Curious about Judaism- please help where do I find information

[warmandwooly]

I am very curious about Judaism and what it means to be jewish and I don't know where to go to ask questions. I have looked on the net and found some information but I am still massively ignorant.

I find myself considering religion/spirituality more than I have ever done as I get older.
Sorry for being so vague.
TIA

www.judaism.com/books/index.asp
freejewishbooks.com/index.php?page=subcat_details&scid=38
freejewishbooks.com/index.php?page=subcat_details&scid=38
www.jewfaq.org/judaism.htm
www.patheos.com/Library/Judaism.html
www.convertingtojudaism.com/judaism.htm
I am sure you will find some information from one of these sites. Good luck.

Thanks fresh.
I am, for want of a better words, spiritually confused.

will check on the links when I am not so tired!

Your welcome, I know what you mean about spiritually confused, I often feel like that.

Try a visit to a synagogue

I would like to do that but I am unsure of where it is and I am not sure of what I would say or do etc

Hi Warma - welcome to my world of confused spirituality.
Try contacting a reform synagogue and see if you can attend a service. If you're in London it's worth contact West London Synagogue: www.wls.org.uk

There are different branches of judaism (like all religions) and the reform accept converts whereas the orthodox judaism doesn't.

However if you'd rather explore Judaism through food (always a good idea I reckon) then have a look at this blog: theshiksa.com/off-the-menu/
It's written by a convert to Judaism. Lovely recipes.

I reckon it's always worth reading ANYTHING by Rabbi Lionel Blue who's gentle humour is the greatest thing ever. A friend said to me he imagines God will be like Lionel Blue and will be disappointed if he/she isn't !!

Anyways enjoy your journey and I hope you keep us posted on where you end up!

Bon Voyage!

I've visited both a conservative and reform synagogue in my time. You can just turn up and you'll be made welcome. In the conservative one men and woman sat seperately, but in the reform, you sit together and the service is mainly in English, so you can follow what's going on. It's a nice religion, you'll be fine and the people will be friendly. Just locate your nearest one and you can always phone up first to ask if it's okay to attend

I will google them. Thanks hidden ;-)

I'd recommend Julia Neuberger's book "On Being Jewish".

If you want to learn more about orthodox Judaism, try visiting www.aish.com. I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have :)

There's a Dummies guide that's very clear.

There's also a book called 'Choosing a Jewish Life' which guides you through Liberal conversion. If you wanted a basic introduction to Judaism there are lots of books offering an overview of beliefs, practices, history etc - try your local library.

Generally if you do want to visit a synagogue you need to make contact first - unlike churches you can't just walk in off the street usually. It's just for security reasons, they won't say no. Synagogues are unfortunately a target for attacks.

If you're coming from a Christian background, you may find Jewish services quite chaotic - everybody chanting at different speeds, some people chatting to each other, the rabbi might even be on his mobile if it's not Shabbat! I'm sure not all shuls are like this, but the one my DP goes to is complete bedlam!

Sababa- I have just seen your reply. I will pm you in the next few days if that is ok.
I have been on YT and watched bits and pieces.

Eirik- I don't really have any religious background at all. I did go to church on Mothers Day etc when I was little but I have not been a regular attender at all.

There is a jewish community not that far from me and I think it's an orthodox community.

Looking at the website Sababa now. Looks good and very accessible.