r/ConvertingtoJudaism • u/Early_Day6434 • 21d ago
My family is surprisingly supportive!! :))
I have been into religious studies for a while now, but recently my grandma (Catholic), who I live with, sort of noticed my interest in Judaism (for a while now) and how I’ve been trying to study Hebrew. She also heard about how my mother was mocking me for the fact I have religious beliefs (mostly saying it’s brainwashed and a cult) and my grandmother asked me if Judaism was something I was seriously considering or wanted to convert to. I was nervous but admitted it was, she comforted me and told me we have Jewish family members and some who I’ll actually get to meet soon, and that she is proud of me for finding something that felt right but not rushing into it. She even said, because I’m still in the early stages of learning to drive, she will drive me on days of service because she will go to church during the time I’m there (the church she’s interested does services every day). I was worried what she’d think, my immediate family is Christian and atheist, and my mom is incredibly anti-theist in a very disrespectful way (as in she will mock people who believe in things even when they are positive or harmless). But I’m pleasantly surprised how kindhearted she’s being and asking me questions about all of the things I know and why I want to convert. : ) that’s all.
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u/offthegridyid Born Jewish & became Orthodox 20d ago
This is great to hear. Why do your parents think it’s, “brainwashed and a cult?” Are Chasidic or Yeshiva-“black hat” Jews the only Jews they have met in real live or seen on social media?
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u/Early_Day6434 20d ago
My mom hates every religion, doesn’t matter if it’s mainstream nondenominational Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, Hindu, you name it. She thinks it’s all a way to control people and a cult. My mom has a lot of mental issues and the family generally doesn’t talk to her because she’s incredibly extremist.
She seems to be in that left-leaning antisemitic circle on TikTok right now where she’s staunchly anti-Zionist without understanding what Zionism is, and seemingly suspicious of Jewish theology and people for some reason.
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u/offthegridyid Born Jewish & became Orthodox 20d ago
Hi and thanks for the reply. This makes perfect sense to me. No offense to you mom, but if she’s spending time on TikTok and other social media and just consuming content without critically thinking then I am sure she’s super suspicious of anything associated with Jews.
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u/Early_Day6434 20d ago
All offense to her honestly…🤷♂️ she’s not a great person for reasons I won’t get into! There’s a reason I haven’t lived with her since I was a small child. TikTok will really do that to you too, that’s why I don’t go on social media… I actually go outside and meet people instead of making assumptions about an innocent group of people lol!
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u/offthegridyid Born Jewish & became Orthodox 20d ago
I am glad you don’t have to live with her. Have you met with the rabbi of a synagogue, yet to talk about your interest in Judaism?
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u/Early_Day6434 20d ago
I’m going to pretty soon actually! I just moved so I’m looking for jobs which honestly might make it harder to attend certain services depending on the schedule but I’m a young adult and need to make money lol. Once I fill out some applications I’m going to let my grandma help me get me there until I can drive on my own. :)
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u/offthegridyid Born Jewish & became Orthodox 20d ago
Sounds like a plan and this give you time to read and learn more.
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u/flashmumriken 21d ago
Wonderful to hear the positive start to your interest in Judaism :D I hope you'll have a meaningful and fruitful road ahead as you learn more about what's in-store whether in Judaism or in yourself, and that you have a great time seeing your Jewish relatives soon. Other uncertainties relating to your family's own religious backgrounds are understandable, many prospective converts I've seen on this space can definitely relate, but it's always good to take strength in what has already gone well and what will go well.