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Conversion of a Minor through Conservative Rabbinic Court II
Question
Dear Rabbi,
What should I be doing while I wait to leave the house as an adult and convert? Should I live as a Noahide ? Are there Conservative responsa on Noahides? What should I study?
Answer
Judaism speaks of "Bnei Noah" (the sons of Noah) when referring to Gentiles who live among the Jews and must observe seven laws. This category is nonexistent today, in my opinion, unless you want to apply it to non Jews in Israel, and that is a little difficult in a secular society. We have had questions on the website in which people referred to Noahides or claimed to be such.
In any case, I am sure that you observe the seven laws already. They are: no idolatry, not taking a limb from a live animal, not cursing God, not stealing, not having incestuous relations (including being intimate with a married woman), not killing and having a justice system (that is, so nobody takes the law into their own hands). I don't know of any Conservative responsa on the question of Noahides who want to convert. You can study as much as you want, both by reading and by studying with a qualified teacher. I would highly recommend learning Hebrew, as otherwise you are will always be limited to what has been translated, and I know that one Hebrew classes are often offered in high schools and in church settings (many priests study Hebrew so that they can read the Bible in the original). I would then continue studying Bible with classical commentaries, and slowly move on to rabbinic literature (midrash, Mishnah, Talmud, codes and responsa). There are also many books on Jewish philosophy, from the times of the sages to our days, and much of this available in translation. A lifetime isn't enough to cover everything, so take it slow, absorb what you study, and then go on.
There a lot of Internet courses you could join as well, for example, the Conservative movement in Israel sponsors the Virtual Beit Midrash, where one can study in English or Hebrew (you have to send an e-mail to admin@bmv.org.il with the subject Suscribe).
I think it would be a good idea to have someone you can consult with (if you tell me where you live I can put you in touch with the local Conservative rabbi), and I will be happy to keep on answering your questions as you go along as well.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Diana Villa
July 2005
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