razzmatazz
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Hi everyone!
I've been visiting this forum for quite some time, but i've only just taken the courage to introduce myself- I'm awfully shy
I live in South east London (oh the joys!...) & I am 'originally' a catholic, although I didnt have a religious upbringing and never practiced. The truth is that I've always felt quite alienated by Christian doctrines, it just doesn't 'fit in' with me.
I have been exploring Judaism (at a very novice level, ha!) and the more I read, the more I feel this is like a spiritual 'coming home'. Reading and surfing the net is great, but I would really like to be part of a study class, and I'm considering conversion. I've thought of approaching the West London Synagogue, I was wondering if anybody here had had any experiences or worships there? I guess that quite predictably I am rather nervous about the whole thing- will they regard me with suspicion and grill me with awkward questions? Although I can fully understand why this might be the case, it doesn't make it less daunting... This has been fuelled by some of my (atheist)friends making some sceptical & negative comments to the effect that even if I was to convert, I would never be fully accepted.
Of course I am not allowing these views to deter me as i know that a lot of converts also have a positive experience (anybody out there?) It's just, ahem, a bit scary (please don't tell me to get a grip or anything, I'm doing my best for that first step!)
The fact is that I consider embracing Judaism not just about adopting the beliefs and practices, but also (and obviously) very much about being part of the community... I have no jewish friends or converts to share their thoughts with me, so please do!
Thank you all in advance. This forum has been such a fantastic source of learning- a special thanks to the erudites extraordinaire Bananabrain & Dauer, whose posts are always engrossing, thought provoking, and often witty too![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
By the way BB, I emailed you quite some time ago (when I was still hiding in my cyber closet, ha!) asking for a recommendation on which Torah to get. I've been reading Etz Hayim but I think you suggested another one, could you remind me?
A bientot!
Razz
I've been visiting this forum for quite some time, but i've only just taken the courage to introduce myself- I'm awfully shy
I have been exploring Judaism (at a very novice level, ha!) and the more I read, the more I feel this is like a spiritual 'coming home'. Reading and surfing the net is great, but I would really like to be part of a study class, and I'm considering conversion. I've thought of approaching the West London Synagogue, I was wondering if anybody here had had any experiences or worships there? I guess that quite predictably I am rather nervous about the whole thing- will they regard me with suspicion and grill me with awkward questions? Although I can fully understand why this might be the case, it doesn't make it less daunting... This has been fuelled by some of my (atheist)friends making some sceptical & negative comments to the effect that even if I was to convert, I would never be fully accepted.
Of course I am not allowing these views to deter me as i know that a lot of converts also have a positive experience (anybody out there?) It's just, ahem, a bit scary (please don't tell me to get a grip or anything, I'm doing my best for that first step!)
The fact is that I consider embracing Judaism not just about adopting the beliefs and practices, but also (and obviously) very much about being part of the community... I have no jewish friends or converts to share their thoughts with me, so please do!
Thank you all in advance. This forum has been such a fantastic source of learning- a special thanks to the erudites extraordinaire Bananabrain & Dauer, whose posts are always engrossing, thought provoking, and often witty too
By the way BB, I emailed you quite some time ago (when I was still hiding in my cyber closet, ha!) asking for a recommendation on which Torah to get. I've been reading Etz Hayim but I think you suggested another one, could you remind me?
A bientot!
Razz