Monday, 4 June 2018

About Jewish And Interfaith Rabbi

By Douglas Turner


Becoming a Jew is not easy and after which becomes and remains a challenge in the world because of anti Semitic sentiment and to top it all, the Israeli Palestinian conflict. Nevertheless a Jewish and Interfaith Rabbi can be consulted to answer a myriad of questions which pertain to the laws and customs that govern this religion. It is one that does not seek out converters unlike many other religions that do so.

It has to come within in and a really strong desire to take on the religion. It is not an easy process and requires dedication both in mind and spirit and especially with the practical issues that need to be addressed. Nevertheless there are those that want to by pass in becoming fully fledged Jews and just need a Rabbi to help them in the case where there is intermarriage of two differing religions.

Orthodox Judaism does not accept a marriage where one spouse is not Jewish but has undergone a wedding ceremony the Jewish way. Before a person can become affiliated and call themselves a Jew, one has to study and practice all the laws pertaining to this religion which can take up to three years to complete. They must a appear before a Beth Din which in simple terms is a court that will give the okay on many decisions concerning the faith.

A court of Law is called a Beth Din which translates to House of Judgement. Here all the laws that govern each and every individual within this faith, are adhered to and enforced. This is especially so for laws concerning dietary laws called Kashrut. This governs laws and practices so that any food that is bought off the shelf, be it animal or other, has the Beth Din stamp of approval for consumption.

Before partaking of any food, a strict check is done whether the food being eaten has passed the dietary requirements as stipulated by the Beth Din. Booklets can be bought that cover all the products that are kosher in a particular area. Apart from this, an emblem can found on the product itself that shows which Beth Din has okayed the product for consumption.

A Hechsher is the seal of approval and when wanting to purchase products, it is necessary that there be one on the product itself. Apart from this, many Beth Dins worldwide, put out a book month on month listing all the products that are permissible for consumption. This is just a small fraction of the bigger whole as it means to be a practicing Jew.

It is not an easy road and it requires a change in lifestyle. It is a beautiful and peaceful religion and it is one that is adored by all who practice it. It is a means in coming closer to the Maker of all things and it is one that teaches compassion, love, patience and contentment. When so to speak, graduating, one takes on a new soul and is incorporated as a member in the house of Israel.

It is said that once the converter graduates, they take on a different soul. Interfaith Rabbis can assist with this transition. It is a life changing event and one that is taken on by many especially because of marital reasons.




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