CONVERTING TO JUDAISM????

[cindi]

AS A BELIEVER IN YESHUA, I HAVE LEARN ALOT FROM THIS FORUM.THOUGH I DONT POST MUCH ON THIS FORUM, I HAVE READ MOST OF WHAT IN THIS FORUM. NOW I HAVE A QUESTION THAT I NEED YOUR OPINION ON.
FOR THE LAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN GOING TO A JEWISH GROUP IN MY TOWN AND NO THERES NO MESSIANIC GROUP AROUND. THROUGH THIS GROUP I HAVE FELT VERY ACCEPTED BY THEM. IN FACT I HAVE FELT MORE CARED ABOUT THEN I HAVE EVER FELT IN SO CALLED "CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES". I WANT TO FEEL A PART OF IT, I KNOW THAT I'M ALREADY
GRAFTED IN, BUT I WANT TO BE COUNTED AS A JEW. AS A BELIEVER
WOULD I BE COMMITING A GRAVE SIN BY BECOMING JEWISH? WHAT I DONT WANT IS FOR HA SHEM TO THINK THAT I HAVE FORSAKEN YESHUA. THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR OPINION.
SHALOM
CINDI

[Mark]

Hi Cindi,

To the Jewish and Christian mind, converting to Judaism is the same as renouncing Yeshua as the Messiah. As Messianic believers, we're stuck in a place of not truly belonging where ever we go. If you would like to send me an e-mail that gives your location, I've had some success finding places of fellowship for people around the country.

At the same time, I want to acknowledge and confirm what you are saying about the gracious nature of the Jewish people. They know what it is like to be an outsider. In most cases, (there have been a few exceptions) anyone who desires to come into the synagogue to learn and share is accepted with kindness and appreciation. Any attempts to change them or convert members of their group is met with swiftly and firmly; but even that rarely has the flavor of hostility.

I would strongly recommend that keep a strong relationship with others who hold a relationship to Yeshua, Messiah. Even if we are your "life-line" as that role, please be ready to come with questions you may have about Yeshua's validity as Messiah. Inevitably, the subject will eventually come up, and their arguments can be very convincing- that's mainly because their argument is against the gentile Church's interpretation of the New Testament Scriptures.

At the same time, be ready to graciously and lovingly answer any questions that will eventually come as to why you hold Yeshua to be the Messiah. Never give any more information than what is being asked for (so as not to be seen as proscelytizing) but answer completely with respect and understanding. You may have a wonderful ministry where you are, undoing a lot of Jewish misconceptions about who the Messiah is.

[Chizuk Emunah]

Shalom cindi,
Conversion is a tricky issue. On the one hand one can not give up their belief in the Mashiach, and on the other they want to join the Jewish people. What to do?

First, to answer your question, no you would not be committing a sin by becoming Jewish. G-d forbid. In fact, you would bring blessing upon yourself and your family by doing so. (They may not see it that way, but it is a blessing to be counted as a Jew)

Second, to respond to Mark's comments:

To the Jewish and Christian mind, converting to Judaism is the same as renouncing Yeshua as the Messiah.

Yes, this is usually the case. However, if you approach the situation with full disclosure, I have heard that there are some Orthodox Rabbonim that are willing to work with you. One can be fully Jewish, even Orthodox, and still believe that Y'hoshua ben-Yosef is the promised Mashiach ben-David.

Inevitably, the subject will eventually come up, and their arguments can be very convincing- that's mainly because their argument is against the gentile Church's interpretation of the New Testament Scriptures.

Yes, it will come up. And when it does you need to be prepared with the truth. Like Mark said, Jewish leaders have prepared material to fight the Christian interpretation of the Messiah, so you need to have material prepared to show them the true interpretation of the Mashiach.

[Firestorm]

From what I've heard, ANY acceptance of Yeshua ben Yosef as Messiah is harshly condemned in the mainstream Jewish community & denial of His messiahship is the one thing Orthodox, Conservative & Reform all agree on!
I think that, in addition to a LOT of prayer Cindi, you might want to try running an ad in either the religion page of your local newspaper or, if you have such a thing, a community paper devoted to news about churches, Bible studies and so forth.
All you need say is that you're looking to meet others who believe as you do and give a P.O. box or e-mail address. At first you might want to meet in a public place like a coffee shop to sniff out weirdos. Then, when you get to know each other, move the group to meeting in one another's houses. If God is using you as an instrument for this purpose, your group will grow and He will send you a leader. This is how a lot of Messianic congregations, including mine, got started.
I know a lady who did this in Norway and now the group is big enough and committed enough that they're looking for a rabbi so they can have services rather than just prayer, singing and Bible study. At present, our congregation is praying for a shepherd for them.

[Blake]

It is possible to accept Y'hoshua ben Yosef as Moshiakh and still be converted by an Orthodox Rabbi and accepted within the orthodox community. Just ask Clint Van Nest....

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Good advice has been given. I would suggest that you find like-minded believers to grow and stay in Yeshua The Messiah. But, I don't think it would be wrong to convert to Judaism within the synagogue that you are attending as long as you are open and honest that you believe in Yeshua as Messiah and they are willing to recognize your convertion. It is likely they will not allow it...but, whom knows...

The good news...you can simply convert to Messianic Judaism in the same manner that Ruth did... A simple declaration that The G'd of Yisrael is your G'd, that you agree to keep his covenant, and that the Jewish people are your people.

It really is more simple than most make it out to be. You do not need man's permission. What G'd recognizes is important, not what your local non-messianic Jewish synagogue recognizes. Of course a mikvah with like minded believers couldn't hurt

Now for guys, there is a little matter of brit milah to deal with.

Shalom chaver,

Reuel

[Blake]

I must go on to say that if you hope to convert to Judaism as recognized by an Orthodox Beit Din you must definately not except the T*r*i*n*i*t*y or the Deity of Mashiakh. It is not the exceptance of Y'hoshua Ben Yoseif as Mashiakh Ben Yoseif that bars anyone from conversion but these two false doctrines.

[R' Y'hoshua Moshe]

Shalom Blake,

In regards to your views that the doctrines communicating a triune nature of YHVH and that Yeshua does not share in His divine nature being false is your opinion, but is not a Biblical fact.

Again, some Rabbis may work with you, but most probably will not. Good thing we don't have to rely on Rabbinic Orthodox Judaism to convert to Messianic Judaism

Shalom b'Yeshua HaMashiach,

Reuel