AboutRabbi Barry Dov Lerner Expertise Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history,
philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
I am currently taking Judaism classes online with a Rabbi. I love Judaism, every aspect of it and I know that I cannot undergo conversion because I am married to a Christian wife (who is extremely supportive of my choice to convert to Judaism). I myself have renounced Christianity and believe only in the teachings of Judaism.
However, even If I cannot convert I want to abide by the Noahide laws with all my heart. Would it be improper for me to go to synagogue?
I heard a rabbi once say (long ago)that I would be welcomed but that I shouldn't attend regularly because it is only a place for Jews to worship. Is this correct?
If I abide by the Noahide laws, may I still keep Shabbat?
Answer Dear Sam,
Thanks for writing.
If you are taking instruction on-line, I am required by Rabbinic protocol not to interfere or contradict his/her instruction and guidance.
I would urge you to ask this question of your mentoring Rabbi.
At the same time, you may want to study "Noahide" in the various locations in the Encyclopedia Judaica, or the reference desk of The Jewish Theological Seminary of America.
In personal terms, it seems that anyone can take on the observance of the Sabbath but it is not required of you.
Most importantly, is there a synagogue and Rabbi in town with whom you can meet and discuss this topic. Local instruction and participation with a local can be the most helpful approach in resolving your question.
