How to Be Jewish

Edited by Puddy, Eric, Mo Al, PRC and 44 others

Judaism is an ancient monotheistic religion rich with culture, history, tradition, and
unique customs. Here are some steps on becoming familiar with Judaism and
potentially accepting it as your religion, whether you're a non-observant Jew or
gentile (non-Jew) who wants to become Jewish.

Steps
1.

Learn about Judaism. While there is no official list, Judaism has five main
denominations:
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2. 2
Hasidic - Very strict and conservative, taking the religion upon themselves in
every aspect of life. Incorporate Jewish mysticism into their teachings.

Orthodox - Most Orthodox Jews tend to fall into one or two subdenominations; the most common being Modern Orthodox. In general, Orthodox
Jews stringently adhere to all laws and customs of the religion, while Modern
Orthodox Jews typically try to balance a secular lifestyle with that as well.

Conservative - More lenient in observance than Orthodox Judaism, but

adherent to the basic values and tradition of the religion.

Reform - Very lenient in observance, though aware of the basic values

and traditions of Judaism.

Reconstructionist - Very lenient in observance; pressing a mostly

secular lifestyle.

3
Join a synagogue that matches your level of observance. In Orthodox
synagogues, men and women sit separately to avoid "inappropriate" behaviors and
distractions, and the service is mostly in Hebrew. Other synagogues may have mixed
seating and services are in both English and Hebrew.

4
Learn the Hebrew language. It is not as difficult to comprehend as it may seem,
and knowing even a few special words or certain phrases will help expand your
understanding and appreciation of the prayer of the religion.

5
Buy Jewish books, prayerbooks, and a Tanakh (Jewish Bible). These can be
found at Judaic shops, Jewish bookstores, and online.

6
If you want to become a Chasidic or Orthodox Jew, follow the dietary laws of
Kashrut. This means that only foods that have been prepared according to the laws
of the Torah may be eaten. You can call your local Orthodox rabbi and ask him to
help you "kosher" your kitchen.

7
Kosher foods are:
Animals with cloven hooves and chew their cud - cows, lamb, chicken, and turkey.
Fish with fins and scales
Fruits, vegetables, and bread are called "Parve" which means fit for both meat and
dairy.

8
Non-kosher foods are:

Mixing meat with dairy

Shellfish

Pork

Horsemeat

9
Know that Orthodox Jews are Shomer Shabbat, which means keepers of the
Sabbath. The Sabbath starts at sundown every Friday and ends when there are
three stars in the sky on Saturday night. Observe the Havdalah, the ceremony after
the Sabbath. The Sabbath doesn't allow work, travel, carrying money, discussing
business, using electricity, lighting a fire, and making and receiving phone calls, but
is cherished for its relaxing, spiritual separation from the busy workweek.

10
Celebrate the Jewish holidays. The stricter in observance you are, the more
holidays you will take on to celebrate or commemorate. Some of the major Jewish
holidays include Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), Yom Kippur (the Day of
Atonement), Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, [[Celebrate
Passover, Lag b'Omer, Shavuot, Tisha B'Av, and Rosh Chodesh.

11
Wear a kippah (skullcap) and a tallit (prayer shawl) during prayer if you are a
man. Orthodox Jewish men wear "tzitzit" (a religious garment with fringes, worn
underneath the shirt) and wear "tefillin" (phylacteries) during morning prayers, except
on Shabbat and holidays. Observant women dress modestly and married women
wear headscarves or wigs.

12
Lead your life in the way of this teaching of Rabbi Hillel, a great rabbi of the
Mishnah. He said that if the Torah could be summed up while balancing on one foot
one would say, "Treat your neighbor as you want to be treated."