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Question
I'm 21 years old, and from Uruguay. After several years of deep thought, I'm converting to Judaism. There are just a few Jewish families around; my family and most of the country is Catholic. I've got two questions: 1. How can I make my society understand I'm not a freak for wanting to become a Jew? 2. Will the Orthodox Jewish families here really accept me, or will I always be considered an outsider as a convert?
Answer
First of all, thank you for writing. I've tried to gather some resources for converts for you.
Secondly, the most important support you need is apparently already being
given to you - the local synagogue and the local Jewish communtiy.
Thirdly, if you wish to speak with a Conservative Rabbi, and in Spanish,
contact the Seminario Latino Latinoamericano, Jose Hermandez 1750, 1426
Buenos Aires, Argentina, 54-11 -4783-2009 and by email srlatino@satlink.
You may indeed have some reaction from the Orthodox in the community if the
Conservative Movement officiates at your conversion, but ultimately that is
something to discuss with your sponsoring Rabbi or with several different
Rabbis to make a more informed choice of which way to proceed.
Lastly, no one who is sincerely Jewish would discriminate against you in
any way. In fact, Jewish law forbids ever reminding a Jew-by-choice in any
way, by word or deed, that they once were not Jewish.
I want to wish you good luck in your spiritual searching and may you find
fulfillment.
Best
Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation
for Family Education (FFFE)
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