ThereseTheLittleFlower said:
At one time I thought about looking into Judaism but never did it, it was suggested to me because my biological father is Jewish (not practicing though), and it was posed why don't you practice it, because it's in your bloodline.
Well next Saturday, I plan on attending a service, what should I expect? I figured that'd attend for like a month or so, and see how I like it, that way not to make an hasty decisions, like I did when I joined the Catholic Church, i'm bad about that.
Also, what does Judaic mean? That's what the Synagogue I was thinking about going to, is listed as in the phonebook.
Another question: I still believe in Jesus, yet if I choose to practice Judaism, I don't want to be a Messianic Jew, I feel the traditional way is the way to practice a religion. I was told by a friend of mine's father that, on my journey that wouldn't be the important thing. But i'm worried wouldn't it cause a problem?
Thanks for the help in advance you guys!
REN
Shalom
Therese.
We can compare notes next week. My situation is a little different from yours. I managed to spend some 50 years in and out of various Christian churches, usually involved in the leadership, having never accepted the Trinity doctrine. But then a few years ago, I found one group of Christian friends after another placing me in informal "Inquisition" tribunals. I began calling myself "Jewish" some 5 years ago, because I realized that my beliefs and practices were closer to those of the Jews than those of the Christians. But I have avoided attending synagogues up until now for various reasons.
That has now changed. A Conservative Synagogue has started in my city, offering Hebrew lessons to the public. I seriously want to become fluent in Hebrew, so of course, I jumped at the chance. Then the rabbi totally surprized me, by inviting me to come to the Shabbat service. I couldn't go last Shabbat, because I had to attend a life-saving class; but I did get there in time for the Oneg afterwards, and stayed on for the Blessing After the Meal -- all sung, and all in Hebrew, but a wonderful experience. My wife will be off next weekend, and we plan to go together to the whole service.
The Shabbat service takes about 2½ hours, all in Hebrew and again, probably mostly sung. I don't envision this being a problem. All of my problems with Christians over the past 57 years have been in English; at least here, I can plead ignorance. But I think it will be a good experience, because I love being around Jewish people, especially the old folks.
I went to a Messianic fellowship for about a year, a few years back. The folks there were all very friendly, and we plan on having the Rabbi and his wife over for dinner next Sunday. Messianics are mostly Trinitarians, like Christians. This particular Rabbi never gave me a hard time about my beliefs, but they did keep me from full participation in his fellowship. I went simply as a visitor. They had a Chazzan who was raised Jewish, but the Rabbi was trained as a Baptist Minister and converted to "Messianic Judaism". Of course, the religious Jews would not consider him a "Rabbi" because he's not one of theirs. (They don't accept me as Jewish either, but you know all about that sort of thing. I use the Magen David here, because
CF considers me Jewish).
I feel like a cow on the auction block, with so many people looking me over to try to figure out how I'll fit into their freezers; and I've never been comfortable in religious circles of any kind. But the Conservatives seem friendly enough so far, and we desperately need friends, so we'll forge on ahead.
I wish you the best.
Shalom shalom
