Tips And Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Douglas Turner


Becoming a Jew is not easy and after which becomes and remains a challenge in the world because of anti Semitic sentiment and to top it all, the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Nevertheless a Jewish and Interfaith Rabbi can be consulted to answer a myriad of questions which pertain to the laws and customs that govern this religion. It is one that does not seek out converters unlike many other religions that do so.

The impetus comes from the individual seeking to convert to this religion. It is not an easy road travelled but there are those who have some sort of a calling and feel that this is what they want to do. Interfaith Rabbis have come about especially because there is a need for those wanting to marry out of their faith and require a Jewish ceremony where one of the couple is not Jewish whilst the other would like that special feel to their celebration.

Orthodox Judaism does not accept a marriage where one spouse is not Jewish but has undergone a wedding ceremony the Jewish way. Before a person can become affiliated and call themselves a Jew, one has to study and practice all the laws pertaining to this religion which can take up to three years to complete. They must a appear before a Beth Din which in simple terms is a court that will give the okay on many decisions concerning the faith.

There are many laws to be studied and one of these is dietary laws. These are known as the Kosher laws and there exist commentaries upon commentaries as to its practice and adherence. For those that want to keep kosher it is not as complex as it looks like and all laws pertaining to its laws and teachings are governed by the Jewish Court or Beth Din.

Before partaking of any food, a strict check is done whether the food being eaten has passed the dietary requirements as stipulated by the Beth Din. Booklets can be bought that cover all the products that are kosher in a particular area. Apart from this, an emblem can found on the product itself that shows which Beth Din has okayed the product for consumption.

A hechsher is a Hebrew word meaning permissible. These stamps or signs on the product let the consumer know that the product has been approved to consume. This is just one law that needs attention and there are many more one has to perform in order to celebrate being a Jew. There are many books of study that one can pursue in knowing and understanding.

It is a hard and difficult process and one which is very challenging. It requires a complete change in lifestyle. Once one becomes a member of the house of Israel, they are accepted by others as having acquired the soul or neshamah such just like anyone else in the faith.

Rabbis are learned. They are there to help. Find one and start the journey.




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