Welcome to Progressive Judaism - A Judaism for the Twenty-First Century

Shalom and welcome - I am glad you have visited!  My name is Jonathan Keren-Black, and I spent 20 years as the Rabbi at the Leo Baeck Centre in East Kew, Melbourne, Australia http://lbc.org.au/. until 2023.  I am now honoured to be Emeritus Rabbi there, and have moved to live at the Narara Ecovillage on the Central Coast of New South Wales, from where I run the Online Introduction to Judaism course for Progressive Judaism Victoria, and have students from across Australia and New Zealand.

I grew up in the Progressive Movements (Reform and Liberal) in the UK and became a Rabbi in 1988 after 5 years training at the Leo Baeck College in London and in Jerusalem.  In 2003 my family and I moved to Melbourne, where I am remain part of ARC, the Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors of the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australia, New Zealand and Asia (big region!).  I was the Editorial Team leader for our beautiful prayer book introduced in 2010, the World Union Edition of Mishkan T'filah, and I also developed and adapted 'A Judaism for the Twenty-First Century' (see below), which is one of our course text books, to suit our region. Most recently I also lead the development and introduction of  our High Holy Day book set, 'Mishkan T'shuvah'.  These books are all available from various places, including me (details below).

Of course, we believe that Progressive Judaism is one of the best frameworks for a modern, spiritual life, and it is always a pleasure when people who have not grown up as Jews decide to join the journey, and often end up deciding to be Jewish themselves.  One of the most satisfying things we Rabbis do is sit on a Bet Din (a Jewish Court), hear people's stories about how they came to Judaism, and welcome them formally to be part of the Jewish people (often with tears of happiness all round!).

This blog is to record enquiries (anonymously) and my responses (starting below).  You may find something that reflects or informs your own situation.

Of course our communities have run formal 'Introduction to Judaism' classes for many years, for members interested in learning more formally and broadly about Judaism, for non-Jews who are interested in understanding more about Judaism 'from the inside', and for those who are thinking of becoming Jewish.   Fifteen years ago, we decided to utilise advances in technology to make this course available on line, and I have been delighted to supervise students from all over Australia and beyond, many of whom have since gone on to become committed and involved members of their local Jewish communities.  You can try out the first two 'Foundation' sessions of the course for free, and see if it feels useful and informative to you:
email me at 'Jonathan (you know how to do @) Kerenblack.com'

To provide suitable support materials, I adapted an excellent book originally written by my colleague Rabbi Pete Tobias from the UK to make it an ideal fit for the slightly different needs of our region - our version is called 'A Judaism for the Twenty-First Century' and it is available from Amazon.com, ISBN 145-6-307576 or from me direct (cheaper and quicker!).  

Although Hebrew is not necessary to complete an Introduction to Judaism course, it is if you wish to participate in Jewish community life, and certainly if you wish to become Jewish, and so I have also produced a teach-yourself book for adults called 'Hebrew from Zero', which utilises lots of tricks and devices learned from my own teachers and developed and refined over the years to make learning to read Hebrew, quick, easy and fun!  Again, Amazon or from me, ISBN code 146-6-462183

It is important to understand that there are a variety of approaches within the Jewish world, just as there are in all other faiths (but perhaps even more so - we have a saying in Judaism 'Two Jews, three opinions'!).  The 'continuum' of Jewish belief extends rightwards from Progressive Judaism to the orthodox and ultra-orthodox, and leftwards to secular and atheist Jews (although both secular and atheist Jews might sound strange, Judaism is not only a religion but also a people and a culture, so there are in fact many who put themselves in those categories, including very many Israelis, who consider themselves 'khiloni' or 'secular' Jews.

The dividing line between 'Progressive Judaism' and 'Orthodoxy' comes down to how we view Torah.  If you are orthodox, you believe it is the five books dictated to Moses by God at the top of Mount Sinai.  It must therefore be 'true and without fault'.  Progressive Judaism (Reform, Liberal, Reconstructionist) believes that Torah is a human attempt to record 'what God wants from us' but is therefore naturally limited by its time and context (other groups such as Conservative or Masorti view it similarly, as, to a greater or lesser extent, 'through human agency').  The various styles of language, different names for God, internal contradictions, duplicated stories with different details (for example the two consecutive accounts of Creation and humanity) do not have to be forcibly reconciled, but are signs of our rich and wide human experience.  We might view Torah - and indeed 4000 years of the Jewish story - as a 'grand symphony of traditions'. 

It is only fair to say, though, that although individuals often have good and strong relationships with other denominations of Jews - and most families will include Progressive, orthodox, mixed-marrieds and non-believers - the formal structures of Judaism sometimes have more difficulty getting along!  Although Rabbis may have colleagues and friends in other  denominations, there is a rule within parts of orthodoxy not to share a public platform with Progressive Rabbis, and they will not officially recognise our rabbinic status, nor therefore anyone who converts with us! Since Progressive Judaism is the largest synagogue grouping in the world (World Union for Progressive Judaism - http://www.wupj.org/), this does not need to be a major issue, though it can occasionally lead to some difficult family situations - sadly beyond our control.  Never-the-less we need to warn people from the start.

In Britain, I was used to the argument that Judaism is 4000 years old, Christianity is 2000 and Islam is 1300 - with the implication that older is better (I will question that in a moment)!  But moving to Australia, we are very aware that Indigenous faith traditions go back around 60,000 years in this land, which makes even 4000 pale in comparison.  But one of the principles of Judaism - and particularly emphasised in Progressive Judaism, is respect for other faiths - we believe there are many paths to God.  So I have always been very involved with interfaith relationships and understanding, and helped to establish the Jewish Christian Muslim Association of Australia (http://jcma.org.au/) in 2003.  All three traditions actually have very similar values, which is hardly surprising given our common stories and heritage!  And, put simply, I'd call the biblical period 'Mark 1 Judaism' (or perhaps even better: 'Israelitism'), out of which stemmed two new expressions, Rabbinic Judaism - or 'Mark 2 Judaism', and Christianity. Christianity made certain changes which may in due course have led to the start of Islam, which returns to a stricter ethical monotheism.  And all have changed and developed into multiple expressions, some more moderate, others more fundamentalist, at times working and learning and living together and from each other, at other times antithetical and destructive to the others.

So that's my starting point.  We need to work together, with respect for difference and diversity, both between traditions and within our own.  There is no 'one true path' - and even if there was, only God would know it!  And, to finish with a new note, each of the traditions believes God put us here to look after God's creations - the earth and its creatures.  And we've made a real mess of it - and if we don't immediately work together to save God's world, there will be nothing left to argue about!  (See http://jeco.org.au/ [Jewish] or https://www.arrcc.org.au/ [Interfaith]).  So, on finishing 35 years' work in the congregational Rabbinate, we have moved to live in the Intentional Eco-community at the Narara Ecovillage on the Central Coast of New South Wales: https://nararaecovillage.com/.  But as well as having the Honourary position of Emeritus Rabbi at Leo Baeck, I am now the Consulting Rabbi for the very small Progressive community on the Central Coast, which is our new Jewish home! 

 

On a test, we asked 'What is 'Aliyah'?

The thorough answer submitted was: a) to go up (to the bimah - reading desk) in synagogue when the Torah is being read to receive a blessing, and 

b) to go up (to Israel) - often preceeded by an 'aliyah' in synagogue to receive a blessing for a safe return'

Because the ansers were so comprehensive, I took the opportunity to add some extra learning information: It is good that you named the two types of Aliyah. However the second is not used for going (up) to visit Israel - someone may have an 'Aliyah' (call up) before any significant journey, but it doesn't matter if it is Israel or Timbuktoo!  To MAKE Aliyah is to go and LIVE in Israel (and it has an opposite (problematic to my mind - because it is so values oriented), YERIDAH, going down, leaving Israel after living there.

It doesn't sound as if a Progressive path is the right one for you at present!

Hello

I have just found the information about the online course from the google search. I was wondering if this is the course that allows the conversion for non jews,  and whether i can be allowed to convert after taking your course.

Debora

Hi Debora,

Our Introduction to Judaism course​ gives the 'academic' knowledge required for conversion through the Bet Din of the Union for Progressive Judaism, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.  Our conversion is accepted by Israel for immigration, but not recognised by the interior ministry for marriage etc.  As you probably know, they only accept some (and not all) orthodox conversions!  This means you will need to be civilly married outside Israel - this is then recognised as a legal marriage!

In addition to the academic course, you will need to develop a relationship with a congregation in Israel, and a 'Sponsoring' Rabbi, will need to be able to read hebrew, and, if you were male, you'd need brit.  

I am not sure if there is any advantage to you in undertaking our on-line course compared to enrolling in an Israeli Progressive congregation's conversion group.  You have not said where in Israel you are living, whether you have an Israeli partner, and if so, whether they are involved in a Progressive congregation or willing to be?  It would also be useful to know a bit more about your background, work and motivation to explore conversion, and if you are planning to remain permanently in Israel or, if not, what your timescales are.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Thank you Rabbi,

I would like to undertake a course of conversion to Judaism. I have always been drawn to it and I am half Jewish. I am currently residing in Israel to fully experience a Jewish life.

 I lived in a secular environment, and never undertook any religious education. I remember having some Jewish friends in childhood and spending time in their homes. As well as I saw my grandmother from my father's side lighting Shabbat candles.

I recently lived in remote areas of the world, and only about 5 years ago I was able to visit synagogue and make contact with Jewish communities.

Somehow I started to become very interested in Judaism. Most importantly I had not fully been able to join a synagogue, as I had no documents that I am a Jew, as they requested my parents ketubah and so on.

The Jewish communities I have experienced are very hesitant to accept any strangers.  There are also many reasons of why I could not join, being distance from the synagogue as I was living too far away, and financial reasons. For various reasons very slowly I started to feel a Jewish identity, I started with attending festivals only and reading online.  

 I was interested in a conversion program, but the ones available were reform in my nearest city, and some other reform ones on line. For this reason I decided to come to Israel and live a full Jewish life that was unavailable to me at home.

Now free from any obligations I had to fulfill all my life, I want to spend remaining years studying Judaism and becoming a fully observant Jew.

I am now living in Bnei Brak where I can fully observe life as a Jew. I have Jewish friends, and though I am very limited by language, as I don’t speak Hebrew, I also attend English lectures at Chabad Institute Or Chaya in Jerusalem. I visit the orthodox shule, but they had no religious education for beginners. I have attended Shabbat dinners at my friends’ homes. I follow the laws of kashrut and Shabbat.  

Recently I was thinking why had I spent 30 years of not following Judaism and also of why Jews were sent to exile to different parts of the world.  We were told in the lectures of Or Chaya this was so they could spread Judaism to different parts of the world and gain converts. I believe it was a miracle that happened from God that I was able to come to Israel and so far see things I was only able to dream about. I feel now more than ever I am ready to become a full Jew and undertake a course in Judaism.  

I responded:

Hi again Debora,

Thanks for your response to me earlier questions.

I am pleased to hear that you have made your way to Israel, and I am sure that in due course you will find what you are looking for there.

Your various comments indicate to me that me are not able to help you.  

 I was interested in conversion program, but the ones available were reform in my nearest city and some other reform on line. For this reason I decided to come to Israel and live a full Jewish life that was unavailable to me in Australia.

Now free from any obligations I had to fulfill all my life, I want to spend remaining years studying Judaism and becoming fully observant Jew.

I am now living in Bnei Brak where I can fully observe life as  a Jew. I have Jewish friends, and though I am very limited by language, as I don’t speak Hebrew, I also attend English lectures at Chabad Institute Or Chaya in Jerusalem. I visit the local orthodox shule, but they had no religious education for beginners. I have attended Shabbat dinners at my Jewish friends’ homes. I follow the laws of kashrut and Shabbat.  

In particular it is your wish to be what you call a 'fully observant Jew', living in Bnai Brak and attending Chabad, as well as your comments about Reform in your nearest city and on line.

I am a Progressive Rabbi and you have enquired about a Progressive Introduction to Judaism course.  Progressive is an umbrella term for 'Reform, Liberal, Reconstructionist, modern' Jews, and indeed Progressive Judaism, who run the course, is part of the Union for Progressive Judaism, which in turn is our regional part of the World Union for Progressive Judaism (WUPJ).

The WUPJ is headquartered in Jerusalem (just down the hill from The King David Hotel and YMCA), and is the largest synagogal body in the world. 

We believe that Progressive Judaism offers the opportunity for a Jew to live a modern life on the modern world, with a meaningful spiritual framework, and recognising the equality of the sexes, and celebrating the fact that all humans are created in the image of God, whether Jewish or Muslim or Christian or atheist, whatever colour, whether straight, gay or transgender.  These are not beliefs you will find widely shared within other parts of Judaism!

Given that you have made the move to Israel, and apparently the decision to recover your Jewish family tradition, and appear to be on the road to become orthodox or ultra-orthodox, I would think your best path would be to enroll on a religious kibbutz which has entered the 'conversion industry'.  This will immerse you fully in the life - and you will be able to decide whether this is really how you want to spend the rest of your life. If so, you can get all the tuition and an orthodox conversion there within six months or so, I believe. they will probably also help find a husband...

You should however be aware, if you follow that path, that some years ago they created a new rule - these conversions are only valid in Israel - if you leave Israel they may not be considered valid - ie you lose your Jewish status if you move back to Australia (or anywhere else).  This happened to Paula Cohen, who moved to the UK, and this 'geographical qualification' is unprecedented within Jewish tradition.

I hope that is of use to you.  I will disguise your identity and put this correspondence up on our blog so that others may read and learn from it.  

I wish you good luck in your journey, and if I can be of further assistance, please let me know.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black 

I've fallen in love - with an Israeli and with Israel!

Shalom Rabbi Jonathan,

I am contacting you as I am seeking to convert and have been reading your blog and the course materials for the Introduction to Judaism over the past few months.  I am hoping you could provide a little guidance as well as potentially either recommend whether the online or a structured in-person Judaism course would be a good start.

I came to Melbourne to study Arts at Monash University, and have been between here, my family home in Halls Gap, and travelling through Israel, Europe and the US for the past 4 years.  I am due to graduate at the end of this year and my Jewish Israeli boyfriend is living with me here in Camberwell until the middle of the year.  From that point our future living location depends on work, family etc.

Background

A little background on myself.  I grew up in regional South Auistralia, with a background of various Christian denominational influences,  with a Catholic mother, a Lutheran father, and many protestant evangelical friends, but was never baptized, confirmed, etc.

I initially traveled to Israel in 2012 as a 19 year old, while on a EuroTrip, and loved the two weeks I spent there over the Purim holiday.  I then went back in 2013 for a Semester break and ended up staying over 4 months semester studying Holocaust studies and travelling the region.  I met a lovely Israeli guy (Shai), and we have been dating ever since, and I have been welcomed into his family and life.

After another year of study in Australia during which Shai came to stay with me for a few months, I decided to head back and volunteer in an eco-project to spend more time in Israel and of course to see Shai.  Intending to stay for up to a year, I ended up breaking my arm in an accident, and smashing my elbow which meant I spent longer time there in hospital and found work in Tel Aviv for a year.

Shail's family and other many families around me showed me so much love and really welcomed me into their homes and life.  I felt that my Jewish Israeli community was a strong basis of the person I was becoming, and certainly more a part of me than any western Christian tradition had been. With my main interactions with Judaism being within Israel, I was presented with many faces of Jewish religion, culture, food, politics and everything that comes along with that.  Generally speaking I loved it (though as you will know, life in Israel is never without drama and stress!).  I took part in all the holidays, and am doing my best to learn Hebrew. 

Reasons for wanting to convert

For almost 3 years, I have celebrated every Jewish Holiday, spent almost all my time with Jewish friends and family, and felt very connected to Judaism, albeit a somewhat secular version.  I have felt for quite some time that I have to make this connection stronger, and become Jewish myself.  I feel I am already developing such a strong connection to traditions both in Torah and contemporary Judaism, as well as to God, that I want to go deeper into Judaism and this is the rational next step.

Further, while we are not looking to marry yet, my relationship with Shai is steady and once I have graduated I would like this to be an option.  I know that it is important both to him, his family, and myself, that a future family would be raised Jewish, and this plays a small but significant part in my wanting to convert.

I have attended various synagogues - Shai occasionally goes to a modern orthodox one in Israel but says he feels much more comfortable in the few Progressive ones!  We attended Kabbalat Shabbat at Temple Beth Israel last week which was great, and very much enjoyed the service at Leo Baeck, and meeting you as well. 

Thanks Rabbi Jonathan, and I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps.

Siana

Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Dear Siana (and Shai),

It was so lovely to meet you in shul today.  It seems as if your time, study and connections in Israel, and with Shai and his family, should count for something, and I am very happy to help you.  As I explained on the phone, it takes a minimum of a year to complete the class, simply because we want you to learn about the festivals as they come around, and have time to experience and discuss them.

You will need to decide which shul (synagogue) and which course you wish to embark upon. You have now experienced both Temple Beth Israel and Leo Baeck. Today's pusy Civic service was an unusual one - usually we have 30-40 people, including about 3-4 who are doing the Intro class and/or converting.

Temple Beth Israel (TBI) is a much larger and more central congregation, and consequently has more people converting, including several young couples who you could become friendly with (this makes it easier and more fun, and may set you up with good friends for life!).

However the taught class does only have an intake in February and one in July.  Much as I enjoyed our initial conversations and the prospect of working with you, my advice would be to go along as often as you can to services and activities at TBI, with a view to getting started in July.

Having said that, you are going to have to decide what will work best for you. I'd love to work with you (both), in part because I am keen for you to take back a fresh and enthusiastic perspective on Progressive Judaism to Israel (where it has a real and crucially important struggle). The cost for the two courses is the same, though the on-line one is pay as you go through the seven units.

Becoming Jewish is a major and significant step in your life, Siana, but if you feel it is right for you (both), I can say that Progressive Judaism offers a great spiritual framework for modern life (and to establish and raise a family) - all the more in Israel where it is still common for many Israelis to say 'I'm in Israel and that is enough' - whilst rejecting ultra-orthodox coercion, yet clearly searching for reasons to stay and explanations for why they feel so connected (and guilty when they are away!).

I mentioned Anat Hoffman to Shai in terms of the amazing social justice work that she is leading from Jerusalem. The website for IRAC (Israel Religious Action Center) is irac.org and the newsletter signup is right there on the home page (no cost).  It is doing truly remarkable work in Israel.

One important thing to bear in mind is that, though someone converting through us is able to apply to live in Israel as a Jew, once in Israel, they are still not recognised by the Interior Ministry as Jewish - which means they won't be able to be married (or buried) as a Jew.  We hope that before too long, action by the Knesset - or perhaps by IRAC, will change the situation so that, at least, people will be able to be married in a civil wedding, which is not yet available in Israel!

Shavua Tov - have a great week

Rabbi Jonathan

Progressive Judaism is 'the cutting edge' and I don't believe orthodoxy is 'more authentic'

Dear Rabbi Jonathan,

I’m 51 yrs old, happily single and self-employed. I have an engineering education and background.  I’ve been brought up as a Christian but that did not suit me at all during my mature adult life for various reasons. The reasoning behind the thought of converting to Judaism and specifically progressive rather than other expressions is because I feel that it is more relevant to  how we live life now. The orthodox way is a good way of keeping the authenticity of the old ways intact and that does suit a lot of believers but I prefer a religion that can change with the times and is more relevant to the present. After all these years of not practising any form of religion whatsoever I feel I need something in my life as a guiding light so to speak. Why Judaism? you may ask. Well, it is a bit familiar from my Christianity, but it has a singular base rather than the multitude angles of Christianity, namely Pentecostal, catholic, protestant, apostolic, etc. So I hope that explains a bit about me and my thoughts, Rabbi Jonathan.

Thanking you kindly, 

Simon

Dear Simon

I got all my High Holyday sermons finished, and you will find them at lbc.org.au - I suggest you read them over the coming days as if I may say so they should give you a fairly broad snapshot of how we (I) see and prioritise Jewish life today - so you'll find information about spirituality - and trying to be more spiritual - about self-betterment, about concern and responsibility for the environment, about the complicated but crucial relationship with the State (and land) of Israel, and finally about our own finite lives and facing an end and death as a reality of the human condition.

One thing I'd clarify about your distinction between orthodoxy and Progressive (The orthodox way is a good way of keeping the authenticity of the old ways intact and that does suit a lot of believers but I prefer a religion that can change with the times and is more relevant to the present) is that Judaism is ever-changing and developing.  No-one really thinks that orthodox Judaism is the same as when Abraham or Moses were around - or even the Rabbis of the Mishna - everyone knows it is not the same as before electricity or even heart transplants!  Today orthodoxy is struggling particularly with two areas - women's involvement if not equality, and homosexuality.  And there is nothing wrong with struggle - indeed 'Yisrael' (Israel) means 'struggling with God' and that is our task - we are 'all Israel' (it means Jewish people as in 'Sh'ma Yisrael') and life is a struggle 'with God' (ie to try to do the right thing - what God wants us to do, in often very complex situations (eg should we be encouraging Australia to fight IS, or to keep out of further bloodshed and 'other people's business'?).

So I somewhat reject the idea of 'the authenticity of the old ways' - and if you are talking about the black coats and fur hats and side curls, they are nothing particularly Jewish - that is the clothing of the sixteenth century Polish nobles that the Jews of the area copied.  There is a general feeling that orthodoxy is more authentic, and I don't think that is borne out by the facts.  Judaism has always developed - and still is - it is just that today, orthodoxy tends to drag behind and deny that Judaism develops, whereas Progressive Judaism tends to be the 'cutting edge', seeking a 'Jewish position' on, and even influence into, contemporary issues.  For example, Progressive Judaism has been involved for years with social action, and interfaith relations - two areas that in Melbourne the orthodox are now moving into and 'claiming as their own'!  Actually, that is the usual pattern - for example we have been treating boys and girls equally for generations, having women Presidents of congregations, ordaining women rabbis - and now you find Bat Mitzvah in orthodox shuls - occasionally even reading from the Torah - and on Saturday - albeit still AFTER the service - and women Presidents and Board members - and even women 'almost' rabbis serving in religious legal capacities in Israel.

Between 'ultra orthodox' (Chasidism) on the one extreme and Progressive (Reform) toward the other end, you'll find traditional orthodox, modern orthodox and Masorti or Conservative - acknowledging in some regards that Judaism is an ever-changing tradition, but claiming that it only does so within the strict framework of 'Halacha' (the way), which they, of course, are, more or less, the 'guardians' (controllers) of!

Having explained this (in shorthand we say 'two Jews, three opinions'!), I must disagree that Judaism 'has a singular base rather than the multitude angles of Christianity'. As you can see, we too have a wide range of approaches and though some recognise diversity and work respectfully and coherently together (Conservative/Masorti, Reform, Progressive, Renewal, Reconstructionist), understanding that 'there are many ways to be Jewish', this is sadly not the case (yet) across the whole spectrum (that will be an indication of the arrival of the Messianic times'!).

Which all makes Judaism is a wonderful and rich tradition - and indeed I strongly believe that Progressive Judaism is the most accessible and adapted to modern life - so welcome - and keep reading and studying!

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

A 'ridiculously religious' catholic!

Dear Rabbi Jonathan,

Shana Tova (Happy New Year). 

I certainly understand how busy the High Holidays.

Thank you for the link to the Introduction to Judaism 'Distance learning' website and the two free introductory sessions at http://pjv.org.au/education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course#overlay-context=education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course

I will  begin the modules on line now. I am grateful for the opportunity to undertake an on-line conversion. 

I have wished that I was born and raised Jewish since I was 12 years old. Unfortunately this wish did not manifest through a deep connection with a Jewish community, but through books and movies, and perhaps surprisingly through my Catholic education.

I have been ridiculously religious my whole life, but the Jesus I came to know was very much the Jewish story teller. Increasingly over the last 30 or so years the key teachings of the faith I was raised in have made less & less sense. I did & still do appreciate being a part of a faith community, with a commitment to G-d, prayer, education, social justice, the common good & a value map for living one's life and care for the world at its core. 

I do not believe in original sin, transubstantiation, a number of other key Catholic teachings or probably most significantly that Jesus was anything more than a gifted & perhaps radical teacher of Jewish faith. Everything I value in my own faith has always been the bits we inherited from Judaism.

Being a part of a faith community, however, is about more than just belief. The Catholic Church was where I was raised & it has provided me with a strong sense of belonging, more importantly, over the years it has meant that I have been able to work within that community to do my part to "heal the world". I also have enormous respect for a Catholic education.  So I have remained an involved Catholic. 

I spent a few months in Israel some years ago which included the high holidays, and my love for Israel and Judaism grew exponentially.  My family & I visited New York City more recently and I took my kids to the Jewish museum, the Children's Jewish museum in Brooklyn and a synagogue on the upper west side. If there had been any way  I could have stayed and converted on the spot I would have, I felt like I had "returned home" spiritually. 

About four years ago I became a friend of the local Progressive congregation where I live - I attend their services from time to time and my kids and I attend their services & community celebrations for Passover and the high holidays.   However, sadly they are not a vibrant community and do not have a Rabbi.  

I have attended various interfaith conferences over the years & have had a few Skype Hebrew lessons with Rabbi Sheryl from WA, and I'm hoping to do more. 

I have read widely on Judaism, Israel and all things Jewish. I'm a great fan of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks and Amy - Jill Levine  and  I have read most of what Isaac Singer and Chaim Potok have written, but some time ago now. 

I am extremely time poor and conversion is medium to long term goal for me. I will continue to live here for the next few years, but it is not my intention to remain here.  My beliefs & my heart lie very much with the Jewish faith  and there will come a time when I can choose to live within a vibrant Jewish community and I know I need to be able to say "I too am Jewish." I want to begin to learn and live as a Jew now. 

I look forward to talking more after the High Holidays.

Warm regards & many thanks,

Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Thanks for the further information - that is a great help, though you haven't mentioned marital status, husband etc, or occupation yet. Perhaps you will not be too surprised to learn that a high proportion of those wishing to become Jewish come from a Catholic background!  

Please note that the on-line (really more 'distance') Intro course is just that - not in itself a conversion, though it is an important part of the preparation.  You'd also need to be able to read (decode) Hebrew - and I see that you are doing Rabbi Sheryl's course.  Are you aware that she is also available as a tutor on the Intro course? If you wanted to pursue that, I'd be happy to be your 'Sponsoring Rabbi' and move you on to conversion if and when that is what you wanted to do, and assuming I was happy with your work and progress etc!  Two of the other requirements for conversion are that you develop a relationship with a Rabbi and a congregation.

I'd just warn that people who convert sometimes find they have cut themselves off from their original and familiar faith framework (even though they may think they've grown out of it or away from it), yet can find it takes many years to really be accepted and feel fully a part of their new one.  If some crisis occurs in that interim, they may not have adequate support and 'trust' to turn to either for assistance.  From what you say it does not sound as if that would happen to you through lack of conviction and understanding, but it could simply through lack of active community to become involved with.

By the way, you haven't said what attracts you to Progressive Judaism as opposed to orthodoxy.  Most progressive Jews don't write G-d - we all talk little enough about God in our lives anyway, without further distancing ourselves - and even from a traditional point of view, God is not God's name, and English is not 'lashon hakodesh' (the holy tongue), so it is quite unnecessary to do so.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

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

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