Healthy lesbian looking for Judaism

Dear Rabbi,

I have been interested in Judaism since I was a girl.   Another Passover is coming, and I wonder what I am missing out on.

I am, as labels go, a forty year old dyke.   I have had HIV for ten years, but thankfully my health is good.

Forgive me, as I don't really know what I want from Judaism, but I can never really forget it - some deep longing for something Jewish.   These thoughts and feelings, as I have discovered, never really go away. In regard to my old age and death, I don't know what I believe.

I did write to a rabbi many many years ago, and he suggested coming along to the congregation.  I didn't think that's what I wanted at the time, partly on the grounds of being gay, education, and financial status. I have had two gay Jewish friends over the years, but unfortunately both have since died of AIDS-related diseases.   I more recently contacted Aleph Melbourne, and was told again to speak with a Rabbi - the Leo Baeck Centre being suggested. As to fitting in, I don't know where there would be a place for me.  

I suspect you have had some letters like this in the past, and I am aware of your online program. If you have any advice, I would be grateful.

Kind regards,

Sandra

Dear Sandra,

Many thanks for writing - and for persevering.  Instead of missing another Pesach, why don't you come and join us on Friday night for our communal seder?  If you are available, call the office (9-2) and see if we can squeeze you in - tell them you've spoken to me.

Progressive Judaism is a great framework for the modern world.  And of course we see all people as equal, created 'in the image of God' whatever their colour, creed, gender or sexual orientation.  Most people fit in quite comfortably - we have people of all shapes, sizes, orientations - including gay, lesbian, transgender - just like the real world!

You should come along to some services - you are always welcome, 10-12 every Saturday, 37 Harp Road East Kew.

If you are comfortable with the services, then by all means come and speak to me about 'life, the universe and everything' and we can explore the best way forward.

You might also like to look at my blog at http://progressivejudaism.blogspot.com.au/.

Judaism puts more emphasis on living this life as best we can, on achieving our 'God-given potential', than on 'the world to come', and Progressive Judaism even more so.  If there is anything else, the best way to prepare is to be the best we could in this world!

I look forward to meeting you,

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

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

Why we don't tend to write G-d, or call God Hashem, or wait for the Messiah (male... or female)!

  

Jane writes:

Dear Rabbi, 

Though I grew up as a Christian, I never understood the idea of the Trinity, and am by no means a polytheist at all, G-D  forbid. I believe HaShem is a singularity, an all powerful form of sentient energy that reconciles many of the 'atheist questions' we have on G-d. For me the Shema daily prayer, stating Adonai Ehad (The LORD is One), means that for us human beings to have evolved to where we are today, there has to be a singular intelligent all-powerful force behind it to make all the delicate conditions for life. That's what my heart tells me. I did go to a Catholic primary school but I absolutely cannot understand their logic of the Trinity, more importantly I feel it is not logical to put their faith in One Man to atone for their sins. Christianity for me seems a bit idolatrous.... But I would be interested to know whether you believe in a Messiah, as I believe orthodox Jews are supposed to?

Thanks for your introduction and questions, Jane.

I should point out that there are some things that you do not need to do if you wish to explore Judaism within the Progressive framework - more than that, some of us are uncomfortable with them for a variety of reasons, in part because they are signs of 'ultra-orthodox theology'.  God is not God's name - and English is not 'lashon hakodesh' (the holy language - Hebrew) - and therefore there is no need at all to write G-d.  Similarly 'hashem' means 'the name'.  God is not limited to a name (indeed one tradition is that there are 72 names for God!).  And God does not need our protection. Saying God is not blasphemy or 'taking God's name in vain'.  On the other hand, a major principle of Progressive Judaism is equality - treating all people as equals, created in the 'image of God', whether Jews or other people, whether straight or gay or 'gender-fluid' - and whether biologically male or female. We now graduate as many women as men rabbis, and a girl reads from the Torah and leads parts of the service for the Bat Mitzvah just as a boy does for the Bar Mitzvah.  Women can wear kippah and tallit (the 'prayer clothing') in our synagogues just as men do.  This is a very important principle, and one of the tangible differences between Progressive and Orthodox Judaism (though orthodoxy is slowly giving girls and women somewhat more say as well).  But a crucial part of this is language sensitivity.  Our prayer books do not say 'all men' or 'all mankind' when they obviously mean 'all people'. And similarly, we no longer use masculine terms (lord, king, master) about God, who we all know is far beyond any gender concept at all (how can women be made in the image of 'lord' or 'master'?).  The tetragrammaton, God's most 'intimate', personal name (the hebrew letters YHVH) is one we cannot pronounce - because millenia ago its use was limited more and more, until only the High Priest could say it, only in the Holy of Holies, and only on one day of the year (Yom Kippur).  Now we no longer have a High Priest or a Tabernacle or Temple, and have lost its pronunciation.  Tradition dictates that when we see it, we instead say 'Adonai' (something like 'my Lord', though actually a plural form).  Whilst tradition is important and has a vote (but famously not a veto) in the Progressive tradition, and we still read YHVH as 'Adonai' in Hebrew, we render it differently in English.  Martin Buber observed that the three tenses of the verb 'To Be' in Hebrew can be made from the four hebrew letters of YHVH - that is: HaYa, was, HoVeH, is, and YiHYeH, will be.  In other words, our best understanding of God's most intimate name is 'always-ness', or 'Eternal'.  And we do know that God is One - a Unity - and hence we use the terms Eternal, Eternal One or Eternal God when we represent YHVH in translations.

I think this addresses much of what you say about your views of Christianity, but let me add something about a 'Messiah'. In the Progressive movement, we tend to believe or hope more for a 'Messianic time' than an individual Messiah (Mashiach).  In part this is because we have been damaged too many times by claims of false Messiahs.  Indeed the Rabbis teach us that if you are planting a tree (symbol of investment in the future), and they cry 'The Messiah has come, the Messiah has come', first finish planting the tree, then go and see!  The Jewish test of whether the Messiah has really come, is 'is the world perfect? Have people stopped terrorising others, so each may live under their vine and fig tree, and the lion may lie down with the lamb?  With that test, clearly Jesus was not the Messiah.  So though we accept Jesus - probably Yehoshua or Yeshu - as a thoroughly Jewish, if perhaps radical and charismatic, teacher and healer, we reject Christ - the anointed, Messianic aspect - and indeed Christianity had to develop an entirely new theology of 'the second coming' for exactly the same reason.  You could say they are still waiting for the Messiah to bring a time of perfection - and so are we!  And when Menachem Mendel Shneerson (commonly known as The Lubavitcher Rebbe) died in 1994, his (ultra-orthodox Jewish) followers concluded that he was the Messiah - because not only was he so loved and saintly, but he had not appointed a successor - so he must have known that he was the Messiah! They waited by his bedside for days, and weeks, and eventually had to borrow a theology foreign to Judaism - that he would return! (Hence the 'We want Mashiach Now! movement').

But never mind them.  The strongest reason, in my opinion, for not relying on an individual saviour, is that it would take the onus off us!  If we seek a 'Messianic time', a 'Time of Perfection', then we should get off our daily grind, and do whatever we can to move the world in that direction.  In that regard, the prayer book becomes a 'mirror of prayer', a checklist - are we matching up to God's expectations for us?  Are we doing all that we have the (God-given) potential to do?  And by the way, this is not really that different from Jewish tradition, as stated by Rav Isaac Kook; each of us has the potential to be the Messiah!

Hope that all helps!

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

A Chinese person with exposure to various traditions finds Judaism most appealing.

Dear Progressive Judaism Victoria,

My name is David and I am currently a non Jewish student with a
great fascination about Jewish/Israeli culture and theological practice.
Though I am not an extremely religious person I feel very connected to the
Jewish people as well as the land of Israel. I have deep sympathy and
admiration for the triumph of the Zionist movement against all odds and so I
visited Israel earlier in January and I can say, despite my substantially
secular thinking, my connection towards the Jewish people and Israel
intensified a lot. I am looking at perhaps a conversion to Reconstructionist
Judaism in the future so I am interested in the process of applying and
going through the Online Courses offered by PJV.  

Thank You

PS, I know according to the Halakah a convert has to be dissuaded three
times before being accepted into the course. It's a test of not taking no
for an answer and after all one is not going to be a good Jew without some
Chutzpah :)....

Rabbi Jonathan asked David for further details:

Hi David,

Ellen has passed your enquiry about the on-line Introduction to Judaism course to me as I am the course Supervising Rabbi.  Thank you for your interest.

If you decide it is for you, we will extend a very warm and hearty welcome.  Be reassured that, if you do proceed, and if you do ultimately apply to convert, we will not send you away three times, despite the halacha!

We are delighted when intelligent adults come to the conclusion that a Progressive Jewish approach offers a meaningful and stimulating spiritual framework for their lives.  If only many born Jews realised what a treasure they had inherited!

Reconstructionism, as you seem to be aware, has less emphasis on a 'personal, responsive God', and more on culture and 'peoplehood'. Since we believe in 'Educated Choice' and that everyone's journey and experience is different, we have no problem with this, and indeed the Reconstructionist Movement has for years now been a part of the 'World Union of Progressive Judaism', our global body. Our colleague in Adelaide, Rabbi Shoshana Kaminsky, who was until recently the Chair of our Rabbinic Assembly, graduated from a Reconstructionist Seminary in the US.

Can I ask for a bit more background to understand your situation - where you are living? Have you spoken to a Rabbi about your interest up to now? Have you attended Shabbat services?

I look forward to hearing back from you,

L'shalom



Dear Rabbi,

I live in Hobart and have consulted with the local Progressive Jewish community. I have not attended their Shabbat services but I have had Hebrew lessons there and experienced Shabbat in Israel when I went over there in January. I have not yet have had a serious discussion with a Rabbi that is representative of any community regarding my intentions to study Judaism and maybe convert. (Apparently the Progressive Community in Hobart does not have a progressive Rabbi and they have joint services with Modern Orthodox congregations). I do have a vague understanding of the process, study period, Beit Din and The Bris Milah + Mikvah ceremonies. This is why I am contacting Progressive Judaism Victoria. 

Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Thanks David.  With regard to Hobart, you are slightly incorrect - although the orthodox and Progressive are both members of the same community and have social and other events together, they do hold separate orthodox and progressive services.  This is very important, especially if you wish to go on to convert, as it will be necessary to attend services regularly, including the main ones of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot.  

By the way there is also a Progressive Consulting Rabbi attached to the community who visits at least annually.  If you do decide to go ahead with the conversion after the Intro course, I would be willing to be your Sponsoring Rabbi in the absence of a permanent Progressive colleague being there.  

You have not told us what your work is, what age group you are and what your family situation is, all of which are useful to understand more your needs and expectations and how best to support you, so please let me know.

I suggest that the next step is to review the on-line course for which you will find details at: http://pjv.org.au/education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course#overlay-context=education/introduction-judaism-course-online-course

There are materials and questions for two free introductory sessions.  Please do those and submit them to tutor1@pjv.org.au, and we'll take it from there.

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Dear Rabbi Jonathan:

To give a brief introduction of myself, I am Chinese. I grew up in a multicultural background. In terms of religious background my family is pretty mixed, most of them live in China. My dad is a devout Tibetan Buddhist, whilst my mum's theological beliefs are eclectic. My aunt is a devout Christian who started her own church and my grandparents are/were atheists brought up under an era of communism.  However ever since I was in my teenager years, I have been fascinated by Judaism, Zionism and the State of Israel, especially whilst others seem to have an unwarranted and naive bias against Israel. I greatly sympathize with Israel and the Jewish people, especially their tremendous society (it's not easy to be a democracy when everybody around wants to murder you) and scientific achievements. The connection I feel for Israel only intensified when I visited Israel earlier this year.

As for my occupation, I work in international relations.  This has had a substantial impact on my decision to convert to Progressive/Reconstructionist Judaism. I am not biased against Hasadic and Orthodox Judaism: in fact the Chabad's holy book, the Tanya, and its description of the Human nature in the Tzaddik (yetzer HaTov/Good spiritual inclination) and Rasha (Yetzer Ra/bad inclination) along with various other concepts had a dramatic impact in sparking my interest in Judaism. In question of my religious beliefs and my feelings towards the Torah and other academic items, I am a believer in both Baruch Spinoza (Very famed Jewish Renaissance philosopher... a pioneer of panenthiesm/Pandeism) and Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan, founder of Reconstructionism. If I am not mistaken, Rabbi Jonathan, being a panenthiest/Pandeist who has a more rationalist approach to God and who accepts the Torah/Halakah on a contextual folklore basis should not disqualify a person from converting, right???  Although Spinoza and Kaplan are somewhat too modern, even the famed Hasidic Rabbi Israel Ben Eliezer did have some panenthiest theological principles..... 

My belief in Progressive Judaism also stems from the fact that when I read the Torah, I do not see it as a divine originated historical document but a very wise ancient text on human nature and morality written by divinely inspired individuals.

To which Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Thanks David,

I'd be a bit wary about describing/thinking of yourself as panetheist/pandeist.  Although we don't need to narrow God down into the biblical/Michaelangelo 'super-man' image (old man, long beard, on a cloud!), it is a fundamental belief of Judaism that there is 'one universal creator' (Sh'ma - Listen up you Jews, Our God is Eternal, the Eternal God is ONE).

Though there are doubtless atheist Jews and Buddhist Jews and even pantheist Jews, once one is a Jew, we can't stop anyone from believing whatever they want ('ortho-dox' is a misnomer as one does not have to have one - equal - belief, just a standard [set of] practice).

Generally, 'joining the club' may require beliefs and understandings that those who are already members of the club may not fully share!  And I am probably more liberal and accommodating in this area than some of my colleagues!

However a Progressive Jewish understanding of Torah absolutely coincides with yours.  We are not expecting you to believe that God gave Torah!

Hope that helps,

L'shalom

Rabbi Jonathan

Dear Rabbi Jonathan,

I am by no means a polytheist at all!  I see God as a singularity - an all-powerful form of sentient energy that encompasses the working laws of the natural universe - there has to be a singular intelligent all powerful force behind it to make all the delicate conditions for life. 

To which Rabbi Jonathan responded:

Great response,
Thanks David, I look forward to working with you!

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

Can I become Jewish in Alice Springs?

Hello,
My name is Jeremy and I live in Alice Springs. I am interested in converting to Judaism. Would it be possible for me to do this through your community although I live far away from Melbourne?

I noticed you have an online conversion program with 7 modules, how much does each module cost?

Does the program include a beth din and immersion in a mikva, presentation of a hebrew name and a form saying that I've converted to Judaism? Would I need to travel to Melbourne to receive this?

I hope to hear from you soon and please ask me any questions if necessary

Rabbi Jonathan responds:

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for contacting us.  The Introduction to Judaism Course is a comprehensive introduction to Progressive Judaism - a great framework for modern Jewish life - but it is not a conversion course on its own.  It is very difficult - even for someone already Jewish - to live a fulfilling Jewish life away from other Jews and community.  Sadly, in Alice, you are indeed a very long way from any regular Jewish community.  If you are interested, Rabbi Raymond Apple has written a fascinating summary of (the lack of) Jewish life in the NT at: http://www.oztorah.com/2010/02/northern-territory-the-jewish-community-that-never-was/

For conversion to Judaism we require:

i) Good general knowledge (Intro course)

ii) Ability to read (decode) Hebrew

iii) Relationship with a Rabbi (the 'Sponsoring Rabbi')

iv) Relationship with a congregation which will accept you

v) Circumcision for a male (except in special circumstances).

Until we can find an effective way to link people in to a 'virtual community' therefore, I do not see how we will be able to help you to become Jewish.  The Introduction course, though, will certainly give a very good understanding and overview of Judaism from a Progressive perspective, and be an excellent grounding should you at a later time move to be within reach of a community.  You will find locations for all Progressive Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Asia at: http://upj.org.au/index.php/community/constituents

I can however answer your questions.  The seven modules currently cost $145 each (including personal tutor support and marking).  A Bet Din (Jewish court) and Mikveh (ritual immersion) are not part of the Introduction Course - as explained above, the conversion is an additional stage and there is a moderate additional cost for the Bet Din and Mikveh.  You would need to come to either Melbourne or Sydney where the Bet Din sits regularly.  On successfully completing the Bet Din and Mikveh, you would be presented with a certificate recognising your conversion and joining the Jewish people - and it would include the Jewish name that you have chosen.  Although this conversion certificate would be acceptable across the Progressive (Reform/Liberal/Reconstructionist) Jewish world (the majority of synagogues in the world), and by Israel for Aliyah, it would not be acceptable by most orthodox communities or Rabbis (including in Israel).

I do hope that makes the situation clearer and will be very happy to discuss your situation further.

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