Conservative Judaism/Jewish Laws

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Expert: - 5/16/2004


Question
Dear Rabbi,

I've been a Jew all my life, and have wondered greatly about a question, and hopefully you can answer it.

Why is it, that Jews don't have missions that spread the Jewish Religion?

Also,
I know that Jews don't believe in Purgatory, but do Jews believe in Hell?  

Answer
Dear Zac,

Thanks for writing.

First of all, some of the movements have actively engaged in "outreach" or efforts to draw the unaffilited into Judaism. In some cases the "target population" were in the community and previously unknown to the Jews, and in other cases we have reached out warmly to the spouses of Jews in dual-faith marriages and the children.

Secondly, Jewish tradition has taught that conversion must always be without any encouragement, and many Rabbis have taught that we shold actively discourage conversion. Why? in order to be certain that the conversion is truly a heartfelt conversion and not for any other reason.

Lastly, whenever Jews have actively "recruited," obviously other religious groups - who are always more numerous - have reacted badly towards us, and so we are gunshy.

In terms of Hell, we do have various beliefs in some form of life or continuity after death. Whether it is a locus of punishment or "distance from God," is left to speculation.

Check out "Hell" on line at jewishencyclopedia.com and I think you'll be satisfied.

Best wishes

Rabbi Dov  

Conservative Judaism

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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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