I am a convert as well. Most of the converts I know did it to unify the family and go through the bar mitzvah process and not for the beauty of Judaism. 99 percent of these people who converted did it only to say they were Jewish and are not observant and only came to Judaism because of their spouse.. They now have a built in support system for Shabbats and other holidays. It is quite frustrating to me as a single convert who has none of this and spends all of these events alone save for going to synagogue. It is refreshing to see someone who is actually observant and did not convert just to marry and to raise their children with one religion.
Don't worry you are not alone there are other of us out there I'm a convert to conservative Judaism and I'm doinf it single and alone it is frustrating but it is what it is in the long run its for the better we shall be stronger in our relationship with hashem!!! Wishing u great success on ur conversion
So why did you convert ? You are not ethnically Jewish and you will never be considered Jewish by the Jews, so why did you do that? On top of that also being single?
@@FoundSheep-AN if one converts according to Jewish law that Jews follow they are obviously meeting the criteria that Jews believe is needed in order to become a Jew
I am a convert as well but I don’t deal with my blood family, no dealings with the outside world and I disconnected from old associates. Best decision of my life. Also learning Hebrew has been life changing. Thank you for sharing your story 🇮🇱💙
I actually read that when Hashem came to the nations to offer the Torah although they declined there were a select few who agreed, and those would end up receiving the Torah at a different time in history 😊 so happy to have you part of Klal yisrael
Hello Jayelle! I just found an apartment in the Chabad Jewish Community nearest to me. I am so excited! I will be starting my official conversion process (G-d willing) after I meet with the Beit Din! I too left Christianity.
Thank you, Jayelle. Your video touched me deeply. I continue in my conversion journey, continue to seek a Jewish neighborhood where I can afford to live. ✡️❤️
@@jayellealafi5797I’m so thrilled for you that Rabbi Singer saw your video and welcomed you home! It must be gratifying for him to see the fruits of his efforts. And YOU are an awesome inspiration too. ❤
I love how simple yet eloquent your answers are to our questions. I have been reading a LOT about Judaism and am very drawn to the ideal of conversion. This is really helpful, and I will be checking out the links for more information. Thank you! Shalom.
Shalom. I'm a non practising Christian Protestant who'd like to convert to Orthodox Judaism. Such an informative video. I can't wait to watch your Passover video.❤
I left the church over 3 yrs ago and got into Messianic Judaism and fell in love with Judaism - so much so that for the past 3 yrs I’ve felt drawn to more orthodox practices. At the time I came to realize the Torah was still a vital part of life in had started asking the question, why did JC come? It would take HaShem 3 yrs to fully reveal the truth and it’s only been in the past week or so that I’ve fully come to realize and official renounce JC. Thank you for sharing your story - I will be journeying into conversion as I find a local Chabad. Shalom and blessings.
@@FoundSheep-AN right now I’m searching - I’ve left christianity completely and now seeking to find my place. I admit I’m drawn to Orthodox Judaism, yet I love that I can do more things in the Conservative - I’m not making any rash decisions, I’m taking my time to find where HaShem is leading me. 💙✡️ but I’ll say, I’m a Jew at heart! ✡️
@@esthersteier6840 there is too much to discuss on this platform - it was 3 yrs worth of discovery and prayer and seeking truth. I did not come to this decision lightly, in fact, it’s the last decision I ever thought I would make - not at all where I would’ve thought I would go - and yet here I am and living every minute!!
I have been wanting to convert since 2011 I started classes in March 2023. I recentley found out about difference in beliefs of theology between Reform, Conservative & Orthodox. This wasn't brought up in class as a subject, once I found out especially concerning Moshe and Torah I had been given an Orthodox Rabbis email to see if I can take classes for Orthodox. I filled out the application and waiting to hear back. I never thought of Orthodox when I knew I wanted to convert, I now can't see how I can convert to the other branches with a different theology than what I believed even before I started the classes. At this point I'm taking an unexpected opportunity just because I have to see where it goes for me. After I started the conversion classes in March I took a 23&Me and I have Ashkenazi Polish dna maybe it's all is for a reason, and if Orthodox is where I am suppose to be I will find out. ✡
Great video . I come from a Russian Jewish family, raised as secular as possible but I’ve been on my baal teshuva journey this past year and it has been so enriching and amazing to say the least . A few months ago I was looking at yeshivas I would like to study at and I became aware that my mothers mother is in fact not Jewish (all 3 of my other grandparents are though !) this was obviously devastating, but this passion I feel is so strong I am willing to do whatever extra steps necessary to cement myself according to Halacha. But to compound matters the Chabad house I am going too no longer facilitates conversion. Which is a shame, I am just getting comfortable and familiar with everyone there but it looks like I need to keep searching . the politics for conversion are trickier here in my city than other places (from what I hear), there is a 10 person va’ed council that must approve you rather than just a 3 person Beit din . I’m still at the beginnings of this journey but every day that goes by without progress hurts my soul , seeing as I’ was raised in a jewish home and lived my whole life identifying as a Jew ( and still do ! )
Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. That is a tough situation. Are you in the US, do you know this organization? Maybe they can help you. judaismconversion.org
I think in a situation like your they are a bit lenient. But yes maybe temporarily you can go to a community that can do it. But move back when your finished if that still works for you
Single women 50+ need a way to connect that are authentically in the process of orthodox conversion.. cost of living is extremely difficult these days and I believe if we had some way to connect with each other to move through some of the tangible logistics in such a time as this.... we could really lift one another and create paths that before were not possible AGAIN I SPEAK of those ready to move forward with their process by way of action
I'm sorry for what you went through in the last few years with regards to restrictions and mandates. My husband and I went through it as well, I was terminated from my job for not getting the you-know-what. My husband was threatened with termination for 9 months and was put on indefinite unpaid leave and his benefits taken away. Eventually they were forced to give him his job back but it was a very difficult time. As awful as it was, I'm glad that we weren't alone, many other people were going through this as well ♥️
Man this is so badass. I’m not very religious at all but I couldn’t imagine going through all this, B”H I was born Jewish I guess. So stoked to have you, conversions to Judaism seem so much more meaningful and deep then any of the Christian nonsense
Wonderful journey. Even when you find a sefardic community that might not change how you feel. I suggest finding ways to fulfill that need first. Jmo from experience.
Is the "written test," based on memory like university exams? Are you monitored by a rabbi during the exam or can you answer using materials? Thank you!
This video was a good eye-opener for me! I am considering converting to Judaism (at first I was certain, then I sort of lost interest, and then my suspicions of Christianity came back to bite me in the butt) and I'm glad I have some sort of framework for what to expect. After I learned that you didn't need the 613 Mitzvot to get into heaven, that debunked Christianity's basic premise in my mind and so I've been going down a Jewish rabbit hole ever since.
thank you jayelle for your clear explanations and advice. as a jew from birth i recognize that you were also at Mt. Sinai when HaShem gave the Torah to the Jewish people. B"H. have you ever tasted sephardic style matzah? did you see " La Bienfaisante 12 matsot a l' orange sucrees" at the foodstores?
As YUMMY as it is, it is halachically considered the same as egg matzoh, which is common to Ashkenazim. They are both "enriched" matzoh, for the sick/informed, children and elderly. But (as always!) the Sephardic version is tastier! 😅
yes sephardic and mizrahi cuisine is delicious. residing in france for many years and having traveled to israel etc., many times i had many opportunities to get familiar with.i even learned to cook various dishes. " la bienfaisante 12 matsot a l' orange sucrees" is a strong memory. at 75 years old i am elderly and would eat it as a dessert matzah only. for meal matzah i do eat the regular kind. if any viewer is able to send me the " bienfaisante matzah a l' orange sucrees i would pay sll shipping and handling plus a bonus amount for doing it. the canadian kosher groceries will ship to canadian addresses but not here in the usa. today is one day until passover 2023 so too late for this pesach but maybe for next year... " hag pesach samayach" to you all.
@@jayellealafi5797 I recommend! Very eye opening. I watched one of your videos that you also enjoy reading. Could you recommend me of any Jewish books?
@ameilewd98wd72 I'm sorry for the slow reply, UA-cam doesn't notify me of all replies for some reason! 😕 I have many good books that I can recommend, can you tell me where you are at with Judaism so I know what kind of books might be appropriate? Jewish, not jewish, converting? Also I have an email, just in case comment threads get lost, you can email me. infojayellea@gmail.com 💗 EDIT: I found another of your comments where you mentioned you're not Jewish, but looking into it. 🤗 In that case, I would recommend; Kaplan, Aryeh, Maimonides Principles: The Fundamentals of Jewish Faith Wein, Berel, -Triumph of Survival: The Story of the Jews in the Modern Era, 1650-1990, -Herald of Destiny: The Story of the Jews 750-1650, -Echoes of Glory: The Story of the Jews in the Classical Era, 350 BCE-750 CE Wouk, Herman, This is My God I also really enjoy the writings/books by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, but they may be advanced for you, you can check it out. Hope this helps!💗
@@jayellealafi5797 That's okay! I replied again because I assumed you didn't see it. I guess anything for beginners, or specifically people in the process of converting would be great Thank you for the email! I will keep it! 💜
I’m sorry if this seems like an odd question … since you were married with children during your conversion process, I’m assuming you had already started keeping many mitzvot… were you already covering your hair, or did you wait (were you supposed to wait) until your conversion? Related question- do you think it’s okay for Ben Noach married women to cover their hair, even if they haven’t converted?
Hi Shannon! You're right, we had already started keeping many mitzvot, by the time I finished the conversion program we considered ourselves fully observant. I started covering my hair when our daughter was 7 months old, we had just gotten back from a trip to Israel and I was inspired to just start even though I technically didn't have to. I finished the conversion about a year after this. The Bet Din told me it's obligatory to do only after the wedding, but there's no problem by doing it earlier, I didn't have to wait. After the mikveh but before the wedding and even at the wedding itself I didn't cover. I don't think there's any problem at all with Bnai Noach women who wish to cover, or dress modestly for that matter. It used to be a cultural thing that everybody used to do. You know, like hats, wigs, gloves, long skirts...there wasn't really a difference between how Jews dressed and how everybody else did. I think it's great if you want to. 🤗❤️ Thanks for the question!
I love your videos 💕 I attend Chabad and am strongly considering conversion. Do you ever feel sad about not being able to eat your mother's cooking? I know it's a silly question, but I honestly get a little sad about that for some reason. Just wondering if that ever happened for you.
So glad! Sometimes, just a little bit, when it's like a nostalgic dish of some kind. But it's usually less about the food and more about how I felt/feel, the emotions tied to events where that food was eaten. But I've found it's just a process of associating other (kosher) food and finding other ways to keep our relationship close. Or kosher-ifying the dish and bringing myself. My mother is, fortunately, very understanding. 😊 Best of luck! 💗
Hi Stephen, I don't think it's universal, different Bet Din's may do (slightly) different things when it comes to certain requirements. You could definitely ask them or your sponsoring Rabbi what the process is. 😊
A couple of questions: 1. You lived together and became pregnant prior to marriage? 2. If so, did your child convert (the pre bar/bat mitzvah conversion prior to accepting Torah )? are you aware that this child is a separate Jew from the mother as opposed to "born children" after...conversion? This was a challenge for me. Mine are ben and bas Sarah or ben/bas Abraham depending on how the name is being used of course..they don't use my Hebrew name or their Jewish father's name. I was surprised that they don't even have to say Kaddish for me or their father...nice but not required...Their father and I did divorce eventually but not due to me becoming Jewish ...the degree of observance was a hindrance....30 years later, I'm observant in Baltimore and remarried. Mazal and visible Brachot for you and your family.
To answer your question, yes. She was a year and a half when I completed the process and she did immerse in the mikveh as well. It is my understanding that she will be confirmed by the Bet Din when she reaches Bat Mitzvah. I didn't know about the name/kaddish issue...do you know the source of this? I thought that only applies if the converts' parent/s are not Jewish. I'm happy that you found your way. May G-d bless you and your family as well! 😊
In the United States, there are very few Sephardic communities outside of a few large cities. But it has been my experience that the Sephardim simply worship with the Ashkenazim.
@stephenfisher3721 very tiny, Shepardic leaning towards being Culturally Jewish than Religious But they share space with the larger Ashkenazi community and actually shared a building for awhile with the Islamic community when they experienced a fire. The community is a mix of Shepardic, Ashkenazi and Messianic. It's the 2nd biggest city in Indiana - very diverse and friendly but Ft. Wayne is surrounded by rural communities with Amish & Mennonites neighbors. So when I say tiny, I mean like maybe 20 or so, Shepardic families. Once you leave Fort Wayne, it's very rural with very little diversity.
@stephenfisher3721 Genetically Jewish but believe Jesus is the Messiah (not to be confused with Christian Hebrews who can be non Jewish). I don't know much about Messianic Judaism. I know it's controversial within the Jewish Community, but in Fort Wayne, they are cohesively alinged as one community.
Jayelle, great video! Thank you for doing this. Here’s my question. There’s so many modern stories/testimonies on “Jesus did this miracle for me”, Jesus said this to me, I found Jesus, I saw Jesus etc….Many of these claims happen all over today. Do you have a response to this? This isn’t a hostile question or a trap; I have a lot of respect for Judaism; I’m honestly just curious what the Jewish response to this would be. Best wishes.
It is a good question. I don’t think I can speak for all Judaism on this topic, as there is certainly many wiser people that have come before and formulated a response, but this is my answer today on the level of knowledge that I’m at currently. Two things: 1. That G-d has no form is a fundamental belief in Judaism, and that there is no G-d beside Him/other than Him. G-d Himself told us so in Deuteronomy ch 4. Deuteronomy/Devarim 4 www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.4.1?lang=en&aliyot=0 And now, O Israel, give heed to the laws and rules that I am instructing you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that יהוה, the God of your fathers, is giving you. You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of your God יהוה that I enjoin upon you. You saw with your own eyes what יהוה did in the matter of Baal-peor, that your God יהוה wiped out from among you every person who followed Baal-peor; while you, who held fast to your God יהוה, are all alive today. See, I have imparted to you laws and rules, as my God יהוה has commanded me, for you to abide by in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. Observe them faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws will say, “Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.” For what great nation is there that has a god so close at hand as is our God יהוה whenever we call? Or what great nation has laws and rules as perfect as all this Teaching that I set before you this day? But take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with your own eyes and so that they do not fade from your mind as long as you live. And make them known to your children and to your children’s children: The day you stood before your God יהוה at Horeb, when יהוה said to me, “Gather the people to Me that I may let them hear My words, in order that they may learn to revere Me as long as they live on earth, and may so teach their children.” You came forward and stood at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was ablaze with flames to the very skies, dark with densest clouds. יהוה spoke to you out of the fire; you heard the sound of words but perceived no shape-nothing but a voice. [God] declared to you the covenant that you were commanded to observe, the Ten Commandments, inscribing them on two tablets of stone. At the same time יהוה commanded me to impart to you laws and rules for you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy. For your own sake, therefore, be most careful-since you saw no shape when יהוה spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire- not to act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness whatever: the form of a man or a woman, the form of any beast on earth, the form of any winged bird that flies in the sky, the form of anything that creeps on the ground, the form of any fish that is in the waters below the earth.- And when you look up to the sky and behold the sun and the moon and the stars, the whole heavenly host, you must not be lured into bowing down to them or serving them. These your God יהוה allotted to other peoples everywhere under heaven; but you יהוה took and brought out of Egypt, that iron blast furnace, to be God’s very own people, as is now the case. Now יהוה was angry with me on your account and swore that I should not cross the Jordan and enter the good land that your God יהוה is assigning you as a heritage. For I must die in this land; I shall not cross the Jordan. But you will cross and take possession of that good land. Take care, then, not to forget the covenant that your God יהוה concluded with you, and not to make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, against which your God יהוה has enjoined you. For your God יהוה is a consuming fire, an impassioned God. When you have begotten children and children’s children and are long established in the land, should you act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, causing your God יהוה displeasure and vexation, I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you that you shall soon perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess; you shall not long endure in it, but shall be utterly wiped out. יהוה will scatter you among the peoples, and only a scant few of you shall be left among the nations to which יהוה will drive you. There you will serve gods of wood and stone, made by human hands, that cannot see or hear or eat or smell. But if you search there, you will find your God יהוה, if only you seek with all your heart and soul- when you are in distress because all these things have befallen you and, in the end, return to and obey your God יהוה. For your God יהוה is a compassionate God, who will not fail you nor let you perish; [God] will not forget the covenant made on oath with your fathers. You have but to inquire about bygone ages that came before you, ever since God created humankind on earth, from one end of heaven to the other: has anything as grand as this ever happened, or has its like ever been known? Has any people heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have, and survived? Or has any deity ventured to go and take one nation from the midst of another by prodigious acts, by signs and portents, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and awesome power, as your God יהוה did for you in Egypt before your very eyes? It has been clearly demonstrated to you that יהוה alone is God; there is none else. From the heavens [God] let you hear the divine voice to discipline you; on earth [God] let you see the great divine fire; and from amidst that fire you heard God’s words. And having loved your ancestors, [God] chose their heirs after them; [God] personally -in great, divine might-led you out of Egypt, to drive from your path nations greater and more populous than you, to take you into their land and assign it to you as a heritage, as is still the case. Know therefore this day and keep in mind that יהוה alone is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. Number 2. (regarding false prophets) The Jewish people are warned by Hashem in Deuteronomy ch 13 that there will be false prophets that appear, and that this is a test. They are not to fall for the lies. Deuteronomy/Devarim 13 Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it. If there appears among you a prophet or a dream-diviner, who gives you a sign or a portent, saying, “Let us follow and worship another god”-whom you have not experienced -even if the sign or portent named to you comes true, do not heed the words of that prophet or that dream-diviner. For your God יהוה is testing you to see whether you really love your God יהוה with all your heart and soul. It is your God יהוה alone whom you should follow, whom you should revere, whose commandments you should observe, whose orders you should heed, whom you should worship, and to whom you should hold fast. As for that prophet or dream-diviner, such a one shall be put to death for having urged disloyalty to your God יהוה -who freed you from the land of Egypt and who redeemed you from the house of bondage-to make you stray from the path that your God יהוה commanded you to follow. Thus you will sweep out evil from your midst. Rabbi Reuven did a great class on this topic, you might be interested in. ua-cam.com/video/66B5TtJnIjI/v-deo.htmlsi=I4fUmHjjJy_7vP3u Hope this helps you. 😊
Jews for Judaism is also an excellent source On their website they have an article titled foundations of scripture that is addressing this topic (I think this is the right article )
It's funny, as a born Jew this video still speaks to me. The whole part about finding community is particularly poignant. Even born Jews will have problems finding their community and it takes time and patience. Maybe this is why some Jews fall away from the faith. But what's important is knowing that eventually you will find that community if you put in the effort and once you do it is the best feeling ever.
Fortunately I was either pregnant or not regularly menstruating after birth during this time, so I only needed to immerse on two or so occasions. We found ways around it. I did not take the shot.
@@jayellealafi5797 Good on you for not cow-towing to such ludicrous mandates. I remember one of your videos showed some family party where everyone in your community (besides your family) was wearing masks. I was shocked. Seems like some communities rebelled, others obeyed. Kudos to you for being firm and not just obeying! I pray you find a community soon that shares such strength.
Please explain more about the divergence that occurred during Covid. You said that the community went one way and you went a different way and as a result you were excluded from several things. Could you please be more explicit as to what happened and why. I hope my asking isn't too personal or intrusive. I really just want to understand.
Hi Rona, it was an idealogical divergence. What happened was most Orthodox synagogues here, the JCC (Jewish community centre) where the mikveh is, and our kids (Orthodox) school had a vaccine mandate. They wouldn't let you in if you wouldn't show your papers. I thought it was the most vile, discriminatory, and shameful thing I'd ever seen, that Jewish institutions would participate in doing this. We practically wrote the book on medical ethics after WW11 with the Nuremberg Code, how did Jews forget? How did Jews forget the way they'd been demonized and discriminated against at that time? I didn't and don't understand it. This documentary was really good, the situation from a Holocaust survivor's perspective. live.childrenshealthdefense.org/chd-tv/events/never-again-is-now-global/Never-Again-Is-Now-Global-Part-1/uJU5xF0dn8p8Zg
Hi, I am in a relationship with a Jewish man but he is not observant. I have been converting conservative but I know that’s not the true way of doing it. I am struggling to decide between my boyfriend (we are close to getting engaged) and pursuing orthodox conversion. Any advice would be great.
I am praying for you. You may have come into your boyfriend’s life to inspire him to greater observance. My suggestion would be to discuss the matter with your converting Rabbi. I am converting, but as I am nearing the end of my life, I don’t have the same concerns as a younger woman.
@@jayellealafi5797 now days there many people who are Jewish (according to halachah) and they don't know it. If there is a man among us and there is a possibility that he might be Jewish, he must be counted in a minyan, and he can not be told not to keep the mitzvot. (Rambam) there is also a special provision (not a conversion) for the return of the Anusim. Abraham talked to anyone about the One G'd. Proselytism was common until a Rabbi in Italy forbidden it for the safety of the community. There is not Tarah Law on rejection. Shulchan Aruch y.a chapter 268 on the laws of conversions. thank you for your time.
I'm Catholic. I'm genuinely interested in finding the truth. I don't believe in the teachings of Martin Luther. I have always had questions about why The Almighty would allow His child to die like that when He could've just forgiven folks without the pain & torture.
Love your videos! Unfortunately, I will not be able to get into a community. I also have instincts towards Reform Judaism. How do you view the Reform movement? Baruch HaShem!
reform movement not advised. try conservative synagogue services via youtube. friday evening from Beth Torah benny rok campus. saturday mornings from park avenue synagogue nyc. learn from viewing that. from there you go go further into orthodox judaism at a later date. reform judaism is like a decafe instead of drinking real deep coffee. good luck.
There is a huge difference between Reform and Orthodox Judaism. Are you planning on getting married and having children? Where will you be living? Are you willing to live an Orthodox lifestyle? How do you want to observe Kashrut and Shabbat? What kind of Jews do you want at your synagogue? What do you think about women's rights, gay rights, abortion, freedom to choose, the Messiah, the Torah, God?
If you align with Reform Judaism, be aware that only Reform Jews will accept your Reform conversion. But it would be insincere to have an Orthodox conversion when you are not going to observe the mitzvot and are not going to be part of an Orthodox community. Be aware that many Reform Jews think Orthodox Jews are primitive, backward, narrow minded, and an embarrassment.
So glad that you have a good relationship with your parents! So important! Family Always come first! Have a question: why you keep avoiding saying Jesus name, or avoiding saying Christian holidays name? I don't know there is problem in Judaism that you can't say Jesus name or saying Christmas
HaShem comes first. The celebrations involved with the followers of Jesus are not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. They are the mere inventions of men, often to “baptize” pagan European observances. I hope that my thoughts have helped you to understand. ✡️❤️
@@AdaraBalabusta and the Mikvah isn’t different from a baptism how?…. There are records showing immersion in water in the Bible. This sounds very much like a baptism to me.
@@AdaraBalabusta I'm Jewish and live in Israel so I know that there isn't any problem to say Jesus name or to say Christian Holidays name's.. I didn't understand what you were saying about baptism No problem to my knowledge, and I think that I have a little bit of knowledge, just say their names
@@danielday100 - Agreed. Those kinds of sentiments make us look intolerant and unrealistic about the people who share this world with us. It also is fuel for antisemitism, because people ignorantly believe we hate them (when we don’t). There’s a difference between believing and celebrating other religious people’s holidays, and being fine to exist around them. We’re the minority and they aren’t. It’s silly to have an “us versus them” attitude. I truly hope these people wake up to that truth sooner rather than later.
@@sisterspooky That's exactly what I mean. We have amazing Christian community here in Israel, we have a lot of Christian tours, we always more than gladly celebrate with them they're holiday's! By no mean, we can't say Jesus name!
Hi Jayelle. You said when the plandemic started you separated from the community you were with and went to another. Was it because of the mask wearing or vaccine?
Hi Avital, we didn't physically move anywhere, I was speaking metaphorically to describe the way my perspective on this was/is different from the community we live in. We still live in the same community. Because of all of it. Never did I foresee such a repudiation of the Nuremberg Code (by Jewish people!) not to mention basic ethics and non-discrimination policies.
@@jayellealafi5797 Thanks for the reply. I guess I misunderstood what you said . U made the right decision about the situation that started 3 years ago
Hey Jayelle, I just finished your testimony video and appreciated hearing your story. I must say that I did leave thinking you've done a lot more research into the Jewish counterarguments to Christianity, than Christian counters to the Jewish criticisms towards Jesus. Hope you can find the research/talk to the right theologically-versed Christians to properly do both sides justice. Blessings.
Glad you enjoyed it! I did do my research into both sides before converting, and the information I presented in this video was the result of that. This was not a "Judaism vs. Christianity" debate video, it's a "why I made the decision I made" video. At the end of the day, christian arguments about Jesus are empty. There is just no correlation between Jesus and the Messiah that is prophesied/promised to come in the Jewish scriptures. The only reason Christians have any conception of a Messiah or the need for forgiveness or atonement and how that is achieved is because Jews told them/interpreted the Torah for them.
Rabbi Yeshua Ben Joseph warned about this orthodox trap 2000 years go with truth filled …. "How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees-pretenders all-because you travel over sea and land to make one proselyte, and once he is yours, you make him over into a decaying, smouldering, garbage dump of a person-your double" (Matt. 23:15 )
14:04 - For your sake, I hope your children don’t take that attitude with you and your husband should they choose a path apart from the one you’re rearing them in. BH, my son is choosing Judaism, but if he chose to go OTD, I certainly wouldn’t want him to put forth the attitude to me that I need to agree with his choice ‘or else’ he wouldn’t have a relationship with me.
@@AdaraBalabusta She stated, _”She could either choose between having a relationship with me and her future son-in-law…”_ right before she cut the clip to edit the rest of that statement out. If you carefully listen to the statement and sentiments expressed in the comments following that edit, it is pretty simple to deduce what the ‘cut’ included. Especially when she doubled down on the sentiments as she stated that _”religion”_ wasn’t something _”she (her Mother) was willing to _*_lose the relationship over.”_* That’s a terrible thing to do to a parent. I hope for her sake, her children don’t choose to walk a different path and give her that same choice.
Children don't love unconditionally. If accepting her religion was a deal breaker for her, she is perfectly within her rights to cut off ther mom if she wanted to. It might make her mom sad but it was her choice if she wanted to respect that boundary or cut contact. We make this choices in every relationship
@@separatista - You must either not be Jewish, or are a secularist Jew…either way… As a self-professing Orthodox Jewish woman she is bound by the Torah, as are _all_ Jews, not to mention it is a mitzvah to honor our parents. The Torah says: כַּבֵּד אֶת אָבִיךָ וְאֶת אִמֶּךָ לְמַעַן יַאֲרִכוּן יָמֶיךָ Our relationship with ones parents matters in Judaism, and we don’t simply cast our parents aside. I don’t know what kind of warped sense of the family unit you were taught, but that isn’t the Jewish way. We shouldn’t seek to cause our parents strife, and seek to disobey them for the sake of disobedience. Granted they share a different religious view than she has, but she should still seek to maintain a relationship with them, though she doesn’t have to accept their religious beliefs.
Another convert here. I'm sorry that what you heard made you upset. My experience is that it is from the parents' side that the problem usually arises. When a child decides to convert it is a huge thing to the parents in a way that they need to question everything they know and hold sacred as if it turned rubbish all of a sudden. Sometimes the parents are not willing or capable of growing and becoming more open minded. And that's ok. Do not blame the child for that. All that a child asks of his/her parents is acceptance and unconditional love. ''Do you still love me even if I choose to take a totally different path that you taught me?'' I believe that of course the love is there but it may take even years to re-build the relationship and to show some of that love.
Hi, thanks for your question! I believe that Eretz Yisrael is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people. I don't necessarily agree with the political policies of the zionist movement.
Nice story, very honest. I would like to state that Martin Luther does not speak for the Christian faith. His views contributed to Anti-Semitic movement in Germany that lead to justification of the nazi party new on Jews. Christain’s help Jews in ww2, true Christain’s embrace Judaism and respect the differences. Also true Christain’s believe that all Christain’s belief originated from the Jewish faith. You mention the crusades, Christian’s at the time liberated Jews from being second class citizens. There is no documentation of Christain’s forcing Jews to believe in Jesus. What you point out is basically the faith portion of Christianity… this is difficult for most to understand. I’ll leave this with you, Christianity played its part in history taming the Roman Empire and their abuses against mankind. Against if your Christain and you don’t believe in Jesus you are actually Jewish by default and that’s ok. Best of luck on your life journey.
I don’t think your entirely familiar with Christian mistreatment of Jews in history I would advise you to go read up about it on wiki There is plenty of articles that record the horrific atrocities Christian’s did to Jews in the name of their god … The crusades were particularly know for the massacres that occurred on the way. And don’t kid yourself that thecrusades were to liberate the Jews . It was to get Jerusalem from the Muslims whom Christians consider satanic. Regardless, anyone converting to Judaism (and/or rejecting Christianity) should be doing it for faith reasons anyway From a Jewish perspective we see these atrocities as something that kept us from wanting to join Christianity anyways
WAIT!!! WHAT??? The Rebbeim were THERE when they toiveled you???? They asked you these questions while you are about to dunk??? NO WAY!! Which bais din was that???
The people of your faith are referred to in your Tanakh as ESAU/EDOM and the little horn in Daniel 7 & 8. You can easily recognize who these prophecies are talking about, *_"Behold, I have made thee SMALL among the heathen (less than 1% of the world's population): thou art greatly DESPISED (antisemitism). The PRIDE of thine heart hath deceived thee (you claim to be God's Firstborn Son and usurp the place of the Most High servant of Isaiah 53), thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."_* (Obadiah 1:2-4) *_"Whereas E. saith, We are impoverished, but we will RETURN (Aliyah) and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever."_* (Malachi 1:4)
Q: Do you really believe that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, wallowed around in the fishes stomach, with all that acid and no oxygen, for three days and three nights? 😂
Quite a silly take given that jews believe that "God" is a concept beyond human understanding, and is not defined in any concrete way. Some practicing jews are full on atheists, as "they do not put any other gods before him" if they don't believe in God.
I presume you know that modern Orthodox Judaism is NOT Biblical Judaism, it cannot be without a Temple in Jerusalem and full possession of the Land of Israel. I have regularly attended an Orthodox Synagogue since 2007 (over 15 years) as I appreciate the Siddur, the Order of Service, the beauty of the Hebrew, and, of course, the people. But we must not fool ourselves into thinking that this is somehow the original religion of Moses, David, Solomon, the Prophets, etc. When the Temple was destroyed the rabbis had to invent alternatives to the Biblical/Mosaic commands in the Torah, such as prayer being a substitute for the sacrifices and so on, but none of these can be supported by the Bible. These practices are beautiful and I love to participate in them, but I don't fool myself into thinking that they are Biblical. The true Biblical faith of Abraham pre-dated both Rabbinic and Biblical Judaism! It was the gift of righteousness through faith alone. Abraham is the father of all who believe. You and I may enjoy our connection to modern Judaism, fine, but we are no more loved and accepted than the most simple-hearted Christian who believes...like Abraham. Finally, it is as clear as a bell that the New Testament is the flower of the Tanakh, the two books are really one. I hope you are aware that, until a mere 1,000 years ago, the Jewish authorities understood that the subject of Isaiah 53 was one individual, the Messiah. It was Rashi who, alarmed that so many Jews were recognising Jesus in this passage, claimed that the subject was not the Messiah at all but the Jewish nation. But this defied 1600 years of Jewish teaching and could not be justified by a plain reading of the text. It is clearly describing an individual, not a nation. Even the highly-esteemed Rambam disagreed with Rashi's interpretation. Something is seriously wrong here and I've yet to hear a satisfying answer to it.
Judaism is not dependant on having the Bet Hamikdash or Eretz Yisrael. Its dependant on having, learning, and keeping Torah, both the Written and Oral. The Jewish people became a nation long before (400+years) they built the first Bet Hamikdash or conquered the Holy Land. Many verses in the prophets speak of the Moshiac and are messianic in nature, but Isaiah 53 is definitely speaking about the Jewish people, the people chosen as Hashem's servants. I have not read Rambam's alleged disputation, but even so it doesn't mean Rashi was incorrect or that Isaiah 53 is about JC. Heres a link. jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/isaiah-53-and-the-suffering-servant What else does it say in Isaiah? “You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior.” (Isaiah 43:10-11) I think you should find a better synagogue. Theres a serious issue if you've been attending that long and believe in Christianity. Btw, Christianity is idol-worship and a violation of the primary commandments.
@@jayellealafi5797 Thankyou for your reply. You are correct to say that "Judaism is not dependent on having the Beit HaMikdash or Eretz Yisrael" if you are referring to Rabbinic Judaism. But Mosaic or Biblical Judaism IS dependent on the Beit HaMikdash and full possession of Eretz Yisrael. A vast majority of the 613 Laws cannot be fulfilled without these conditions. Regarding Isaiah 53. From the time that Isaiah penned the words it was understood to be a reference to the coming Moshiach, it wasn't until about 1600 years later that Rashi reinterpreted it and Rambam was not the only one to disagree with his reinterpretation. Tradition matters. I am glad that you brought up the passage in Isaiah 43:10-11. Have you noticed that all the verbs are in the plural? The reason for this is that G-d is addressing the nation as a whole: "You are my WITNESSES," and so on. This entire passage is focused on the nation, we agree. However, the Isaiah 53 passage contains all singular verbs. Why? Because it is referring to a single Individual, Moshiach. Had G-d been referring to the nation as a whole, He would have used plural verbs as in the Isaiah 43 passage. To interpret it otherwise is poor and inconsistent exegesis. By that reasoning I could equally claim that Isaiah 43 is referring to Moshiach, but I wouldn't because it's obviously not. Finally, if you study the Isaiah 53 passage carefully and with an open mind you will see that, whilst many of the descriptions cannot apply to Israel, they can all apply to Jesus/Yeshua. Here are a couple of examples: "By His wounds we are healed," the sufferings of the Jews have not healed the nations, but the sufferings of Moshiach have healed millions, both spiritually and physically. Also, "He was afflicted but did not open His mouth," the Jews have been very vocal about their sufferings (and rightly so!), but Moshiach did not defend Himself when He was confronted. And there are many more such instances.
@@kevinoneil56I presume you are aware that you believe in the concept of Judaism according to Christianity There is a reason why the religions are called two different religions- because they believe two different things You are clearly someone who practices “Judaism” according to what Christianity believes it is. Plus you clearly actually arnt educated in the main issue with Isaiah 53 being a so called proof of vicarious atonement… you are also clearly not educated on basic fundamentals of Judaism… Yet you say you are orthodox …
@@esthersteier6840 Thankyou for your thoughts, Esther. I think there is a little misunderstanding. Yes, I attend an Orthodox Synagogue, but I do not 'practice Judaism', that would be an impossibility without actually converting, which I haven't...and couldn't. I sincerely appreciate the prayers, the Services, the Hebrew language, the people, and so on. My 15+ years have been wonderful. Your criticisms of me are truly welcome if you can enlighten me further. Could you explain to me in simple layman's terms how you think I've misunderstood vicarious atonement in my reading of Isa. 53? It looks very clear to me, but you may have other insights. Also, as an aside, I'm sure there is truth in what you say about my not being educated on basic fundamentals of Judaism, I never would - and never could - claim such a thing! It's a massive subject. A (simple) explanation of your understanding of vicarious atonement, particularly as it relates to Isa 53, would be genuinely appreciated. I may not agree, but I promise to appreciate it.
@@kevinoneil56 yes that makes sense You didn’t sound like you actually understood what Orthodox Judaism means Isiah 53 in very very short refers to the nations of the proof who are causing the servant to suffer. The servant suffer because of them. The straightforward meaning is isreal. There are deep levels of understanding that it could refer to a specific individual including the future messiah The Ibn Ezra’s commentary is an excellent source (sefaria has it fully translated- search for his name and select on Isaiah and then this topic he starts in chapter 52:13) if you wish to understand the topic further I would highly recommend this source if not Jews for Judaism has a lecture (series) that goes through the chapter in depth
The Mosaic covenant was based on ritual blood sacrifices and the Yom Kippur (Sabbath of Sabbaths) statute which was at the heart of the covenant. Judaism has NONE of that and as such it is all about an IMITATION of observance of the Mosaic covenant. You, people, prove by your very existence that the Torah of Moses is done away with and God has brought evil upon you and even the fruit of your thoughts as predicted in Tanakh, *_"the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them."_* (Jeremiah 11:10) *_I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it._* (Jeremiah 6:19)
I am a convert as well. Most of the converts I know did it to unify the family and go through the bar mitzvah process and not for the beauty of Judaism. 99 percent of these people who converted did it only to say they were Jewish and are not observant and only came to Judaism because of their spouse.. They now have a built in support system for Shabbats and other holidays. It is quite frustrating to me as a single convert who has none of this and spends all of these events alone save for going to synagogue. It is refreshing to see someone who is actually observant and did not convert just to marry and to raise their children with one religion.
Don't worry you are not alone there are other of us out there I'm a convert to conservative Judaism and I'm doinf it single and alone it is frustrating but it is what it is in the long run its for the better we shall be stronger in our relationship with hashem!!! Wishing u great success on ur conversion
Are you talking about non-Orthodox converts or Orthodox converts not being observant?
So why did you convert ? You are not ethnically Jewish and you will never be considered Jewish by the Jews, so why did you do that? On top of that also being single?
@@FoundSheep-AN if one converts according to Jewish law that Jews follow they are obviously meeting the criteria that Jews believe is needed in order to become a Jew
I am a convert as well but I don’t deal with my blood family, no dealings with the outside world and I disconnected from old associates. Best decision of my life. Also learning Hebrew has been life changing. Thank you for sharing your story 🇮🇱💙
B'H, good for you!
I want to learn Hebrew but I'm struggling being in the US. Any recommendations
I actually read that when Hashem came to the nations to offer the Torah although they declined there were a select few who agreed, and those would end up receiving the Torah at a different time in history 😊 so happy to have you part of Klal yisrael
This is beautiful! Thank you. 😊❤️
Hello Jayelle! I just found an apartment in the Chabad Jewish Community nearest to me. I am so excited! I will be starting my official conversion process (G-d willing) after I meet with the Beit Din!
I too left Christianity.
So excited for you Jeanie, that's wonderful! 🤗🥂
Thank you!! ❤
Thank you, Jayelle. Your video touched me deeply. I continue in my conversion journey, continue to seek a Jewish neighborhood where I can afford to live. ✡️❤️
It can be a struggle, I know! All in Hashem's time. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! 🥰
I am in same boat... loving the encouragement of this channel
Welcome home!
Wow, thank you Rabbi, you've been such a gift to me over the years!
I can't believe you saw my video. ☺️
@@jayellealafi5797I’m so thrilled for you that Rabbi Singer saw your video and welcomed you home! It must be gratifying for him to see the fruits of his efforts. And YOU are an awesome inspiration too. ❤
I love how simple yet eloquent your answers are to our questions. I have been reading a LOT about Judaism and am very drawn to the ideal of conversion. This is really helpful, and I will be checking out the links for more information. Thank you! Shalom.
So glad you enjoyed it! 💗🤗
Girl, you had me TICKLED at the end! God bless you and keep you. Shalom.
Glad you enjoyed it! 😊
Shalom. I'm a non practising Christian Protestant who'd like to convert to Orthodox Judaism. Such an informative video. I can't wait to watch your Passover video.❤
So glad you enjoyed it! 😊
What?
I left the church over 3 yrs ago and got into Messianic Judaism and fell in love with Judaism - so much so that for the past 3 yrs I’ve felt drawn to more orthodox practices. At the time I came to realize the Torah was still a vital part of life in had started asking the question, why did JC come? It would take HaShem 3 yrs to fully reveal the truth and it’s only been in the past week or so that I’ve fully come to realize and official renounce JC. Thank you for sharing your story - I will be journeying into conversion as I find a local Chabad.
Shalom and blessings.
What was your personal revelation about that?
Are you an ethnical Jew?
That’s really cool!
Thanks for sharing
@@FoundSheep-AN right now I’m searching - I’ve left christianity completely and now seeking to find my place. I admit I’m drawn to Orthodox Judaism, yet I love that I can do more things in the Conservative - I’m not making any rash decisions, I’m taking my time to find where HaShem is leading me. 💙✡️ but I’ll say, I’m a Jew at heart! ✡️
Are there any particular things that you had questions about that lead you to want to reject Christianity?
@@esthersteier6840 there is too much to discuss on this platform - it was 3 yrs worth of discovery and prayer and seeking truth. I did not come to this decision lightly, in fact, it’s the last decision I ever thought I would make - not at all where I would’ve thought I would go - and yet here I am and living every minute!!
I have been wanting to convert since 2011 I started classes in March 2023. I recentley found out about difference in beliefs of theology between Reform, Conservative & Orthodox. This wasn't brought up in class as a subject, once I found out especially concerning Moshe and Torah I had been given an Orthodox Rabbis email to see if I can take classes for Orthodox. I filled out the application and waiting to hear back. I never thought of Orthodox when I knew I wanted to convert, I now can't see how I can convert to the other branches with a different theology than what I believed even before I started the classes. At this point I'm taking an unexpected opportunity just because I have to see where it goes for me. After I started the conversion classes in March I took a 23&Me and I have Ashkenazi Polish dna maybe it's all is for a reason, and if Orthodox is where I am suppose to be I will find out. ✡
As a muslim, I consider that you are safe because you believe in one god and you avoid trinity and idolatery.
But you Muslims are not by kissing a black pagan stone
Great video . I come from a Russian Jewish family, raised as secular as possible but I’ve been on my baal teshuva journey this past year and it has been so enriching and amazing to say the least . A few months ago I was looking at yeshivas I would like to study at and I became aware that my mothers mother is in fact not Jewish (all 3 of my other grandparents are though !) this was obviously devastating, but this passion I feel is so strong I am willing to do whatever extra steps necessary to cement myself according to Halacha. But to compound matters the Chabad house I am going too no longer facilitates conversion. Which is a shame, I am just getting comfortable and familiar with everyone there but it looks like I need to keep searching . the politics for conversion are trickier here in my city than other places (from what I hear), there is a 10 person va’ed council that must approve you rather than just a 3 person Beit din . I’m still at the beginnings of this journey but every day that goes by without progress hurts my soul , seeing as I’ was raised in a jewish home and lived my whole life identifying as a Jew ( and still do ! )
Hi, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. That is a tough situation. Are you in the US, do you know this organization? Maybe they can help you.
judaismconversion.org
I think in a situation like your they are a bit lenient.
But yes maybe temporarily you can go to a community that can do it.
But move back when your finished if that still works for you
Single women 50+ need a way to connect that are authentically in the process of orthodox conversion.. cost of living is extremely difficult these days and I believe if we had some way to connect with each other to move through some of the tangible logistics in such a time as this.... we could really lift one another and create paths that before were not possible AGAIN I SPEAK of those ready to move forward with their process by way of action
Facts!!
Totally agree with this statement.
thanks for this video, it's interesting to hear your story! i am a conversion student and H" willing i will be jewish by the end of the year 😊
I'm sorry for what you went through in the last few years with regards to restrictions and mandates. My husband and I went through it as well, I was terminated from my job for not getting the you-know-what. My husband was threatened with termination for 9 months and was put on indefinite unpaid leave and his benefits taken away. Eventually they were forced to give him his job back but it was a very difficult time. As awful as it was, I'm glad that we weren't alone, many other people were going through this as well ♥️
Thank you, you're family is strong. Ordinary heroes. Good for you guys for not bowing down and submitting.
I’m looking to convert so I learning everything I can. Thank you!
Not on topic, but I just wanted to wish you and your family a Pesach Kasher, Bari, v'Same'ach, a happy, healthy, holy Passover.
Thank you so much! Wishing your family the same! 😊🌸🍷🍷🍷🍷
@@jayellealafi5797 Any time. We're all in this together, after all. Achim (v'achot) anachnu, bnei (uvnot) av echad.
Man this is so badass. I’m not very religious at all but I couldn’t imagine going through all this, B”H I was born Jewish I guess. So stoked to have you, conversions to Judaism seem so much more meaningful and deep then any of the Christian nonsense
Great Q & A! Of course UA-cam never put it in my subscription feed 🙄Thanks for answering many of my questions. :) I hope you will do more Q & As!
Your soo inspirational!
Aww, thanks! ☺️ 💗
Subscribed - Noahide wanting to convert soon.
😊 Welcome!
Wonderful journey. Even when you find a sefardic community that might not change how you feel. I suggest finding ways to fulfill that need first. Jmo from experience.
Well said...💗🤗
Is the "written test," based on memory like university exams? Are you monitored by a rabbi during the exam or can you answer using materials? Thank you!
Amazing video... I enjoyed this!
Glad you liked it! 😊
This video was a good eye-opener for me! I am considering converting to Judaism (at first I was certain, then I sort of lost interest, and then my suspicions of Christianity came back to bite me in the butt) and I'm glad I have some sort of framework for what to expect.
After I learned that you didn't need the 613 Mitzvot to get into heaven, that debunked Christianity's basic premise in my mind and so I've been going down a Jewish rabbit hole ever since.
thank you jayelle for your clear explanations and advice. as a jew from birth i recognize that you were also at Mt. Sinai when HaShem gave the Torah to the Jewish people. B"H. have you ever tasted sephardic style matzah? did you see " La Bienfaisante 12 matsot a l' orange sucrees" at the foodstores?
As YUMMY as it is, it is halachically considered the same as egg matzoh, which is common to Ashkenazim. They are both "enriched" matzoh, for the sick/informed, children and elderly. But (as always!) the Sephardic version is tastier! 😅
yes sephardic and mizrahi cuisine is delicious. residing in france for many years and having traveled to israel etc., many times i had many
opportunities to get familiar with.i even learned to cook various dishes. " la bienfaisante 12 matsot a l' orange sucrees" is a strong memory. at 75 years old i am elderly and would eat it as a dessert matzah only. for meal matzah i do eat the regular kind. if any viewer is able to send me the " bienfaisante matzah a l' orange sucrees i would pay sll shipping and handling plus a bonus amount for doing it. the
canadian kosher groceries will ship to canadian addresses but not here in the usa. today is one day until passover 2023 so too late for this
pesach but maybe for next year... " hag pesach samayach" to you all.
@@Valerie-rv2ws Et j'aimerais bien aussi d'avoir la recette cette année pour le Pessah!! 😀 Hag Sameach!!
I misplaced the recipe you gave me for the vegan tofu recipe. Would you please tell me again.
Thank you !!!
Have you read Ruchoma Shain's book All for the Boss?
No I haven't. Is it good, shall I?
@@jayellealafi5797 I recommend! Very eye opening. I watched one of your videos that you also enjoy reading. Could you recommend me of any Jewish books?
@@jayellealafi5797 Jayelle?
@ameilewd98wd72 I'm sorry for the slow reply, UA-cam doesn't notify me of all replies for some reason! 😕
I have many good books that I can recommend, can you tell me where you are at with Judaism so I know what kind of books might be appropriate? Jewish, not jewish, converting?
Also I have an email, just in case comment threads get lost, you can email me. infojayellea@gmail.com 💗
EDIT: I found another of your comments where you mentioned you're not Jewish, but looking into it. 🤗
In that case, I would recommend;
Kaplan, Aryeh, Maimonides Principles: The Fundamentals of Jewish Faith
Wein, Berel,
-Triumph of Survival: The Story of the Jews in the Modern Era, 1650-1990,
-Herald of Destiny: The Story of the Jews 750-1650,
-Echoes of Glory: The Story of the Jews in the Classical Era, 350 BCE-750 CE
Wouk, Herman, This is My God
I also really enjoy the writings/books by Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, but they may be advanced for you, you can check it out.
Hope this helps!💗
@@jayellealafi5797 That's okay! I replied again because I assumed you didn't see it.
I guess anything for beginners, or specifically people in the process of converting would be great
Thank you for the email! I will keep it! 💜
I’m sorry if this seems like an odd question … since you were married with children during your conversion process, I’m assuming you had already started keeping many mitzvot… were you already covering your hair, or did you wait (were you supposed to wait) until your conversion? Related question- do you think it’s okay for Ben Noach married women to cover their hair, even if they haven’t converted?
Hi Shannon!
You're right, we had already started keeping many mitzvot, by the time I finished the conversion program we considered ourselves fully observant.
I started covering my hair when our daughter was 7 months old, we had just gotten back from a trip to Israel and I was inspired to just start even though I technically didn't have to. I finished the conversion about a year after this.
The Bet Din told me it's obligatory to do only after the wedding, but there's no problem by doing it earlier, I didn't have to wait.
After the mikveh but before the wedding and even at the wedding itself I didn't cover.
I don't think there's any problem at all with Bnai Noach women who wish to cover, or dress modestly for that matter. It used to be a cultural thing that everybody used to do. You know, like hats, wigs, gloves, long skirts...there wasn't really a difference between how Jews dressed and how everybody else did.
I think it's great if you want to. 🤗❤️
Thanks for the question!
@@jayellealafi5797 thank you for your response! Have a wonderful Shabbat.
@@jayellealafi5797 did you have to dip your seven month old too for her to be Jewish? That’s scary.
She was almost 2 yrs, but yes. She enjoyed her immersion for the most part, it wasn't that bad.
"Ex" christian ♡ here too (was raised in a Christian family even though i didnt reasonate with things, and thus don't identify)
Judaism is beautiful♡
Baruch Hashem! Judaism is beautiful!
Thank you! 💙
Where can we send in our questions?
Very cool info! Orthos RULE :D
I love your videos 💕 I attend Chabad and am strongly considering conversion. Do you ever feel sad about not being able to eat your mother's cooking? I know it's a silly question, but I honestly get a little sad about that for some reason. Just wondering if that ever happened for you.
So glad!
Sometimes, just a little bit, when it's like a nostalgic dish of some kind. But it's usually less about the food and more about how I felt/feel, the emotions tied to events where that food was eaten.
But I've found it's just a process of associating other (kosher) food and finding other ways to keep our relationship close. Or kosher-ifying the dish and bringing myself.
My mother is, fortunately, very understanding. 😊
Best of luck! 💗
You should consider Baltimore. They have a lot of Sephardic shuls and Rabbanim.
Never heard of a written test. How common is that?
Hi Stephen, I don't think it's universal, different Bet Din's may do (slightly) different things when it comes to certain requirements. You could definitely ask them or your sponsoring Rabbi what the process is. 😊
A couple of questions: 1. You lived together and became pregnant prior to marriage? 2. If so, did your child convert (the pre bar/bat mitzvah conversion prior to accepting Torah )? are you aware that this child is a separate Jew from the mother as opposed to "born children" after...conversion? This was a challenge for me. Mine are ben and bas Sarah or ben/bas Abraham depending on how the name is being used of course..they don't use my Hebrew name or their Jewish father's name. I was surprised that they don't even have to say Kaddish for me or their father...nice but not required...Their father and I did divorce eventually but not due to me becoming Jewish ...the degree of observance was a hindrance....30 years later, I'm observant in Baltimore and remarried. Mazal and visible Brachot for you and your family.
To answer your question, yes. She was a year and a half when I completed the process and she did immerse in the mikveh as well. It is my understanding that she will be confirmed by the Bet Din when she reaches Bat Mitzvah.
I didn't know about the name/kaddish issue...do you know the source of this? I thought that only applies if the converts' parent/s are not Jewish.
I'm happy that you found your way. May G-d bless you and your family as well! 😊
I did not know that Chabad did conversions.
It's possible to have a Chabad rabbi that will sponsor you, but you have to go through a Bet Din (rabbinical court) for the actual conversion.
Love your videos!
Glad to hear it!😊
They have a lovely Shepardic community in Quebec, L.A. - Cali, CdMX - Mexico and a teeny tiny one in Fort Wayne, IN. In case you ever want to move. ❤
In the United States, there are very few Sephardic communities outside of a few large cities. But it has been my experience that the Sephardim simply worship with the Ashkenazim.
Are you sure about the Sephardic community in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. It seems unlikely and a Google search yielded nothing.
@stephenfisher3721 very tiny, Shepardic leaning towards being Culturally Jewish than Religious But they share space with the larger Ashkenazi community and actually shared a building for awhile with the Islamic community when they experienced a fire. The community is a mix of Shepardic, Ashkenazi and Messianic. It's the 2nd biggest city in Indiana - very diverse and friendly but Ft. Wayne is surrounded by rural communities with Amish & Mennonites neighbors. So when I say tiny, I mean like maybe 20 or so, Shepardic families. Once you leave Fort Wayne, it's very rural with very little diversity.
@@mindyourownbusinessplease1120 Messianic?
@stephenfisher3721 Genetically Jewish but believe Jesus is the Messiah (not to be confused with Christian Hebrews who can be non Jewish). I don't know much about Messianic Judaism. I know it's controversial within the Jewish Community, but in Fort Wayne, they are cohesively alinged as one community.
Jayelle, great video! Thank you for doing this. Here’s my question. There’s so many modern stories/testimonies on “Jesus did this miracle for me”, Jesus said this to me, I found Jesus, I saw Jesus etc….Many of these claims happen all over today. Do you have a response to this? This isn’t a hostile question or a trap; I have a lot of respect for Judaism; I’m honestly just curious what the Jewish response to this would be. Best wishes.
It is a good question. I don’t think I can speak for all Judaism on this topic, as there is certainly many wiser people that have come before and formulated a response, but this is my answer today on the level of knowledge that I’m at currently.
Two things:
1. That G-d has no form is a fundamental belief in Judaism, and that there is no G-d beside Him/other than Him. G-d Himself told us so in Deuteronomy ch 4.
Deuteronomy/Devarim 4
www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.4.1?lang=en&aliyot=0
And now, O Israel, give heed to the laws and rules that I am instructing you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that יהוה, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of your God יהוה that I enjoin upon you.
You saw with your own eyes what יהוה did in the matter of Baal-peor, that your God יהוה wiped out from among you every person who followed Baal-peor;
while you, who held fast to your God יהוה, are all alive today.
See, I have imparted to you laws and rules, as my God יהוה has commanded me, for you to abide by in the land that you are about to enter and occupy.
Observe them faithfully, for that will be proof of your wisdom and discernment to other peoples, who on hearing of all these laws will say, “Surely, that great nation is a wise and discerning people.”
For what great nation is there that has a god so close at hand as is our God יהוה whenever we call?
Or what great nation has laws and rules as perfect as all this Teaching that I set before you this day?
But take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with your own eyes and so that they do not fade from your mind as long as you live. And make them known to your children and to your children’s children:
The day you stood before your God יהוה at Horeb, when יהוה said to me, “Gather the people to Me that I may let them hear My words, in order that they may learn to revere Me as long as they live on earth, and may so teach their children.”
You came forward and stood at the foot of the mountain. The mountain was ablaze with flames to the very skies, dark with densest clouds.
יהוה spoke to you out of the fire; you heard the sound of words but perceived no shape-nothing but a voice.
[God] declared to you the covenant that you were commanded to observe, the Ten Commandments, inscribing them on two tablets of stone.
At the same time יהוה commanded me to impart to you laws and rules for you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy.
For your own sake, therefore, be most careful-since you saw no shape when יהוה spoke to you at Horeb out of the fire-
not to act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness whatever: the form of a man or a woman,
the form of any beast on earth, the form of any winged bird that flies in the sky,
the form of anything that creeps on the ground, the form of any fish that is in the waters below the earth.-
And when you look up to the sky and behold the sun and the moon and the stars, the whole heavenly host, you must not be lured into bowing down to them or serving them. These your God יהוה allotted to other peoples everywhere under heaven;
but you יהוה took and brought out of Egypt, that iron blast furnace, to be God’s very own people, as is now the case.
Now יהוה was angry with me on your account and swore that I should not cross the Jordan and enter the good land that your God יהוה is assigning you as a heritage.
For I must die in this land; I shall not cross the Jordan. But you will cross and take possession of that good land.
Take care, then, not to forget the covenant that your God יהוה concluded with you, and not to make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, against which your God יהוה has enjoined you.
For your God יהוה is a consuming fire, an impassioned God.
When you have begotten children and children’s children and are long established in the land, should you act wickedly and make for yourselves a sculptured image in any likeness, causing your God יהוה displeasure and vexation,
I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you that you shall soon perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess; you shall not long endure in it, but shall be utterly wiped out.
יהוה will scatter you among the peoples, and only a scant few of you shall be left among the nations to which יהוה will drive you.
There you will serve gods of wood and stone, made by human hands, that cannot see or hear or eat or smell.
But if you search there, you will find your God יהוה, if only you seek with all your heart and soul-
when you are in distress because all these things have befallen you and, in the end, return to and obey your God יהוה.
For your God יהוה is a compassionate God, who will not fail you nor let you perish; [God] will not forget the covenant made on oath with your fathers.
You have but to inquire about bygone ages that came before you, ever since God created humankind on earth, from one end of heaven to the other: has anything as grand as this ever happened, or has its like ever been known?
Has any people heard the voice of a god speaking out of a fire, as you have, and survived?
Or has any deity ventured to go and take one nation from the midst of another by prodigious acts, by signs and portents, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm and awesome power, as your God יהוה did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?
It has been clearly demonstrated to you that יהוה alone is God; there is none else.
From the heavens [God] let you hear the divine voice to discipline you; on earth [God] let you see the great divine fire; and from amidst that fire you heard God’s words.
And having loved your ancestors, [God] chose their heirs after them; [God] personally -in great, divine might-led you out of Egypt,
to drive from your path nations greater and more populous than you, to take you into their land and assign it to you as a heritage, as is still the case.
Know therefore this day and keep in mind that יהוה alone is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other.
Number 2. (regarding false prophets)
The Jewish people are warned by Hashem in Deuteronomy ch 13 that there will be false prophets that appear, and that this is a test. They are not to fall for the lies.
Deuteronomy/Devarim 13
Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you: neither add to it nor take away from it.
If there appears among you a prophet or a dream-diviner, who gives you a sign or a portent,
saying, “Let us follow and worship another god”-whom you have not experienced -even if the sign or portent named to you comes true,
do not heed the words of that prophet or that dream-diviner. For your God יהוה is testing you to see whether you really love your God יהוה with all your heart and soul.
It is your God יהוה alone whom you should follow, whom you should revere, whose commandments you should observe, whose orders you should heed, whom you should worship, and to whom you should hold fast.
As for that prophet or dream-diviner, such a one shall be put to death for having urged disloyalty to your God יהוה -who freed you from the land of Egypt and who redeemed you from the house of bondage-to make you stray from the path that your God יהוה commanded you to follow. Thus you will sweep out evil from your midst.
Rabbi Reuven did a great class on this topic, you might be interested in.
ua-cam.com/video/66B5TtJnIjI/v-deo.htmlsi=I4fUmHjjJy_7vP3u
Hope this helps you. 😊
Jews for Judaism is also an excellent source
On their website they have an article titled foundations of scripture that is addressing this topic (I think this is the right article )
I keep on wondering, how is you Ivrit? Are you learning, reading Ivrit?
It's funny, as a born Jew this video still speaks to me. The whole part about finding community is particularly poignant. Even born Jews will have problems finding their community and it takes time and patience. Maybe this is why some Jews fall away from the faith. But what's important is knowing that eventually you will find that community if you put in the effort and once you do it is the best feeling ever.
Yes, I've come to realize that, it's not necessarily a convert's problem, but is more universal. :) Thanks for your comment!
How did you navigate not being allowed to go to the mikvah? Are you vaccinated and the community is not, or the other way around?
Fortunately I was either pregnant or not regularly menstruating after birth during this time, so I only needed to immerse on two or so occasions.
We found ways around it. I did not take the shot.
@@jayellealafi5797 what ways around it? Other mikvahs? Streams outside?
@@jayellealafi5797 Good on you for not cow-towing to such ludicrous mandates. I remember one of your videos showed some family party where everyone in your community (besides your family) was wearing masks. I was shocked. Seems like some communities rebelled, others obeyed. Kudos to you for being firm and not just obeying! I pray you find a community soon that shares such strength.
good for you!! I hope your hubby did the same. @@jayellealafi5797
Please explain more about the divergence that occurred during Covid. You said that the community went one way and you went a different way and as a result you were excluded from several things. Could you please be more explicit as to what happened and why. I hope my asking isn't too personal or intrusive. I really just want to understand.
Hi Rona, it was an idealogical divergence. What happened was most Orthodox synagogues here, the JCC (Jewish community centre) where the mikveh is, and our kids (Orthodox) school had a vaccine mandate. They wouldn't let you in if you wouldn't show your papers.
I thought it was the most vile, discriminatory, and shameful thing I'd ever seen, that Jewish institutions would participate in doing this.
We practically wrote the book on medical ethics after WW11 with the Nuremberg Code, how did Jews forget? How did Jews forget the way they'd been demonized and discriminated against at that time?
I didn't and don't understand it. This documentary was really good, the situation from a Holocaust survivor's perspective.
live.childrenshealthdefense.org/chd-tv/events/never-again-is-now-global/Never-Again-Is-Now-Global-Part-1/uJU5xF0dn8p8Zg
Hi, I am in a relationship with a Jewish man but he is not observant. I have been converting conservative but I know that’s not the true way of doing it. I am struggling to decide between my boyfriend (we are close to getting engaged) and pursuing orthodox conversion. Any advice would be great.
I am praying for you. You may have come into your boyfriend’s life to inspire him to greater observance. My suggestion would be to discuss the matter with your converting Rabbi.
I am converting, but as I am nearing the end of my life, I don’t have the same concerns as a younger woman.
where is that Troah Law found, the rejection one?
Hi, it's Shulchan Aruch and also the Rambam. 😊
@@jayellealafi5797 thank you I will look it up.
@@jayellealafi5797 now days there many people who are Jewish (according to halachah) and they don't know it. If there is a man among us and there is a possibility that he might be Jewish, he must be counted in a minyan, and he can not be told not to keep the mitzvot. (Rambam) there is also a special provision (not a conversion) for the return of the Anusim. Abraham talked to anyone about the One G'd. Proselytism was common until a Rabbi in Italy forbidden it for the safety of the community. There is not Tarah Law on rejection. Shulchan Aruch y.a chapter 268 on the laws of conversions. thank you for your time.
I'm Catholic. I'm genuinely interested in finding the truth. I don't believe in the teachings of Martin Luther. I have always had questions about why The Almighty would allow His child to die like that when He could've just forgiven folks without the pain & torture.
You could take a look at Rabbi Tovia Singer’s _Let’s Get Biblical_ books.
Love your videos! Unfortunately, I will not be able to get into a community. I also have instincts towards Reform Judaism.
How do you view the Reform movement?
Baruch HaShem!
reform movement not advised. try conservative synagogue services via youtube. friday evening from Beth Torah benny rok campus. saturday
mornings from park avenue synagogue nyc. learn from viewing that. from there you go go further into orthodox judaism at a later date. reform judaism is like a decafe instead of drinking real deep coffee. good luck.
There is a huge difference between Reform and Orthodox Judaism. Are you planning on getting married and having children? Where will you be living? Are you willing to live an Orthodox lifestyle? How do you want to observe Kashrut and Shabbat? What kind of Jews do you want at your synagogue? What do you think about women's rights, gay rights, abortion, freedom to choose, the Messiah, the Torah, God?
I believe in the Torah. I am very monotheistic.I am strict and can conform to the Orthodox methods . I support gay rights and support abortion.
I am capable of observing Shabbat and Kosher laws.
If you align with Reform Judaism, be aware that only Reform Jews will accept your Reform conversion. But it would be insincere to have an Orthodox conversion when you are not going to observe the mitzvot and are not going to be part of an Orthodox community. Be aware that many Reform Jews think Orthodox Jews are primitive, backward, narrow minded, and an embarrassment.
So glad that you have a good relationship with your parents! So important! Family Always come first!
Have a question: why you keep avoiding saying Jesus name, or avoiding saying Christian holidays name?
I don't know there is problem in Judaism that you can't say Jesus name or saying Christmas
HaShem comes first.
The celebrations involved with the followers of Jesus are not mentioned in the Hebrew Scriptures. They are the mere inventions of men, often to “baptize” pagan European observances.
I hope that my thoughts have helped you to understand.
✡️❤️
@@AdaraBalabusta and the Mikvah isn’t different from a baptism how?…. There are records showing immersion in water in the Bible. This sounds very much like a baptism to me.
@@AdaraBalabusta
I'm Jewish and live in Israel so I know that there isn't any problem to say Jesus name or to say Christian Holidays name's..
I didn't understand what you were saying about baptism
No problem to my knowledge, and I think that I have a little bit of knowledge, just say their names
@@danielday100 - Agreed. Those kinds of sentiments make us look intolerant and unrealistic about the people who share this world with us. It also is fuel for antisemitism, because people ignorantly believe we hate them (when we don’t). There’s a difference between believing and celebrating other religious people’s holidays, and being fine to exist around them. We’re the minority and they aren’t. It’s silly to have an “us versus them” attitude. I truly hope these people wake up to that truth sooner rather than later.
@@sisterspooky
That's exactly what I mean.
We have amazing Christian community here in Israel, we have a lot of Christian tours, we always more than gladly celebrate with them they're holiday's!
By no mean, we can't say Jesus name!
God's truth is in JUDAISM.
Shalom
Mag
Hi Jayelle. You said when the plandemic started you separated from the community you were with and went to another. Was it because of the mask wearing or vaccine?
Hi Avital, we didn't physically move anywhere, I was speaking metaphorically to describe the way my perspective on this was/is different from the community we live in. We still live in the same community.
Because of all of it. Never did I foresee such a repudiation of the Nuremberg Code (by Jewish people!) not to mention basic ethics and non-discrimination policies.
@@jayellealafi5797 Thanks for the reply. I guess I misunderstood what you said . U made the right decision about the situation that started 3 years ago
Hey Jayelle, I just finished your testimony video and appreciated hearing your story. I must say that I did leave thinking you've done a lot more research into the Jewish counterarguments to Christianity, than Christian counters to the Jewish criticisms towards Jesus. Hope you can find the research/talk to the right theologically-versed Christians to properly do both sides justice. Blessings.
Glad you enjoyed it! I did do my research into both sides before converting, and the information I presented in this video was the result of that. This was not a "Judaism vs. Christianity" debate video, it's a "why I made the decision I made" video.
At the end of the day, christian arguments about Jesus are empty. There is just no correlation between Jesus and the Messiah that is prophesied/promised to come in the Jewish scriptures.
The only reason Christians have any conception of a Messiah or the need for forgiveness or atonement and how that is achieved is because Jews told them/interpreted the Torah for them.
וואלה שיחקת אותה ברוכה הבאה לישראל
Baruch HaShem!
Rabbi Yeshua Ben Joseph warned about this orthodox trap 2000 years go with truth filled …. "How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees-pretenders all-because you travel over sea and land to make one proselyte, and once he is yours, you make him over into a decaying, smouldering, garbage dump of a person-your double" (Matt. 23:15 )
So if someone is genuine Thant here should be no issue right?
The hypocrisy here from someone who comes from a religion whose main goal is to convert convert convert “ fish men “ ..😂
@user-vx3wm4hn5i I seriously, if any modern or orthodox Jews teach rabbi, jesus was not a jew!
@@varghessmith2985 yeah right cuz it’s the non Jews who keep shabbat , wear a tzitiz , pray Halel , and .. are called rabbi 🤣😂
@user-vx3wm4hn5i which synagogues are teaching jews can not quote Arabs or Greeks?
14:04 - For your sake, I hope your children don’t take that attitude with you and your husband should they choose a path apart from the one you’re rearing them in.
BH, my son is choosing Judaism, but if he chose to go OTD, I certainly wouldn’t want him to put forth the attitude to me that I need to agree with his choice ‘or else’ he wouldn’t have a relationship with me.
Interesting. That wasn’t my understanding of what Jayelle said. ✡️❤️
@@AdaraBalabusta She stated, _”She could either choose between having a relationship with me and her future son-in-law…”_ right before she cut the clip to edit the rest of that statement out. If you carefully listen to the statement and sentiments expressed in the comments following that edit, it is pretty simple to deduce what the ‘cut’ included. Especially when she doubled down on the sentiments as she stated that _”religion”_ wasn’t something _”she (her Mother) was willing to _*_lose the relationship over.”_*
That’s a terrible thing to do to a parent. I hope for her sake, her children don’t choose to walk a different path and give her that same choice.
Children don't love unconditionally. If accepting her religion was a deal breaker for her, she is perfectly within her rights to cut off ther mom if she wanted to. It might make her mom sad but it was her choice if she wanted to respect that boundary or cut contact. We make this choices in every relationship
@@separatista - You must either not be Jewish, or are a secularist Jew…either way…
As a self-professing Orthodox Jewish woman she is bound by the Torah, as are _all_ Jews, not to mention it is a mitzvah to honor our parents.
The Torah says:
כַּבֵּד אֶת אָבִיךָ וְאֶת אִמֶּךָ לְמַעַן יַאֲרִכוּן יָמֶיךָ
Our relationship with ones parents matters in Judaism, and we don’t simply cast our parents aside. I don’t know what kind of warped sense of the family unit you were taught, but that isn’t the Jewish way.
We shouldn’t seek to cause our parents strife, and seek to disobey them for the sake of disobedience. Granted they share a different religious view than she has, but she should still seek to maintain a relationship with them, though she doesn’t have to accept their religious beliefs.
Another convert here. I'm sorry that what you heard made you upset. My experience is that it is from the parents' side that the problem usually arises. When a child decides to convert it is a huge thing to the parents in a way that they need to question everything they know and hold sacred as if it turned rubbish all of a sudden. Sometimes the parents are not willing or capable of growing and becoming more open minded. And that's ok. Do not blame the child for that. All that a child asks of his/her parents is acceptance and unconditional love. ''Do you still love me even if I choose to take a totally different path that you taught me?'' I believe that of course the love is there but it may take even years to re-build the relationship and to show some of that love.
Hello, are you also a zionist?
Hi, thanks for your question! I believe that Eretz Yisrael is the eternal homeland of the Jewish people.
I don't necessarily agree with the political policies of the zionist movement.
Discouraging prospective converts has no basis in halacha (Jewish law). It comes from the book of Ruth.
Nice story, very honest. I would like to state that Martin Luther does not speak for the Christian faith. His views contributed to Anti-Semitic movement in Germany that lead to justification of the nazi party new on Jews. Christain’s help Jews in ww2, true Christain’s embrace Judaism and respect the differences. Also true Christain’s believe that all Christain’s belief originated from the Jewish faith. You mention the crusades, Christian’s at the time liberated Jews from being second class citizens. There is no documentation of Christain’s forcing Jews to believe in Jesus. What you point out is basically the faith portion of Christianity… this is difficult for most to understand. I’ll leave this with you, Christianity played its part in history taming the Roman Empire and their abuses against mankind.
Against if your Christain and you don’t believe in Jesus you are actually Jewish by default and that’s ok. Best of luck on your life journey.
I don’t think your entirely familiar with Christian mistreatment of Jews in history
I would advise you to go read up about it on wiki
There is plenty of articles that record the horrific atrocities Christian’s did to Jews in the name of their god …
The crusades were particularly know for the massacres that occurred on the way.
And don’t kid yourself that thecrusades were to liberate the Jews . It was to get Jerusalem from the Muslims whom Christians consider satanic.
Regardless, anyone converting to Judaism (and/or rejecting Christianity) should be doing it for faith reasons anyway
From a Jewish perspective we see these atrocities as something that kept us from wanting to join Christianity anyways
WAIT!!! WHAT??? The Rebbeim were THERE when they toiveled you????
They asked you these questions while you are about to dunk??? NO WAY!!
Which bais din was that???
The people of your faith are referred to in your Tanakh as ESAU/EDOM and the little horn in Daniel 7 & 8.
You can easily recognize who these prophecies are talking about,
*_"Behold, I have made thee SMALL among the heathen (less than 1% of the world's population): thou art greatly DESPISED (antisemitism). The PRIDE of thine heart hath deceived thee (you claim to be God's Firstborn Son and usurp the place of the Most High servant of Isaiah 53), thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord."_* (Obadiah 1:2-4)
*_"Whereas E. saith, We are impoverished, but we will RETURN (Aliyah) and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever."_* (Malachi 1:4)
Q: Do you really believe that Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, wallowed around in the fishes stomach, with all that acid and no oxygen, for three days and three nights? 😂
From one mythic fable to another, nothing changes, delusions about a god and his demons.
Quite a silly take given that jews believe that "God" is a concept beyond human understanding, and is not defined in any concrete way. Some practicing jews are full on atheists, as "they do not put any other gods before him" if they don't believe in God.
I presume you know that modern Orthodox Judaism is NOT Biblical Judaism, it cannot be without a Temple in Jerusalem and full possession of the Land of Israel.
I have regularly attended an Orthodox Synagogue since 2007 (over 15 years) as I appreciate the Siddur, the Order of Service, the beauty of the Hebrew, and, of course, the people. But we must not fool ourselves into thinking that this is somehow the original religion of Moses, David, Solomon, the Prophets, etc. When the Temple was destroyed the rabbis had to invent alternatives to the Biblical/Mosaic commands in the Torah, such as prayer being a substitute for the sacrifices and so on, but none of these can be supported by the Bible. These practices are beautiful and I love to participate in them, but I don't fool myself into thinking that they are Biblical.
The true Biblical faith of Abraham pre-dated both Rabbinic and Biblical Judaism! It was the gift of righteousness through faith alone. Abraham is the father of all who believe. You and I may enjoy our connection to modern Judaism, fine, but we are no more loved and accepted than the most simple-hearted Christian who believes...like Abraham. Finally, it is as clear as a bell that the New Testament is the flower of the Tanakh, the two books are really one.
I hope you are aware that, until a mere 1,000 years ago, the Jewish authorities understood that the subject of Isaiah 53 was one individual, the Messiah. It was Rashi who, alarmed that so many Jews were recognising Jesus in this passage, claimed that the subject was not the Messiah at all but the Jewish nation. But this defied 1600 years of Jewish teaching and could not be justified by a plain reading of the text. It is clearly describing an individual, not a nation. Even the highly-esteemed Rambam disagreed with Rashi's interpretation. Something is seriously wrong here and I've yet to hear a satisfying answer to it.
Judaism is not dependant on having the Bet Hamikdash or Eretz Yisrael. Its dependant on having, learning, and keeping Torah, both the Written and Oral. The Jewish people became a nation long before (400+years) they built the first Bet Hamikdash or conquered the Holy Land.
Many verses in the prophets speak of the Moshiac and are messianic in nature, but Isaiah 53 is definitely speaking about the Jewish people, the people chosen as Hashem's servants. I have not read Rambam's alleged disputation, but even so it doesn't mean Rashi was incorrect or that Isaiah 53 is about JC. Heres a link. jewsforjudaism.org/knowledge/articles/isaiah-53-and-the-suffering-servant
What else does it say in Isaiah?
“You are My witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior.”
(Isaiah 43:10-11)
I think you should find a better synagogue. Theres a serious issue if you've been attending that long and believe in Christianity.
Btw, Christianity is idol-worship and a violation of the primary commandments.
@@jayellealafi5797 Thankyou for your reply.
You are correct to say that "Judaism is not dependent on having the Beit HaMikdash or Eretz Yisrael" if you are referring to Rabbinic Judaism. But Mosaic or Biblical Judaism IS dependent on the Beit HaMikdash and full possession of Eretz Yisrael. A vast majority of the 613 Laws cannot be fulfilled without these conditions.
Regarding Isaiah 53. From the time that Isaiah penned the words it was understood to be a reference to the coming Moshiach, it wasn't until about 1600 years later that Rashi reinterpreted it and Rambam was not the only one to disagree with his reinterpretation. Tradition matters.
I am glad that you brought up the passage in Isaiah 43:10-11. Have you noticed that all the verbs are in the plural? The reason for this is that G-d is addressing the nation as a whole: "You are my WITNESSES," and so on. This entire passage is focused on the nation, we agree.
However, the Isaiah 53 passage contains all singular verbs. Why? Because it is referring to a single Individual, Moshiach. Had G-d been referring to the nation as a whole, He would have used plural verbs as in the Isaiah 43 passage. To interpret it otherwise is poor and inconsistent exegesis. By that reasoning I could equally claim that Isaiah 43 is referring to Moshiach, but I wouldn't because it's obviously not.
Finally, if you study the Isaiah 53 passage carefully and with an open mind you will see that, whilst many of the descriptions cannot apply to Israel, they can all apply to Jesus/Yeshua. Here are a couple of examples: "By His wounds we are healed," the sufferings of the Jews have not healed the nations, but the sufferings of Moshiach have healed millions, both spiritually and physically. Also, "He was afflicted but did not open His mouth," the Jews have been very vocal about their sufferings (and rightly so!), but Moshiach did not defend Himself when He was confronted. And there are many more such instances.
@@kevinoneil56I presume you are aware that you believe in the concept of Judaism according to Christianity
There is a reason why the religions are called two different religions- because they believe two different things
You are clearly someone who practices “Judaism” according to what Christianity believes it is.
Plus you clearly actually arnt educated in the main issue with Isaiah 53 being a so called proof of vicarious atonement…
you are also clearly not educated on basic fundamentals of Judaism…
Yet you say you are orthodox …
@@esthersteier6840 Thankyou for your thoughts, Esther. I think there is a little misunderstanding.
Yes, I attend an Orthodox Synagogue, but I do not 'practice Judaism', that would be an impossibility without actually converting, which I haven't...and couldn't. I sincerely appreciate the prayers, the Services, the Hebrew language, the people, and so on. My 15+ years have been wonderful.
Your criticisms of me are truly welcome if you can enlighten me further. Could you explain to me in simple layman's terms how you think I've misunderstood vicarious atonement in my reading of Isa. 53? It looks very clear to me, but you may have other insights.
Also, as an aside, I'm sure there is truth in what you say about my not being educated on basic fundamentals of Judaism, I never would - and never could - claim such a thing! It's a massive subject.
A (simple) explanation of your understanding of vicarious atonement, particularly as it relates to Isa 53, would be genuinely appreciated. I may not agree, but I promise to appreciate it.
@@kevinoneil56 yes that makes sense
You didn’t sound like you actually understood what Orthodox Judaism means
Isiah 53 in very very short refers to the nations of the proof who are causing the servant to suffer.
The servant suffer because of them.
The straightforward meaning is isreal. There are deep levels of understanding that it could refer to a specific individual including the future messiah
The Ibn Ezra’s commentary is an excellent source (sefaria has it fully translated- search for his name and select on Isaiah and then this topic he starts in chapter 52:13) if you wish to understand the topic further I would highly recommend this source if not Jews for Judaism has a lecture (series) that goes through the chapter in depth
The Mosaic covenant was based on ritual blood sacrifices and the Yom Kippur (Sabbath of Sabbaths) statute which was at the heart of the covenant.
Judaism has NONE of that and as such it is all about an IMITATION of observance of the Mosaic covenant.
You, people, prove by your very existence that the Torah of Moses is done away with and God has brought evil upon you and even the fruit of your thoughts as predicted in Tanakh,
*_"the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers. Therefore thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them."_* (Jeremiah 11:10)
*_I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it._* (Jeremiah 6:19)
Congratulations
B'H from the Gerim world.