for persevering'.  And the second is 'welcome, you have hopefully come to the right place in the end'.  I am so sorry that for some reason it took so long to discover the existence of this course.  It has been running for about three years, under the auspices of Progressive Judaism Victoria, but with students across Australia (and beyond), and we hope that in due course it will be promoted by the Union for Progressive Judaism, at which point local congregations should hopefully become more aware of it!
Progressive Judaism, as you have discovered, is a wonderful framework for a spiritual and fulfilling modern life.  I am proud to hear what you write about your local Progressive congregation, one which I have visited several times, most recently with my family when I led the sevice there recently.
We would be very pleased to immediately get you under way. There are two free introductory sessions which you should start with - you will find them at http://pjv.org.au/education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course#overlay-context=education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course 
Hopefully that will be self-explanatory.
Your tutor will initially be my wife Sue.  She is already looking forward to looking at your two introductory sessions and to working with you as you formalise what is clearly already a good feeling for and connection with Jewish knowledge and belief.
As I'm sure you know, on Thursday and Friday we look forward to shabbat and so wish each other:
Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Thursday 4 July 2013

An older member reflects on our services

I do enjoy the philosophical and moral intricacies of the
Torah readings and always find the services take me back to my roots and are
part of my spirit.  I had quite a religious childhood... 

I feel Jewish and want to live in Israel

Dear Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black,

Please forgive me if I have addressed you incorrectly, I am writing to you in hope, of the possibility I could have an appointment with you in regards to some advice.
My name is Jo, I was raised as a Christian but I have not ever considered myself to be a Christian, I have been on a spiritual path for the last few years. Over the last couple of years Israel, Hebrew and Judaism have all been 'calling' to me, but I kept trying to ignore it. A few weeks ago during a meditation I felt overwhelmed with emotion and fell apart (that has never happened during meditation to me before) I was crying because I wanted to go 'home' and that home was Israel, for the following 48hrs I kept being told I was Jewish and I was to convert. To my ego this made no sense, but I feel like I have awakened to a deeper level of my soul and my soul is Jewish, and I am not currently with my people and I really want to go home (Israel). I would like to know if this is normal for someone who is not born Jewish, I have been guided to read the books of Enoch and have almost finished a translation on the dead sea scrolls as these kinds of writings really 'speak' to me.
I am in confusion however I know that is only my mind and I would really appreciate a meeting if possible.
Thank you for your time,
Kindest Regards Jo


RABBI JONATHAN RESPONDS:

Hi Jo,

You addressed me exactly correctly!

You have not told me where you are based, or much about yourself.

I am a bit puzzled about Enoch (not really one of ours as, though originally Jewish, it is not part of our cannon and has had more influence on Christianity!).

The Dead Sea scrolls are a collection of Jewish Canonical and Essene texts.  An interesting place to start!  What is important to understand is that Judaism is an unfolding and developing tradition – nowhere in the world will you find Jews practicing Biblical Judaism.  Of course we like to say that the ‘core truths’ remain constant – One power of the universe, loving, patient, forgiving, and just – and our task is to try to emulate God, and bring those values to the world about us.

We have a special connection to the land of Israel where significant parts of our story unfolded (much also developed in Babylon – ie Iraq!) – but, though the modern State of Israel is an amazing story, and almost all Jews believe absolutely in its right to exist in safety and security, the relationship is very complicated, and you can certainly be a good and active and involved Jew whilst living outside of Israel.

So if your motivation is to go and live in Israel, I am not sure that we’d be the best port of call – but if you are interested in learning about a wonderful framework for modern spiritual life, then please contact me with some more details.  

Rabbi Jonathan