SINCE THE FIRST century, when Jews were executed for converting others, Judaism has not been a religion interested in seeking converts.
Although we know many would find deep meaning in our tradition, Judaism teaches that no one has the corner on the truth in finding a spiritual path to God, therefore other faiths are seen as valid ways to a relationship with the Divine.
Though Judaism is the oldest of the Abrahamic religions, this lack of concern for conversion has contributed to its small numbers.
Sadly today, with the exponential rise of antisemitism and deadly attacks on Jews, conversion can still be something that might cause a person to think seriously before embracing Judaism.
I remember, of the five questions I had to answer in my conversion process, the one that struck me as deeply significant was “Do you pledge your loyalty to Judaism and to the Jewish people under all circumstances?” (emphasis mine).
Considering the history of pogroms, the Holocaust and continual attacks on Jews throughout the world, I absolutely understood the implication in that question, and to what I was committing, not only for myself, but for my family.
Another reason people may hesitate to convert to Judaism is that it takes time to study and learn.
A person doesn’t simply say “I accept Judaism” and it’s accomplished.
One has to study Jewish traditions and history, learn basic prayers, blessings, the roots of holiday rituals and the essential tenets of Jewish beliefs. There must be a certain depth of knowledge and an understanding of exactly what is being accepted to become Jewish.
Studying with a rabbi can take up to a year before a person is considered ready to convert. But those who choose Judaism have all found this process a journey of joy rather than a chore.
Another factor which may account for Judaism being only 0.2 percent of the world population is that it doesn’t claim it has absolute answers to life’s most perplexing questions. What happens when we die? What is the nature of heaven and hell? Why do bad things happen to good people?
People seek comfort and security in “knowing” the answers to these questions and turn to religion to help them. A faith that tells you it has the answers, asking only that you accept their precepts and all will be well in this world (and the next), is of great comfort to those struggling in life.
Judaism offers little in the way of that kind of absolute solace.
The joke about asking two Jews a question and getting four answers illustrates this focus on debate and discussion when dealing with serious questions about God and our purpose in life.
Rather than reading our Bible as literal truth, Jews see it as a compilation of many authors, divinely inspired, over thousands of years of history. It is a guide for how to live our lives in a holy way that would be worthy of God’s love.
Actually, one does not even have to “believe” in God to be a good Jew. If your life reflects holiness and you work to bring about tikun olam, a repairing of our world, it is enough.
Actions we take in our lives, rather than faith, are central to Jewish thought.
Those looking for black-and-white answers may not find comfort in Judaism, but people willing to be open to ambiguity and who enjoy thoughtful discourse on theological questions will find beauty in the Jewish approach.
A meditation in The New Union Prayerbook begins, “Cherish your doubts, for doubt is the handmaiden of truth. Doubt is the key to the door of knowledge; it is the servant of discovery. A belief which may not be questioned binds us to error, for there is incompleteness and imperfection in every belief.”
Those who have chosen Judaism have found a deep love in its rituals, precepts, theology and its focus on bringing justice to the world.
There are many paths up the mountain to the Divine, so look for one which speaks to your soul, and let others find the path which is best for them.
Kein yehi ratzon … may it be God’s will. Shalom.
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Issues of Faith is a rotating column by religious leaders on the North Olympic Peninsula. Suzanne DeBey is a lay leader of the Port Angeles Jewish community. Her email is debeyfam@olympus.net.
