Rebecca, when you saw us over the temple wall and longed to be one of us...

[rebecca_in_blue]

I usually don't watch Sex in the City, but lately I've caught a few episodes where Charlotte is converting to Judaism. And even though I really don't like that show, it's enough to make me want to sit down and watch the whole arc in order. It's also made me think about what a hugely different experience converting would be if I lived in an area with a substantial Jewish population (i.e., in Manhattan, like Charlotte, instead of Louisiana).

I guess that's part of the reason why converting has felt kinda strange. Even though it's the religion I'm converting to, a large part of Judaism - the stereotypes, certainly - is tied into Ashkenazi culture, and that's something I feel far away from. I don't live in the Deep South, but I do identify pretty strongly with Cajun culture, which is sometimes almost at odds with Jewish culture. Things like crawfish boils and couchon-de-laits are normal down here, and they're about as un-kosher as you can get. And it's Catholic country; I'm not really exaggerating when I say that I've met all twenty Jews in town. And I've lost track of how many people didn't know there was a Jewish temple in our city, or even know what Judaism is.

It's kinda hard to believe that there are places where it's common to see men in yarmulkes and mezuzahs on doors and challah bread in stores, cities with Jewish preschools and actual classes with lessons and homework assignments for people who want to convert. I can't even imagine how different it might be.

Judaism doesn't prosletyze, and traditionally, anyone wanting to convert is supposed to be rebuked three times! But there are so few Jews here that the people at the temple are very eager to get me converted, and I'm pretty sure that none of it is being done by the books. But our temple is reform, so even if they had plenty of Jews to spare, I doubt they would've rebuked three times. But that definitely would've crushed me.

I'm not sure where all this is coming from. It's just something I've been thinking about. On a somewhat-related note, I found a Star of David dish at the second-hand store today! I thought about donating it to the temple kitchen, but it was probably given to the store by a temple member - where else would it have come from? - so we're using it as a spoonrest on the stove right now.


Rebecca's Jew books: Living a Jewish Life, by Anita Diamant; my siddur and tanakh; a Hebrew-English dictionary inherited from Dad; and my watercolor painting of G-d's name (from right to left, the letters are yud-hay-vav-hay).

Comments

[guihong.livejournal.com]

I'm just one state up, and have felt the same way. This is Bible belt country. I feel fortunate that my temple has (get this) Sunday school for students, and a "Beginning Judaism" weekly course for curious people and potential converts. I'm thinking of taking it again this fall. There's also a Jewish food festival in the spring. Still, even with that, it's a small, insulated community.

[(Anonymous)]

aunt connie here, so glad I had an opportunity to live in Ca. for awhile. People are quite insulated here. And you are right we are in Catholic country. I was amazed when I lived in Sacramento that I never saw a Pentacostal. Alot of people here don't realize that we have a Mormon church here or a muslum temple either. I don't think muslim's call it a temple - mosque- that's what they call it. I think spirituality is a very personal thing.Since you have met all the jewish people in town it probably makes you feel closer, you are less likely to take things for granted that you might do if you lived in a larger community. Preparing yourself for a religious experience can be intimidating. I remember when I converted to Mormonism, I had a distinct change in how I communicated with Heavenly Father and the way I thought about my place on this earth. I waited 5 years before going to the Temple. You normally have to wait at least a year after baptism in the LDS church. Again, it was an intimidating and exhausting experience, since we had to drive all the way to Dallas that was where the closest Temple was at that time. But I don't have any regrets. Study and Ponder- that's how you recieve the help and wisdom you need. Follow your heart. Does the Jewish faith believe in the Holy Spirit or anything like it? Just wondering. Hope I am making some sense, it's late and near my bedtime. Love, aunt connie