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[sin_theta]

First time poster here. My name is Gill, and I live in Toronto, Canada. Jewish by birth (re: Jewish law, as my mom's Jewish), but was never raised to keep tradition due to my father being a gentile. When I was about 16, I began re-connecting with that part of myself, and have since read much about the religion. My best friend (who is also Jewish)

Comments

[skola]

Hey, my name is Gil and I'm Israeli by birth, though I now live in Philadelphia. However, I have spent some time in Toronto, as my stepfamily lives there. My first question is, what type of synagogue are you looking for? What you're describing to me sounds like either Conservative or Liberal Orthodox. Speaking as a reform Jew, I would say that if you know yourself to be Jewish by birth and are trying to reconnect to that part of your background, there's nothing you need to "prove". However, if you feel the need to join one of the communities that requires proof, go to this site to start, and see what you need. As for Hillel, I've had mostly good experiences at both Lehigh University and Temple University.

Hope this helps you out.

~Gil

[sin_theta]

Thank you, this has indeed been most helpful. I think the rabbi I speak with is conservative, but I know my background to be Reform.

So perhaps it would be easier to find a Reform temple. My question to you is, would I have to undergo any formal conversion, or is word of mouth acceptable? I really would like to start going to temple as soon as possible.

I'm thinking of visiting a Jewish community centre near me, and asking their advice in finding a suitable place of worship.

[skola]

It generally depends on the Temple, but my experience with most reform rabbis I know go by the Talmudic interpretation that the community is of utmost importance, and wouldn't turn away anyone looking to be part of the community.

Yad Vashem

[thumpystowaway]

http://www.yadvashem.org/

This is a fabulous museum in Israel with resources to look up relatives. I found the names of 6 of my relatives within the exhibit walls when I was there.

Welcome to the community :)

Re: Yad Vashem

[sin_theta]

Ah, thank you for this resource. I will have to add it to my list of places to visit when I go to Israel. I'm trying to save up some money to go next year. :)

Re: Yad Vashem

[thumpystowaway]

You're welcome!

I hope you do get to visit Israel next year... it's truely an amazing place and a lifechanging experience, especially if you are looking to become more involved with your Jewish identity. I'm trying to figure out how I can go back...

and if you are Jewish from your mom's side, you may qualify to take a birthright trip there for free (if you're between 18-26 years old).

[dft]

Hillel is really a great way to meet other Jewish students at your school. it's also great for keeping the holidays and Shabbat, as they throw several Shabbat dinners throughout the school year.

I just went on birthright last May and it was the most amazing experience of my life. since you are Jewish, you qualify! you just need to fill out some forms, make a deposit (that you get back) and go to a 15 minutes interview.

to go to Israel for free is just an incredible gift. plus, you get to spend 5 days with about 7 Israeli soldiers and that... *sigh* I can't describe.
don't miss out on this.

[thumpystowaway]

Agreed... the soldiers were an amazing part of our trip too :) They even came back and surprised us at the airport when it was time to leave.

Which program did you do birthright through? I went with Livnot and loved it!

[dft]

that's so sweet
the connection we had between 40 canadian jews and 7 israeli soldiers was very rare. we all became one family.

umm... hmm.. i was with taglit, canadian israel experience, extreme adventure.
i'm not sure what the other groups were called... but i'm pretty sure this is correct :)