Article Discussion: Removing The Stumbling Block

[admin]

Click here to read the article:Removing The Stumbling Block

[Unregistered]

Dear Jordyn:

Good luck and many blessings on your spiritual and ethnic path!

I hope that you will reach out to other half-Jewish people in their quests.

Cordially,
Robin Margolis
Half-Jewish Network
www.half-jewish.net

[Sara Davies]

I love this story. My mother was Jewish, but my father was not. I struggled for a long time to establish a Jewish identity. The best advice I have received on how to answer the question, "Are you Jewish?" was from a dear rabbi who said anyone who asks this question is in violation of a number of mitzvoth, and the only necessary response or explanation is, "Of course." I have gone from being uncomfortably and self-consciously "Half-Jewish" to truly identifying as a Jew religiously, even though my cultural background is 50% Not Jewish, and half of my family is Not Jewish. I've learned I don't have to apologize for this. If some people are bothered by my background, they are missing the boat about what it means to be a loving and welcoming person. Not my problem! I choose a Jewish life, and a life with God. Thanks for a great article, and Mazel Tov!

[Esther]

I have similar feelings for those who think I am not Jewish.  My father is of Jewish descent via my grandmother, my mother is not.  I converted mid-life and went through a Beit Din with one Reform and one Conservative Rabbi.  I also went through the mikvah.  If that's not good enough, then that's their problem.  Luckily, I am not planning on making Aliyah with all the changing rules they have going on.
I didn't feel uncomfortable pledging to raise children as Jews, but at my age there may never be any.  I have been in a relationship with a Jewish man over a year now.
Outside of this, if I were to go back to dating, I would prefer Jewish.  However, if I met someone who was not they would have to be accepting that my faith is a part of my life.   
In regards to the article, I don't remember them asking to commit to a Jewish only spouse only raising children Jewish.  Maybe I missed something?
Esther
www.Jewishconversionsupport.com