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Conservative Judaism/video: Against All Odds
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Question
Dear Rabbi Dov,
Have you seen this amazing series looking at miracles that helped Israel gain independence? What a G-d you love! Now I want to learn more of your culture, particularly about clean and unclean foods, starting with animals. Would you please recommend a website or book? My background/family is from a tribe of native americans, Spokan. Thank you for helping me to understand.
Dear Holly,
Thank you for writing, but you really are asking for quite a lot. Before I can completely answer, would you please write me about yourself - your age, education, current faith and anything that would help me understand more about your questions.
Specifically, here is no single book which will answer all your questions. Judaism is a religion that has existed for more than 3500 years, unfolding and evolving across the face of the earth and especially in the land of Israel. I have a library of literally thousands of volumes, and I am still studying and even purchasing new books.
To start with, I would suggest that you read "Basic Judaism" by Milton Steinberg. This is a survey, brief and succinct.
The next step is to find a Rabbi in your community and/or a synagogue. In our tradition, you seek out a teacher. If you need assistance, write me.
Beware of websites as many of them represent a wide variety of Jewish denominations and philosophies, in addition to some kooky individuals and Christian missionaries presenting themselves as Jews.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for your thoughtful advice, I'll find the book, Basic Judaism that you've recommended. Perhaps after I read it my questions will reflect more understanding. | ||
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Rabbi 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!:-)
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