Personal Introduction And you are ... ?

[Dana]

I am not Jewish and to the best of my knowledge have no ancestry, according to the results of 23andMe. Through much time spent in study I am no longer of the Christian faith or belief which pretty much has left me an atheist. I love learning the Hebrew language, and years ago had purchased the Stone Edition Tanach from Artscroll including the Siddur.

I consider myself more in line as a conservative atheist, which has made any consideration towards conversion practically impossible.

I've accepted that and have moved on, yet remain here and continue learning from some favorite authors, posted here on occasion of Jewish ethics.

Dana, have you ever considered Humanistic Judaism? I admit that I don't know much about it, and I'm personally very happy with the congregation that I belong to. But Humanistic Judaism seems like an interesting alternative for someone who has been involved in a Jewish community (as you have been) yet identifies herself as an atheist.

About a year ago I had left a couple messages with a congregation close by called The Reconstructionist Movement, but hadn't heard back. I am not familiar with Humanistic Judaism, other than by name, but I can look online. I understand belief is not a criteria. Thanks
Channalee.

You might want to check out the flowchart that Baruch posted in the Conversion to Judaism forum. It clears up any confusion regarding what the various denominations of Judaism consider to be acceptable.

https://www.thehebrewcafe.com/forum/show...hp?tid=103

Scroll down to "Part 3: Other" and there you will find Humanistic Judaism (close to the bottom of the chart). Here is how the questioning might go for you:

Q: Were you raised Jewish?
A: No.
Q: Have you formally joined a Jewish community? [We love you, Dana, and you are a part of our community.]
A; Yes.
Q: Do you consider yourself to be Jewish?
A: Yes.
"Humanistic Judaism considers you to be a Jew."

Thank you Channalee! I love you guys too. Would they really consider online as part of a community? Yes, I did look at the chart and the part about formally joining a Jewish Community means physically being there, I would think. But I see the directional flow you are referring to, and I agree with your answers.

Either way, I can look into it by contacting them directly and meeting up so as to explain my background and interest.