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Conservative Judaism/Jews
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Question
Hi,
I would like you to answer my questions regarding today's Jews. Are they really Semitic? or they are originated from Khazaria. Are Semitic people blond with bleu eyes? In my point of view the only real Semitic Jews are those living in Yemen and in Arab world.
Dear Ali,
Thanks for writing.
Today's Jews are a faith community, not a nationality. They are descended from men and women from originally the Middle East and in time from all over the world by conversion to the faith of Judaism.
Jews today are from all racial backgrounds, "colors," ethnicitiess, languagues, cultures, etc. What unites them is their choice to accept the Jewish faith.
You are welcome to believe whatever you wish about who are "real" Jews - it doesn't change objective reality.
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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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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