אמר ריש לקיש חביב הוא הגר שנתגייר, מישראל בעמידתן על הר סיני, למה לפי שאילולי שראו קולות וברקים וההרים רועשים וקול שופרות, לא היו מקבלים את התורה, וזה שלא ראה אחד מהם, בא והשלים עצמו להקב"ה, וקיבל עליו מלכות שמים, יש לך חביב מזה.
Resh Laqish said: The [one] who converts is more beloved than Israel when they stood at Mount Sinai. Why? Because, if they had not seen the thunder and lightning, the mountains trembling, and the noise of the trumpets, they would not have accepted the Torah. But this [one], who did not see one of them, came to the Holy One, and took upon themself the Yoke of Heaven. Is there one of you more lovable than this one?
A. Definition and significance of conversion in Judaism: "Belonging, Behaving, Believing"
B. Reasons why individuals choose to convert to Judaism
But Ruth said [to her mother in law Naomi], “Do not urge me to leave you, to turn back and not follow you. For wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God."
A. Basic Ideas of Progressive Judaism (Or At Least R' Patrick's Interpretation)
- God as a lived experience; God as verb instead of noun
- Torah as "the Jewish people’s response to God’s presence in the world" (Rabbi Les Bronstein); Interpretation of the religious text as ongoing
- Israel As Ethical Peoplehood: emphasis on ethical and social justice principles
- Mitzvot as a system of alignment toward God, Torah and Israel (the Jewish People)
- Polydoxy: inclusion and acceptance of diverse expressions of Judaism
C. Introduction to Kehillah
- Community
- You Matter
- "I Need Help"
- Time, Talent, Treasure
- What's New?
A. Kehillah's Unique Approach (Integration vs. College Course)
B. Learning and Study (see packet)
C. Integration into the Jewish Community
D. Jewish Practice
1. Embracing Jewish rituals and practices
2. Incorporating Jewish values into daily life
3. Observing Jewish holidays and lifecycle events
E. Brit Milah, Beit Din, Mikvah
- Am I becoming new/sinless/etc.?
- How much do I need to participate in organized religion to be Jewish?
- How much of my old life do I need to give up?
- How much do I need to know?
- Will they be accepted as a Jew if they [insert circumstances]?
- Why don't Jews proselytize?
- Do I have to [know/speak/be fluent in] Hebrew?
- What about my [parents, partner, spouse, children, children-to-be]?
- What about Israel, aliyah, anti-semitism?