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Judaism can be a complex religion. It really takes a lot of studying before making the final decision to convert. If you get to that point the next step is to speak to a rabbi. Generally they try to dissuade you from converting and turn you away. Unlike Christianity, Judaism does not believe you have to be a Jew in order to be acceptable to G-d. Converting-especially Orthodox-involves making massive changes in your life. You are expected to move to a Jewish area. It takes a minimum of a year- and usually longer- to go through the conversion process. You have to completely change how you live and think. So a rabbi wants to make sure someone is aware of what they are getting into. You have to be persistent and not allow his trying to turn you away dissuade you. I would suggest doing further study, and then try attending classes that local rabbis, synagogues or organizations hold.
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I understand. This isn’t something I would make a haste decision on anyways. My brother and I agreed to leave at least a year of just studying before the next steps. Ok thank you.
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I posted that because I wasn’t sure it showed up. Thank you very much, I feel better having these answers.
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Just to be clear, you cannot just decide on your own that you're going to convert to Judaism. It isn't just a personal decision. The community has to decide to allow you to make that step.
When you convert to Judaism, you become a Jew. It isn't a set of beliefs. It is a way of life. It's a philosophy. It's a history. It's a people.
For this reason, you'll find it impossible to convert to Judaism and remain in a relationship with a Christian partner. Every rabbi (even Reform rabbis) will tell you that it's better for you NOT to convert in such a situation. You can hold beliefs that are similar to Judaism. You can follow Jewish teachings on the Bible and reject Jesus. But converting is not a great option for you (if I understand this as your situation), especially given that you haven't done even the most basic study of Judaism.
When SMR and ChavaK told you above that Jesus is irrelevant to Judaism, it might be stated even in stronger terms. If you maintain any belief in Jesus, stay away from Judaism. People have tried for too long to blur the lines between the religions, to adopt some kind of Jewish persona and continue their belief that Jesus is in heaven doing some kind of intercession or that he was some sort of messiah. No, Jesus wasn't the Messiah. No, Jesus isn't in heaven praying for you. No, you cannot pray to Jesus. Jesus is nothing to Judaism and will only keep you from ever converting.
To be clear, you can believe whatever you believe. No one can tell you what to believe or try to force you to believe one thing or another. However, if you believe anything about Jesus, do not try to bring that into Judaism. Remain what you are. Believe as you believe. Don't pursue Judaism or try to say that you're Jewish without (1) becoming part of a Jewish community and (2) abandoning faith in any "partners" that you might associate with God.
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And for anyone else who replies, I’m not answering because I don’t want to be apart of this forum. So yes, you will waste your time trying to type up anymore snarky posts to me.
