Synagogue course - AIBU to go even though I’m not planning to convert to Judaism?

Afaik it depends on what part of Judaism you are talking about - whilst Jews don’t proselytise in the sense of looking for more followers, I believe it’s much easier to convert if you are joining a reform or liberal synagogue than to an orthodox one.

But I’m absolutely no expert save having had a Jewish boyfriend when I was young and then ex MIL (no connection - exh is a different person!) converting when I was married to exh and talking to her about it.

This is a very useful bit of info, thank you.

For what it’s worth, the course sounds brilliant to me - if you know you are at least interested in converting rather than just wanting to study the religion.

The £400 doesn’t sound that bad considering it’s for a year and what is included - it’s probably just to cover costs tbh!

Do report back!

I'm interested in the idea that 'Jews don't proselytise as they're God's chosen people' compared with the thought that , 'Yes people can convert to Judaism'. Do let us know what the Old Testament says...

There's a Jewish museum in London that might be interesting. My kids have visited with school

I would do the course, a proper course will structure the information so it makes sense, dipping in and out of random books may be pretty confusing. Do the three free ones and if it looks good (and you can afford it) do the course, you may be able to get books through a library. Nothing to lose in doing the first three anyway.

You’d be expected to live Jewishly to an extent while taking the course, attending synagogue, observing Shabbat and holidays, etc. I converted to Judaism 20 years ago (and took a similar course).

Not at all, if you’re not seeking to progress as a convert.

The Hebrew Bible (know as the “old” testament by people who believe there’s a “new” one) will not inform you at all very much about modern Judaism, as it has been practiced and evolved for the last two thousand years, since the destruction of the second Temple in Jerusalem.

Its an interesting study though.

OP there was a very interesting series of threads about Judaism last year.

Here's a link to the first one:

Link

You can convert. Orthodox Judaism makes it very difficult - eg takes circa 3 years with total dedication.

Progressive streams make it easier. I suspect the course mentioned in the opening post was a conversion course.

Either way it’s not a religion that seeks converts. Jewish law is clear that the potential convert has to seek it themselves.

FFS, the OP literally posted details of a conversion course in the opening post!

A quick Google found:
https://reformjudaism.org/learning/judaism-classes/introduction-judaism-online-classes
https://www.ochjs.ac.uk/
etc.

As an ex-OU student, I'd recommend checking their free online sample courses. Here's a list: www.open.edu/openlearn/local/ocwglobalsearch/search.php?q=judaism

Depending on where you live, I found Oxford Uni' dept of lifelong learning ran great courses. Here's a comparative one: https://lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/courses/foundations-of-judaism-christianity-and-islam Obs other universities are available.

Modern spoken Hebrew (or ivrit) is apparently taught on Duolingo. No idea if that's helpful.

Have you read the Old Testament?

You understand wrong.

This is not correct

Two very good books you might find interesting:

Choosing a Jewish Life and Essential Judaism

I think we used the book, Conversion to Judaism, a guidebook in my actual course, but it was a bit drier than the two above.

From my understanding, one cannot covert to Judaism as, they believe they are a gods chosen people.

There is no pressure to convert in Judaism as Jews don’t proselytise. It’s actually against Judaism to go out seeking converts. These courses are very much designed for people looking to convert (90% of whom will have a Jewish partner) and not as a recruitment tool.

I think you would feel a fish out of water on the course as Judaism itself is very practice focused. You’d be expected to live Jewishly to an extent while taking the course, attending synagogue, observing Shabbat and holidays, etc. I converted to Judaism 20 years ago (and took a similar course).

But Judaism, assuming you get the right sort, is a very welcoming and inclusive religion. Go to a service (a kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evening, something more casual, family service sort) or see if you can get yourself invited to a Shabbat dinner. Read some books. There are some wonderful books aiming at people who are converting but you can just buy them on Amazon.

Do be mindful that high holy days are coming up in the next few weeks, so might not be the best time to attend (you might not understand the context, people will be extra busy and might not have time to spend with you).

After Yom Kippur though, Sukkot is coming up, which is my favourite holiday.

I think £400 for a course is expensive but if you’re interested in it and think it’s worth it then you should do it 😊

Hi, I live in London and would be happy to invite you for a Shabbat meal, PM me.

As an aside there are so many free resources, particularly podcasts. I think the cost of £10 a session is fair enough they have to pay the presenter for their time.

I think also provided you sort out the security issue you can visit synagogue services.

re: books. I like Blu Greenberg’s how to run a Jewish household. It’s practical not theology but I think it’s quite useful.

They don't want converts. They are god's chosen people and don't really appreciate conversions. You can't opt in, god picks you.

Learning about the religion is respectful in a way that conversion is not.

I’d say go for it! There will NOT be any pressure to convert that’s not how Judaism works. There is no better way to lean anything than to immerse yourself in it whether it’sa lifestyle or a language.

The three sessions sounds like an ideal way to find out if the course would be suitable. I'm an agnostic and enjoy attending different religious ceremonies - there is, I suppose, a hope somewhere that I will experience something that brings me religious faith as I envy people who have that, but I wouldn't want to mislead anyone about being on an active path to conversion.

It's not wasting anyone's time to go along to services, though. If the OP is interested in learning more about Judaism, it's absolutely fine to go along to Shabbat services at the synagogue you like, say hello to a few people and just let yourself be immersed in the experience. Its exactly like going to a new Christian church.