Jews preferentially, please, how would I go about learning Judaism?
I've tried learning from books, internet articles, and videos. But for quite some time I've tossed around the idea of maybe visiting a synagogue. I'm a devout practicing Catholic, and I have no intention of converting, but I have a real appreciation for Judaism and a genuine interest in learning and understanding it from the inside. If I were to make a phone call to the nearest Orthodox synagogue, for example, or maybe visit, what would they make of me? What's your advice?
Feivel2012-11-15T08:53:31Z
Favorite Answer
Most Shul's are welcome of visitors as long as you don't try to evangelize. Then you will be asked to leave. Call and ask if you can visit. If the Rabbi says no or is rude, find another Shul. My Shul welcomes visitors and I have often found myself talking to the person answering questions. Many do not want to convert but just wanted to see what an Orthodox Shul was like to have a better understanding and appreciation for Judaism. I once met a guy who grew up in the south (Alabama I believe) and his family was active in some hate group. He grew up and moved to an area with blacks and found them to be great people (unlike his family had taught him). When he moved not too far away from our neighborhood, he decided to visit a Shul and see for himself. He was told we spent a lot of our service denouncing jesus (jesus is never mentioned) and talking about how gentiles are awful people we can slay if given a chance (we are not told that and nothing about gentiles is talked about). My father, brother and I answered his questions and then asked him about his upbringing and he actually came to our house for Shabbat dinner once. He is a nice guy. He had no intention of converting but was simply interested. We helped dispel myths that he held and we learned a lot from him. That type of things happens in many Shul's, not just mine (probably less so in mine because I live in a Jewish community), so you will surely be welcomed. If you have questions when it is over, ask someone or if you don't feel comfortable doing that, come back to this forum and ask on here. There are MANY people here who could answer any questions you might have (but I feel 99.9% certain you will be treated warmly and people will help answer your questions)
Do know when you arrive that in an Orthodox Shul, men and women sit apart (sometimes just a divider in the middle and sometimes women on an upper level if the Shul is older and the congregation is large) and in some Shul's there is an entrance for women and an entrance for men. You might ask on the phone before you go so you don't make a mistake. Also, dress nicely and not to brightly colored. You will stand out.
Good luck and enjoy the experience.
If you want to learn about Judaism the best way are the basic books "The Idiots Guide to Judaism" (part of the Idiot series of books) and Judaism for Dummies (part of the Dummies series of books). Though I hate the names, I have read both and found both were accurate and no doubt would be helpful to anyone wanting to learn about Judaism for either conversion or just interest in Judaism for scholarship sake.
Here's a website that I've found to be quite useful: http://www.jewfaq.org
I'd suggest that your initial visit be to a Reform or Conservative synagogue, not that the Orthodox wouldn't welcome you, but because the service at a Reform or Conservative synagogue would be easier for you to understand.
How do you determine if a synagogue ("shul") is Reform, Conservative or Orthodox? Well, googling their name would be good, as most have websites that have that information. Another way is to look at the congregation name: if it has "Temple" in the name, it is likely Reform.
i think what it might be worth doing is either ring a rabbi at the local synagogue and ask if you can meet him to learn about judaism or if he can somehow help out whether it be introducing you to a observant family or if you live near or know where there is a jewish community. approach a member of the community either by politely asking on the street or going into one of the shops and explaining the situation, they will either quite happily teach you about judaism and answer your questions and or alternatively advise you who you need to speak to and how to get hold of him or her
You can absolutely go visit and see what you think. you can call first if you like, it's generally the suggested way to go, but it's also possible to just show up, as long as you dress nicely and show respect. Orthodox can be a little hard to follow, but if you're willing to try, I say go for it. It's something you can really learn from.
If you want to up your comfort zone first with an idea of how a jewish service works, there is an online liberal synagogue which holds various services on live stream at oneshul.org if you get nervous, but nothing can replace the feeling of actually being there.
Also, while it's not the right time of year for it, a Passover seder might be a good introduction to Judaism. If you have any Jewish friends who do a seder, you might be able to get them to invite you. I believe the first seder this year will be on Monday, March 25.