Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Being Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Linda Russell


It is always desirable to know more about another Religion and this is so true when couples of different faiths decide to intermarry. Jewish and Interfaith Rabbi is there to provide the answers to burning questions a couple may have and to answer the difficult questions when deciding to convert. There is much to know and much to explore and this can take quite some time as a person embarks on this journey in becoming a convert.

This can pose many problems but most of them can be overcome when realising that it does not take much to have a ceremony that has a Jewish flavor. There is much to know should one embark on a journey of converting to this religion. This religion is vast in knowledge and understanding and it takes years to finally become a converter.

For one, there are many laws regarding the Sabbath which is the day of rest and occurs from sunset on a Friday night going all the way through to sundown on a Saturday night. No manner of work must be done and these are stipulated both in the oral law and written law. The oral law is that body of law that is handed down verbally throughout the generations. The written law is that part of the law that is contained in the Five Books of Moses.

Apart from this no mechanical work may be performed and this includes driving on this Holy Day. There are many laws that make up this body of the law but in reality putting it into practice is quite simple. Imagine a day when one really has to do nothing but attend synagogue where cooking is prepared the day before and lights are put on a time switch.

One is even not allowed to touch an object that a person would perform work with ordinarily. This law was brought about so that a person may not be tempted using the tool after touching it. There are many laws such as these that are there to safeguard the laws of the Torah.

People get called up to say the blessings over the Torah while someone else reads out of it pertaining to that section that is prescribed for that week or the upcoming week. After the service, a brocha is held where one partakes of food and drink. There are blessings said before consuming anything thereby rendering it more holy and giving thanks to God for whatever is consumed.

Usually should one want to convert this can take up to three years to become a fully fledged Jew or Jewess. It requires lots of studying and putting into practice what one has learnt. This is not something to be taken lightly and it has its many challenges but with patience it can be achieved.

As said, there is much to know about this way of life. Interfaith Rabbis are there to assist and to answer pressing questions. It is a beautiful religion that many do not understand and this is why it is worthwhile to do some investigating and research.




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