Kicked out

[Jasmine-FL]

Following our previous discussion on Acts 15 and how believers were suppose to attend synagogues to learn more I decided to visit a beit chabad this saturday. I arrived there before service and the rabbi, noticing I was not one of the regulars, asked me if I was Jewish I explained to him that I was not, but I knew that Jews had a special relationship with God and I wanted to learn more about God. So he asked me to leave, explaining that the saturday morning was only for Jews and that they had activities for Gentiles but they couldn't mix Jews and Gentiles together in the same activities. Before asking me, I saw that he asked another person the same questions, like are you Jewish are your parents Jewish are your grandparents Jewish, what is your Jewish surname etc. Sounds more like an attitude of a gestapo officer than of a religious man. I never felt so humiliated in my whole life. Why did he do this to me? Even my Jewish neighbors were shocked when I told them what happened.

 

[Yael]

I am sorry you felt humiliated in that encounter. The way you describe it, it sounds very unsettling. I can't answer for this particular person or the circumstances. I would recommend perhaps trying a Conservative or Reform Shul.


I don't know how Chabad usually operate in those situations. I know the first time I went to a Chabad service, I wasn't quizzed prior to the service. I was asked similar questions during the Oneg.

They may have some policy or practice in place that precludes gentiles from certain activities. They may have been targeted by gentiles for missionary encounters. I am just speculating. You may call them on a weekday and ask why this happened. You may get a more clearer answer.

I would respectfully like to say that using the term "gestapo officer" to describe a Rabbi is offensive. I understand you were hurt and insulted, but perhaps another adjective might be better used.

It's never a good thing when folks are disrespectful or offensive to each other in terms of their religious practices. I personally had an encounter with a gal who was very interested in Judaism. She had taken to wearing rings with Hebrew inscriptions, planning trips to Israel. She is a Christian. The one comment she made to me after finding out I was Jewish and not a believer was "I feel so sorry for you that you don't believe in Jesus." I avoid her like the plague to this day. I see her three and four times a week at my work. So I can emphatize with you on some things in this situation.

 

[Talmidah]

Jasmine, I am so sorry that this happened to you. I am also very surprised. I can imagine how you must have felt. I have been to different Chabad services and have never noticed anything like that take place.

I second Yael's suggestion of calling up during the week and asking about this. And please don't write off all synagogues because of this. Her suggestion of visiting a Reform or Conservative synagogue is all a good one. I have heard that in Reform synagogues around 50% of the people are non-Jews. I attend a Conservative one and I know of a couple of people who are not Jews and attend pretty regularly.

 

[sojeru]

WOW!

that is very unfortunate for both you and the person who asked you!

However, he probably had his reasons.

To each community they have their personal rules.

But I am sorrowful that it happened to you- you who do wish to learn.

You live in Argentina, Correct?

do you have a husband?

if so to either, I will see what I can do and send you to a specific Synoga.

Shalom u'brachot
Antonio

 

[Sephania]

Argentina? Gosh, I thought the FL after her name menat she was in Florida.

 

[rooster]

She is lucky, over here, before i even get close to the gate of a synagogue, the Gurkha at the gate would had ventilated me with his MP5 then pounce on me to finish me off with his kukri.

(forgive my tasteless joke)

But seriously, over here the synagogues looks like frontier forts, with barbwire and barricades manned by tough looking, little brown man who looks like they rather use their hands then the standard issue sub-machine gun.

 

[Jasmine-FL]

Such sweet replies thank you so much I apologize if I have offended anyone in my anger. After this I have decided that Orthodox judaism is not my cup of tea. I will try to find a conservative synagogue to visit. From what you guys describe they seem to be more open. I am from Cordoba (Argentina) FL in my nickname stands for Floyd, my surname I would love to visit Florida though. Maybe then I could visit some of you?

In Christ's love,
~J~

 

[Sephania]

LOL, Yes there are many Jews in Florida Jasmine, and I am sure there are many synagogue there that would welcome you, bth Orthodox and Messianic. Perhaps you should take sojeru up on his offer to help you? Dont' let one bad experience spoil everything, have you tried calling there? I don't know but perhaps this could be the Argentinia way of testing to see if you are serious? Like in the states if you want to convert you are turned down a ritual amount of times to be sure you aren't just trying it on for size, but instead a lifetime commitment?

Pray about it and then call, see what happens.