Emerging Jewish

Emerging Jewish PDF Author: Rabbi Daniel Kohn
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1469100894
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 78

Get Book Here

Book Description
Converting to Judaism can be an arduous process. After all, the Jewish tradition is over three thousand years old, filled with a rich history of significant events, great literature, sophisticated theology, a full calendar of holidays, and chock-full of home rituals, spiritual practices, customs and commandments. It is a comprehensive way of life and this wealth of knowledge can be an exhausting obstacle to a potential convert. It is no wonder that many formal courses for conversion to Judaism can take over a year--there is a lot to learn! But perhaps even more difficult than the formal educational process, for some people, the informal, social aspect of converting to Judaism can be especially challenging. Becoming a Jew is more than simply adopting a new faith and set of spiritual practices; it also involves joining a whole new people and ethnic group. For some converts, marrying into a Jewish family means trying to win the acceptance of Jewish in-laws who may be less-than-enlightened about the conversion process. For others, it may mean working to acquire the approval of Jewish friends and acquaintances in a community or synagogue. There is also the challenge of dealing with the complex and varied reactions of non-Jewish family members and friends. Unfortunately, not all Jews-by-Choice are immediately supported by their families-of-origin or welcomed into the Jewish people with open arms. For many new Jews, developing and independent sense of their own Jewish identity, a feeling of belonging, authenticity, and ease in the Jewish religion and amongst the Jewish people can be a long-term struggle. This book contains information that many rabbis and teachers probably feel uncomfortable divulging to students studying for conversion. This book is about the unpleasant, painful and even unfair side of the experience of Jewish conversion. In fact, I had originally titled it, What the Rabbis Wont Tell You About Becoming a Jew, because no rabbi wants to reveal the pitfalls and challenges that potential converts to Judaism might face. Based on personal experiences, anecdotal evidence from former converts, as well as direct observation, this book presents strategies for coping with unsupportive non-Jewish family members and friends, the inherently discriminatory nature of the process of conversion to Judaism, the prejudicial anti-convert views that some Jews-by-Choice may confront when interacting with a small number of bigoted, ignorant members of the Jewish community, and coming to grips with the fact that no matter what denomination of the rabbi who officiates at the conversion, there will always be someone who will claim the process was not Jewish "enough" and therefore invalid. These are the kinds of topics no rabbi or teacher wants to bring up when discussing the joys and spiritual highlights of conversion to Judaism. However, I feel that it is a disservice to Jews-by-Choice not to be inoculated against these potentially explosive issues. And let's not forget the reaction of non-Jewish friends and family who also may be less-than-pleased by the spiritual choice of a loved one who suddenly announces their interest in converting to Judaism. It is not at all uncommon for non-Jewish family members to experience a sense of guilt over what they might have done "wrong" which lead their son/daughter/brother/sister to abandon their faith-of-origin. Some families and friends may even experience the conversion of a child or friend as an act of abandonment. And some devoutly Christian friends and family members may sincerely worry about the ultimate and eternal disposition of the soul of a convert to Judaism whom they believe may now be condemned to eternal damnation. Especially given the unique and complicated relationship of Christianity to Judaism, converting to Judaism for many former and even unaffiliated Christians can present numerous challenges to their families and frie

Emerging Jewish

Emerging Jewish PDF Author: Rabbi Daniel Kohn
Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
ISBN: 1469100894
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 78

Get Book Here

Book Description
Converting to Judaism can be an arduous process. After all, the Jewish tradition is over three thousand years old, filled with a rich history of significant events, great literature, sophisticated theology, a full calendar of holidays, and chock-full of home rituals, spiritual practices, customs and commandments. It is a comprehensive way of life and this wealth of knowledge can be an exhausting obstacle to a potential convert. It is no wonder that many formal courses for conversion to Judaism can take over a year--there is a lot to learn! But perhaps even more difficult than the formal educational process, for some people, the informal, social aspect of converting to Judaism can be especially challenging. Becoming a Jew is more than simply adopting a new faith and set of spiritual practices; it also involves joining a whole new people and ethnic group. For some converts, marrying into a Jewish family means trying to win the acceptance of Jewish in-laws who may be less-than-enlightened about the conversion process. For others, it may mean working to acquire the approval of Jewish friends and acquaintances in a community or synagogue. There is also the challenge of dealing with the complex and varied reactions of non-Jewish family members and friends. Unfortunately, not all Jews-by-Choice are immediately supported by their families-of-origin or welcomed into the Jewish people with open arms. For many new Jews, developing and independent sense of their own Jewish identity, a feeling of belonging, authenticity, and ease in the Jewish religion and amongst the Jewish people can be a long-term struggle. This book contains information that many rabbis and teachers probably feel uncomfortable divulging to students studying for conversion. This book is about the unpleasant, painful and even unfair side of the experience of Jewish conversion. In fact, I had originally titled it, What the Rabbis Wont Tell You About Becoming a Jew, because no rabbi wants to reveal the pitfalls and challenges that potential converts to Judaism might face. Based on personal experiences, anecdotal evidence from former converts, as well as direct observation, this book presents strategies for coping with unsupportive non-Jewish family members and friends, the inherently discriminatory nature of the process of conversion to Judaism, the prejudicial anti-convert views that some Jews-by-Choice may confront when interacting with a small number of bigoted, ignorant members of the Jewish community, and coming to grips with the fact that no matter what denomination of the rabbi who officiates at the conversion, there will always be someone who will claim the process was not Jewish "enough" and therefore invalid. These are the kinds of topics no rabbi or teacher wants to bring up when discussing the joys and spiritual highlights of conversion to Judaism. However, I feel that it is a disservice to Jews-by-Choice not to be inoculated against these potentially explosive issues. And let's not forget the reaction of non-Jewish friends and family who also may be less-than-pleased by the spiritual choice of a loved one who suddenly announces their interest in converting to Judaism. It is not at all uncommon for non-Jewish family members to experience a sense of guilt over what they might have done "wrong" which lead their son/daughter/brother/sister to abandon their faith-of-origin. Some families and friends may even experience the conversion of a child or friend as an act of abandonment. And some devoutly Christian friends and family members may sincerely worry about the ultimate and eternal disposition of the soul of a convert to Judaism whom they believe may now be condemned to eternal damnation. Especially given the unique and complicated relationship of Christianity to Judaism, converting to Judaism for many former and even unaffiliated Christians can present numerous challenges to their families and frie

The New Jewish Baby Book

The New Jewish Baby Book PDF Author: Anita Diamant
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 9781879045286
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 340

Get Book Here

Book Description
This expanded, completely updated and revised edition of the highly acclaimed The Jewish Baby Book includes new ceremonies, a special selection of poems and prayers for use in baby ceremonies, and a section for interfaith families. A unique directory of names that reflect the diveristy of the Jewish experience is included.

Celebrating Your New Jewish Daughter

Celebrating Your New Jewish Daughter PDF Author: Debra Nussbaum Cohen
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
ISBN: 1580230903
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 273

Get Book Here

Book Description
An indispensable "how-to" guide for creating lasting memories and special ceremonies as you welcome your new Jewish daughter. When a son is born, every Jewish parent knows what ceremony will welcome him into the community and signal his part in the Jewish people--the brit milah. What to do when a girl is born? How can you welcome your new daughter in a truly Jewish way, and celebrate your joy with family and friends? In the past, parents who wanted a simchat bat (celebration of a daughter) ceremony for their new daughter often had to start from scratch. Finally, this first-of-its-kind book gives families everything they need to plan the celebration. History & Tradition--The roots of simchat bat in Jewish tradition, how it has evolved and how the past can be used to bring today's dynamic ceremonies to life. A How-to Guide--New and traditional ceremonies, complete with prayers, rituals, handouts to copy and step-by-step instructions for creating your own unique ceremony. Planning the Details--What to call your daughter's welcoming ceremony, when and where to have it, setting it up, how long it should be, how to handle the unexpected, how to prepare a program guide and more. Ideas & Information--Practical guidelines for planning the event, and special suggestions and resources for families of all constellations.

The New Jewish Diaspora

The New Jewish Diaspora PDF Author: Zvi Y. Gitelman
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
ISBN: 0813576318
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 339

Get Book Here

Book Description
In 1900 over five million Jews lived in the Russian empire; today, there are four times as many Russian-speaking Jews residing outside the former Soviet Union than there are in that region. The New Jewish Diaspora is the first English-language study of the Russian-speaking Jewish diaspora. This migration has made deep marks on the social, cultural, and political terrain of many countries, in particular the United States, Israel, and Germany. The contributors examine the varied ways these immigrants have adapted to new environments, while identifying the common cultural bonds that continue to unite them. Assembling an international array of experts on the Soviet and post-Soviet Jewish diaspora, the book makes room for a wide range of scholarly approaches, allowing readers to appreciate the significance of this migration from many different angles. Some chapters offer data-driven analyses that seek to quantify the impact Russian-speaking Jewish populations are making in their adoptive countries and their adaptations there. Others take a more ethnographic approach, using interviews and observations to determine how these immigrants integrate their old traditions and affiliations into their new identities. Further chapters examine how, despite the oceans separating them, members of this diaspora form imagined communities within cyberspace and through literature, enabling them to keep their shared culture alive. Above all, the scholars in The New Jewish Diaspora place the migration of Russian-speaking Jews in its historical and social contexts, showing where it fits within the larger historic saga of the Jewish diaspora, exploring its dynamic engagement with the contemporary world, and pointing to future paths these immigrants and their descendants might follow.

Becoming Jewish

Becoming Jewish PDF Author: Tudor Parfitt
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781443899659
Category : Conversion
Languages : en
Pages : 424

Get Book Here

Book Description
One of the most striking contemporary religious phenomena is the world-wide fascination with Judaism. Traditionally, few non-Jews converted to the Jewish faith, but today millions of people throughout the world are converting to Judaism and are identifying as Jews or Israelites. In this volume, leading scholars of issues related to conversion, Judaising movements and Judaism as a New Religious Movement discuss and explain this global movement towards identification with the Jewish people, from Germany and Poland to China and Nigeria.

New Jewish Feminism

New Jewish Feminism PDF Author: Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
Publisher: Turner Publishing Company
ISBN: 1580236502
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 514

Get Book Here

Book Description
Jewish Feminism: What Have We Accomplished? What Is Still to Be Done? “When you are in the middle of the revolution you can’t really plan the next steps ahead. But now we can. The book is intended to open up a dialogue between the early Jewish feminist pioneers and the young women shaping Judaism today.... Read it, use it, debate it, ponder it.” —from the Introduction This empowering anthology looks at the growth and accomplishments of Jewish feminism and what that means for Jewish women today and tomorrow. It features the voices of women from every area of Jewish life—the Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative, Orthodox and Jewish Renewal movements; rabbis, congregational leaders, artists, writers, community service professionals, academics, and chaplains, from the United States, Canada, and Israel—addressing the important issues that concern Jewish women: Women and Theology Women, Ritual and Torah Women and the Synagogue Women in Israel Gender, Sexuality and Age Women and the Denominations Leadership and Social Justice

Emerging Metropolis

Emerging Metropolis PDF Author: Annie Polland
Publisher: NYU Press
ISBN: 0814771211
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 396

Get Book Here

Book Description
Describes New York’s transformation into a Jewish city Emerging Metropolis tells the story of New York’s emergence as the greatest Jewish city of all time. It explores the Central European and East European Jews’ encounter with New York City, tracing immigrants’ economic, social, religious, political, and cultural adaptation between 1840 and 1920. This meticulously researched volume shows how Jews wove their ambitions and aspirations—for freedom, security, and material prosperity—into the very fabric and physical landscape of the city.

The New Jewish Wedding

The New Jewish Wedding PDF Author: Anita Diamant
Publisher: Scribner
ISBN: 9780671628826
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 276

Get Book Here

Book Description
Complete, authoritative, and indispensable, The New Jewish Wedding provides the couple with options--some new, some old--to create a wedding combining spiritual meaning and joyous celebration. Step-by-step, Diamant guides readers through planning the cermony and the party that follows--from finding a rabbi and wording the invitations to hiring a caterer.

Becoming Frum

Becoming Frum PDF Author: Sarah Bunin Benor
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
ISBN: 0813553911
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 271

Get Book Here

Book Description
When non-Orthodox Jews become frum (religious), they encounter much more than dietary laws and Sabbath prohibitions. They find themselves in the midst of a whole new culture, involving matchmakers, homemade gefilte fish, and Yiddish-influenced grammar. Becoming Frum explains how these newcomers learn Orthodox language and culture through their interactions with community veterans and other newcomers. Some take on as much as they can as quickly as they can, going beyond the norms of those raised in the community. Others maintain aspects of their pre-Orthodox selves, yielding unique combinations, like Matisyahu’s reggae music or Hebrew words and sing-song intonation used with American slang, as in “mamish (really) keepin’ it real.” Sarah Bunin Benor brings insight into the phenomenon of adopting a new identity based on ethnographic and sociolinguistic research among men and women in an American Orthodox community. Her analysis is applicable to other situations of adult language socialization, such as students learning medical jargon or Canadians moving to Australia. Becoming Frum offers a scholarly and accessible look at the linguistic and cultural process of “becoming.”

Black Jews in Africa and the Americas

Black Jews in Africa and the Americas PDF Author: Tudor Parfitt
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674071506
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 188

Get Book Here

Book Description
Black Jews in Africa and the Americas tells the fascinating story of how the Ashanti, Tutsi, Igbo, Zulu, Beta Israel, Maasai, and many other African peoples came to think of themselves as descendants of the ancient tribes of Israel. Pursuing medieval and modern European race narratives over a millennium in which not only were Jews cast as black but black Africans were cast as Jews, Tudor Parfitt reveals a complex history of the interaction between religious and racial labels and their political uses. For centuries, colonialists, travelers, and missionaries, in an attempt to explain and understand the strange people they encountered on the colonial frontier, labeled an astonishing array of African tribes, languages, and cultures as Hebrew, Jewish, or Israelite. Africans themselves came to adopt these identities as their own, invoking their shared histories of oppression, imagined blood-lines, and common traditional practices as proof of a racial relationship to Jews. Beginning in the post-slavery era, contacts between black Jews in America and their counterparts in Africa created powerful and ever-growing networks of black Jews who struggled against racism and colonialism. A community whose claims are denied by many, black Jews have developed a strong sense of who they are as a unique people. In Parfitt’s telling, forces of prejudice and the desire for new racial, redemptive identities converge, illuminating Jewish and black history alike in novel and unexplored ways.