09-25-2020, 05:47 PM
Hi, welcome to the forum!
I am also on the long path towards conversion. The one thing I learned so far is: to have patience. I have started to think about conversion two years ago and connected with a congregation (reform) in my city, but due to Corona everything has been on hold since March. In the beginning, I would have agreed to convert on the spot had it been possible because I was so eager to, but the involuntary waiting due to the circumstances helped me to take it slow and "learn along" with the holidays as the year goes on. Now I trust that my time for conversion will come when it is right for me. If anything, my wish to convert only ever grew stronger and I feel my life starts to interweave not only with Judaism as a religion, but also with Israel. There might be doubts and that's normal. I was doubting myself and my motives a lot, but everyone doubts. It is really a chance to reflect and take on other perspectives, in order to find your personal right way.
It is a lot to learn and there are so many customs, holidays and traditions. What you already can do is to research anything you come across. If you use google calendar, you can add Jewish holidays to your schedule. I did it and always search for the holidays as they come along in order to learn more about them.
For me, online services have been a great resource to welcome Shabbat and to not feel too lonely in regard of observing during these times. If you're in South America, you might find some US-based services online which might suit your time zone. Depending on if you're open to reform, Central Synagogue's live streams might be interesting to you: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/worship/live_streaming
I also have gotten great book recommendations here and from friends, e.g. "A Code of Jewish Ethics" and "Jewish Literacy". both by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin,"Choosing a Jewish Life" by Anita Diamant, who specifically adresses converts (all available as e-books!).
It is great that you and your fiancee can start this journey together! Shabbat shalom!
I am also on the long path towards conversion. The one thing I learned so far is: to have patience. I have started to think about conversion two years ago and connected with a congregation (reform) in my city, but due to Corona everything has been on hold since March. In the beginning, I would have agreed to convert on the spot had it been possible because I was so eager to, but the involuntary waiting due to the circumstances helped me to take it slow and "learn along" with the holidays as the year goes on. Now I trust that my time for conversion will come when it is right for me. If anything, my wish to convert only ever grew stronger and I feel my life starts to interweave not only with Judaism as a religion, but also with Israel. There might be doubts and that's normal. I was doubting myself and my motives a lot, but everyone doubts. It is really a chance to reflect and take on other perspectives, in order to find your personal right way.
It is a lot to learn and there are so many customs, holidays and traditions. What you already can do is to research anything you come across. If you use google calendar, you can add Jewish holidays to your schedule. I did it and always search for the holidays as they come along in order to learn more about them.
For me, online services have been a great resource to welcome Shabbat and to not feel too lonely in regard of observing during these times. If you're in South America, you might find some US-based services online which might suit your time zone. Depending on if you're open to reform, Central Synagogue's live streams might be interesting to you: https://www.centralsynagogue.org/worship/live_streaming
I also have gotten great book recommendations here and from friends, e.g. "A Code of Jewish Ethics" and "Jewish Literacy". both by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin,"Choosing a Jewish Life" by Anita Diamant, who specifically adresses converts (all available as e-books!).
It is great that you and your fiancee can start this journey together! Shabbat shalom!