|
Conversion, Difficulties with Sabbath Observance
Question
Dear Rabbi,
I would like to convert. However, I do not live within
an eiruv (a method according to Jewish law that
by enclosing certain sections allows observant Jews to
carry things in the public domain on the Sabbath). I also
can't get to schul (synagogue) without being in
a car (traditional Jewish law does not allow for traveling
on the Sabbath). How am I supposed to study?
Thank you for your consideration.
Answer
As far as studying, you can do so on weekdays: take courses, go to the library, and listen to lectures. The distance from the schul shouldn't be an obstacle to that. Living in an area without an eiruv only means you cannot carry on Shabbat, and being too far away from the synagogue means you might have to pray at home instead of in a community. None of these
things would keep you from being an observant Jew.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Diana Villa
|
|
