Welcome to Gaia! ::

Hi Everyone

I feel a little bit weird in this guild so far. I'm actually not Jewish (well, not yet). I was raised in a family that was spiritual, but never really had a religious base. So growing up, there really wasn't a lot of religious talk, and holidays were usually just like any other family get together.

I grew curious about religion, and I took it upon myself 4 years ago to begin to research different religions and what they believed. As I researched I of course was able to take bits and pieces from each religion in attempts to build what I hoped was was my base for religion since before I never really had one. Then one day I started reading more and more into Judaism and I felt this sense of completion.

I was terrified to tell my parents. Neither were really religious, so I was concerned about what they would have to say. I couldn't even turn to extended family for help because all of them are hardcore Roman Catholics (the kind that always pestered me about not being Catholic as a kid).

I began to look up bits and pieces in private, and I thought it was so weird that I had such a burning curiosity and desire to learn.

Then I fell in love. We were just friends, but eventually fell in love. In August, we'll have been together for 4 years. We'll be getting engaged a year. He happens to be Jewish, and if it wasn't for him, maybe I wouldn't have come out of the "Jewish Closet" (for lack of a better word). With his support I was able to let my family finally know about my religious curiosity.

Surprisingly, they were okay with it (mainly because of the boyfriend also being that religion..but whatever, I will gladly take acceptance where it is offered).

Right now between volunteer work at a local shelter, musical, classwork, and a job I don't have a whole lot of free time. But, once my workload clears up a bit I plan on taking the step to visit with the local Rabbi and begin the path to conversion (reform).

I stumbled upon this guild and figured that it would be in my benefit to connect with Jews from places other than my hometown and see the culture on a much larger scale.

So, here I stand before you. Terrified to be the stranger in a culture that is so interwoven. I guess what I'm saying is that this is a whole new world for me. Everything down to the language is new. To come into such a large group of people with the same culture is a bit overwhelming.

If you guys are willing to accept me and teach me a bit when I'm here, I'm certainly willing to learn

I don't really have any specific questions. I just kind of want to absorb everything together over time. I know bits and pieces, but I want to be able to put it all together. I figure at least being here will help me to understand more and more

edit: I guess there's one thing I've been curious about. This may seem odd, but is it offensive for someone like me to wear a star of David?

Thanks, I'll have to work on those things.

And as far as people seeing the star of David, I usually wear it between my sweater and my tank-top so people don't usually see it. Mainly for that reason, I don't want people to assume things quite yet. I just wasn't sure if the act of wearing one if you're not totally Jewish was wrong.

Well, I stopped in and had a meeting with the local Rabbi last night. I've officially started my lessons heart In a year or so I'll be able to convert. I've already started reading the books he gave me whee

Congrats. You works quickly...I've pretty much known I've wanted to convert since I was 14 (I'm nearly 19) and I still haven't talked to a rabbi. You're kinda inspiring in that aspect. I wish you luck in your spiritual journey and remember that mantra of high school teachers everywhere: No question is a stupid question.