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Question
Hello,
I have been a devout Christian (Protestant) all my life, but I now no longer believe that Jesus is Messiah or God.
I have been doing some research and I have mostly the same beliefs as Judaism. I do not feel a need to convert to Judaism because I think God did not intend for everyone to be a Jew. I have not been to Church in several months. I feel that going back there will diminish my faith in God, but I want to worship somewhere. I think a synagogue would be the most appropriate place for me to worship, but I'm guessing Jewish law frowns upon non-Jews worshipping in synagogues??? What does the Torah say about this issue? Where should I go to worship?
Thanks in advance for answering my question!
Dear Robin,
Thanks for writing.
I believe that you are correct in that not everyone needs to be a Jew, even if they are not comfortable with their current former religion.
I would suggest that you reach out to a Rabbi in your community and ask if you would be welcome to worship there, and if there are any pre-conditions.
There is nothing in the Torah regarding this question however.
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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