01-02-2019, 02:58 PM
Hello again,
I am not sure if I had properly introduced myself in the old forums, but some might have read my "feeling drawn to Judaism" thread. And this is how I found that board. I searched for exactly that phrase, landed here and found some very helpful information as well as a very kind group of forum members.
I am not jewish but I feel drawn to Judaism. I was raised without a religious affiliation, but got insights into Christianity by various activities, school and and groups, but it never felt right for me and I opted out. The attraction towards Judaism has always been there, in the back of my mind, but since I (falsely) learned that you cannot convert to Judaism, I never thought about becoming jewish myself. I led a life without religion and just sometimes wondered if there are others where my belief system (in lack of a better word) might fit in. When I was travelling to Israel last September, I used the opportunity to learn more (or, better phrased, started learning) about the religion and culture. A lot of things klicked for me, there were many congruencies and I completely felt "at home" somehow.
Encouraged by the forum (
) I started contacting different synagogues when I returned home and attended services at a reform one which welcomed me warmly. After that, I felt a bit overwhelmed and took some time for more or less quiet consideration if this path feels right. I read more. I am very thankful for the recommendations I got here - I enjoy reading "A code of jewish ethics" currently and it is definitely a wonderful book that impacts me profoundly. I attend political and cultural events and continue learning. The synagogue offered me to join their bi-weekly adult education sessions and I am looking forward to attending. Right now, I am struggling a bit to integrate the fixed dates into my somewhat packed work life and I honestly feel a bit worried that I might not be able to attend as regularly as I would like to. But I think that going whenever I can fit it in is better than not going at all.
So far, I feel that getting more and more acquainted with Judaism has become an integral part of my life. It really does not feel like a chore, on the contrary, it feels so important yet at the same time so enjoyable for me. No matter where this path leads to, I feel that this learning is worth it, even if I should end up not wishing to convert in the end.
So, that's my backstory.
Other than becoming religious, I currently enjoy learning Hebrew, am a hobbyist game-developer and like to make music and sound effects and draw/paint. I live with about 30 plants that I love and do travel by pet- and housesitting. I love reading and enjoy science, arts and the outdoors. I am working in research (Human Computer Interaction, focusing on eye tracking in VR) and have too many interests to fit into one life, but on the positive side, I never get bored. My main joy and ambition in life is to bring joy to others by creating, be it games, my lectures or music.
Thank you for reading!
I am not sure if I had properly introduced myself in the old forums, but some might have read my "feeling drawn to Judaism" thread. And this is how I found that board. I searched for exactly that phrase, landed here and found some very helpful information as well as a very kind group of forum members.
I am not jewish but I feel drawn to Judaism. I was raised without a religious affiliation, but got insights into Christianity by various activities, school and and groups, but it never felt right for me and I opted out. The attraction towards Judaism has always been there, in the back of my mind, but since I (falsely) learned that you cannot convert to Judaism, I never thought about becoming jewish myself. I led a life without religion and just sometimes wondered if there are others where my belief system (in lack of a better word) might fit in. When I was travelling to Israel last September, I used the opportunity to learn more (or, better phrased, started learning) about the religion and culture. A lot of things klicked for me, there were many congruencies and I completely felt "at home" somehow.
Encouraged by the forum (
) I started contacting different synagogues when I returned home and attended services at a reform one which welcomed me warmly. After that, I felt a bit overwhelmed and took some time for more or less quiet consideration if this path feels right. I read more. I am very thankful for the recommendations I got here - I enjoy reading "A code of jewish ethics" currently and it is definitely a wonderful book that impacts me profoundly. I attend political and cultural events and continue learning. The synagogue offered me to join their bi-weekly adult education sessions and I am looking forward to attending. Right now, I am struggling a bit to integrate the fixed dates into my somewhat packed work life and I honestly feel a bit worried that I might not be able to attend as regularly as I would like to. But I think that going whenever I can fit it in is better than not going at all. So far, I feel that getting more and more acquainted with Judaism has become an integral part of my life. It really does not feel like a chore, on the contrary, it feels so important yet at the same time so enjoyable for me. No matter where this path leads to, I feel that this learning is worth it, even if I should end up not wishing to convert in the end.
So, that's my backstory.
Other than becoming religious, I currently enjoy learning Hebrew, am a hobbyist game-developer and like to make music and sound effects and draw/paint. I live with about 30 plants that I love and do travel by pet- and housesitting. I love reading and enjoy science, arts and the outdoors. I am working in research (Human Computer Interaction, focusing on eye tracking in VR) and have too many interests to fit into one life, but on the positive side, I never get bored. My main joy and ambition in life is to bring joy to others by creating, be it games, my lectures or music.
Thank you for reading!