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Converting to Judaism
I'm converting to Judaism. Yes, I know it's a very rigorous process. Yes, I know I won't be accepted by some branches of Judaism. I have done all of the research, I'm planning on talking with a rabbi in my area soon and start conversion classes. It's what is right for me, I know it. The only problem is that I'm afraid to tell my family and friends. My parents themselves are not religious at all. They celebrate Christian holidays because my mother was raised Catholic and my father was raised Orthodox, but neither one of them ever raised my siblings and me in a certain religion. My mother's stepmom is even Jewish, as is my dad's brother-in-law. I know that this is what I need to do, what will make me feel whole. I've always felt a part of the Jewish community, even when I was younger, I just don't know how to tell my family this. I tried to bring it up with my older brother and he didn't really understand. He asked me, "Why do you need some sort of organized religion? Why can't you just believe what you believe?". Being the youngest, they don't always take me seriously. My mom really loves celebrating the holidays too and I don't really know how she'll react. What should I do to let them know?
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Spirituality?
Celebrating "the holidays" won't change if you are Jewish.
Chanukah and Christmas often coexist on certain lovely days of December. Chanukah is generally perceived as less materialistic as Christmas because it is more than a birthday.
With that said, I assume you'll be converting to reform Judaism. If that's not what you were originally doing, I recommend it highly.
Reform Judaism is the "level" of Judaism that is the freest and lets you believe more of what you want with the Torah as guidance. I know of a few reform Jews that are wondering if there is a God. They do not wear kippot or tzitzit. Many keep kosher just as many do not. Reform Judaism is very, very big on fixing the world, or tikkun olam (this is also known as social action). You can google it. Those alone should help your family accept it. That and it's VERY similar to Christianity except that we Jews do not believe that the Messiah has come, whereas Christians believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
Welcome to Judaism, and let me know if you have any more questions.
IGAM 16/f
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Well, you need to tell them, openly and honestly. You can certainly do it one at a time if that will make it easier, but I think it's very, very important that you are clear with your parents about your choice to practice Judaism. As you are still a teenager you will likely need their support to be able to practice the restrictions and observances.
The thing that will help this conversation go smoothly is if you can anticipate and provide answers to their most pressing questions. A rabbi may be able to help you guess what these questions will be, but you can probably guess a few of them yourself. The big question of course will be “Why?” but also important are things like "Does this mean you'll refuse to celebrate Christmas with us?" or "Does this mean you wont eat the food I prepare for you?" are questions that will be important to your parents. You need to understand that you are in fact asking a great deal of them if you expect them not only to accept your belief but also to assist you in abiding by them. Many parents would find that latter expectation to be a bit much. Living in a household with more then one religious observance (I grew up in one with three. Four, if you count different types of Christianity) can be difficult and it requires an open mind and flexibility, from you as well as them.
Ease them into it now by talking to them about your interest in Judaism. That will prepare them a bit better and make it less of a surprise. Then talk to a rabbi to get some information and guidance on how to discuss your intention to convert.
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