As I child, I was raised in a Christian household. I loved going to Church every Sunday and hearing the old hymns and chants. However, as I grew older, I started to question the basic tenets of Christianity and eventually decided to outright reject them. To replace it, I ended up converting to Judaism a few months ago.
I didn’t come to this decision lightly. After months of exploration, I found that the traditional values of Judaism resonated most with my personal beliefs. One of the major reasons I converted to Judaism was its focus on both communal and social values. For example, the Jewish concept of derech eretz (“the way of the world”) recognizes that we all share the same planet and should treat each other with respect and in the same way we would want to be treated. This is something I’ve always felt passionate about and was a big draw when deciding which religion to convert to.
Additionally, Judaism’s appreciation of and respect for diversity was another factor. The Jewish community encompasses individuals and families of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. That type of inclusivity is something that I believe we could all use more of in our lives. Unlike Christianity, which emphasizes the notion that there is one correct belief system, Judaism encourages and even embraces different opinions and views. Instead of trying to eliminate our differences, it celebrates them and allows members to practice their own forms of expression.
Finally, I had always found the traditional Christian teachings to be restrictive and limiting. The Bible acts as the main source of guidance and dictates many of the faith’s practices. For me, that was something that felt too authoritarian, as if there was no room for personal growth and spiritual exploration. By contrast, Judaism values personal autonomy and encourages each individual to form their own religious identity. That’s why I believe Judaism is the perfect mix of tradition, humanism, and critical thought.
Culture
Another great thing about Judaism is its culture and atmosphere. I have been to countless Jewish celebrations and events and felt welcome from the moment I stepped into their congregation. There were no judgements and I was able to freely converse with people of various backgrounds and beliefs. As a result, I was able to learn more about their customs and values and eventually develop a close connection with the faith.
The culture also centers around helping others, both inside and outside of the community. Charity and giving are integral components of Judaism and, when done properly, can serve as the basis for transforming our world into a better and more compassionate place. In light of the current global pandemic, I think it’s more important now than ever to follow this principle.
The Jewish culture is also very much focused on history and culture. There are countless stories and narratives from Jewish history that have been passed down from generation to generation, which helps to foster an appreciation for the faith’s rich past. Additionally, the cuisine, music, literature and art are all reflections of the religion’s vibrant culture. Even if you don’t join the faith, learning about it from an outsider’s perspective can be eye-opening and inspiring.
Realization of Your Self Worth
Since converting to Judaism, I’ve had to grapple with many of my personal doubts and fears. It has allowed me to take a step back and really think about who I am and what I value in life. Judaism has taught me to accept myself, flaws and all, and to understand the importance of personal growth and development.
The faith has also taught me how to prioritize my mental health and emotional well-being, which has enabled me to cope better with the difficulties life has thrown my way. It has also opened up many new avenues of self expression that I otherwise wouldn’t necessarily be able participate in. From prayer to meditation to studying the Torah, it has all been instrumental in helping me realize my self worth.
The same also applies to my relationships with other people. Judaism helps me to treat other people with respect, care, and dignity no matter their background, beliefs, or religious affiliation. It has also allowed me to recognize that we all need each other, and thus to be open to collaboration and compromise. All of these principles have enabled me to create relationships with people in a more meaningful and compassionate way.
Freedom of Choice
At the end of the day, what drew me to Judaism most was the sense of freedom and choice it affords each individual. We are free to explore and express our thoughts, values, and beliefs in whatever way we see fit. We have the autonomy to form our own religious identity and practice our faith in any way we choose, without fear of judgment or criticism. Judaism allows everyone to explore their spirituality and embraces diversity, which resonated with me and my beliefs more than any other faith.
That’s why I ultimately decided to convert to Judaism. It has allowed me to become more conscious of my own values and beliefs, to not be afraid to express myself, and to appreciate the beauty of humanity and its diversity.
Role of Nature
Another major aspect of Judaism that appealed to me is its appreciation of nature. In the faith, there is a great emphasis placed on preserving the environment and protecting the planet’s natural resources. This is why it is commonplace among Jews to refuse to waste food or other resources, and to strive to use natural substances when possible.
Nature is also seen as a source of spiritual power. Jews often participate in outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching in order to appreciate the beauty of the land and the cycle of life. The Jewish faith also encourages its adherents to take part in tikun olam, or “repairing the world”, which is essentially about working towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Reshaping Religion
For me, Judaism is an embodiment of everything I’ve ever believed in. It is a religion that focuses on kindness and empathy and understanding, that encourages collaboration and progress, and that places a strong emphasis on the human connection. These values have helped to shape my understanding of religion and my spirituality, and to redefine what it means to be a part of a faith-based community.
I believe that Judaism has enabled me to come to terms with my life and to better understand the interconnectedness of all things, both religious and non-religious. By embracing Judaism, I have been able to learn new ways of looking at life, to develop deeper relationships with other people, and to appreciate the beauty of the world around me.
Division of Gender
There is also a great emphasis placed on gender equality in Judaism. One of the core principles of the faith is that men and women should be treated equally and that both should work together in order to achieve the common goal of Tikkun Olam. This is a commitment to greater social justice and human rights, something that many other religions fail to uphold.
Gender equality is also seen in the different roles men and women occupy within the faith. Women are seen as active participants in the practice of Judaism, with equal roles and responsibilities. Men and women both have the opportunity to learn, study and interpret the Torah, something that was traditionally done by men only.
This commitment to gender equality and social justice has been a major contributor to my conversion to Judaism. It provides a sense of inclusivity and acceptance, regardless of gender identity, that I felt was lacking in Christianity.
Expression of Faith
Lastly, the way in which one expresses their faith is also highly valued in Judaism. Rather than a strict set of rules to be followed, the religion encourages each individual to practice in whatever way makes sense to them. This could include praying, taking part in various rituals, reading and reflecting on Jewish texts, or simply enjoying the culture and atmosphere of the faith.
At the end of the day, I believe in the importance of having freedom of choice and the right to decide how one wishes to practice their faith. Judaism allows me to embrace this right and to actively express my beliefs in whatever way I see fit.
These are just some of the reasons why I decided to convert to Judaism. It’s a faith that encourages diversity and provides the opportunity to follow one’s own spiritual path. It celebrates culture and history, emphasizes gender equality, and celebrates the beauty of nature. I feel privileged to be part of a faith as rich and vibrant as Judaism and I think it has helped me become more spiritually aware and compassionate.
