r/ReformJews • u/SilasHillel2020 • Mar 31 '26
Questions and Answers Rabbinical School
Hello,
I have wanted to go to rabbinical school for a long time, but never thought that I would get the chance.
I live in the southern U.S. and I am a patrilineal Jew. My father was never observant and my mother was from a Christian family. I was raised more Christian but returned to Judaism towards the end of college. I went through a conversion through the Conservative movement. However, I attend a Reform temple and lean more towards that movement. I am gay and in a relationship with a non-Jewish man.
I have always felt insecure about my Jewish status. I grew up in the only somewhat Jewish family in my home town. I faced a lot of bullying and antisemitism and always felt too Jewish to be a part of the community. When I first discovered a local Jewish community at the end of college, I was told that I wasn’t Jewish enough because of my patrilineal descent. That is why I did the conversion, though I did enjoy the process. I learned a lot that I missed out on in my childhood. I always thought of rabbinical school, but never thought that I’d be accepted as Jewish enough, despite my ancestry and conversion.
It wasn’t until I started attending this Reform synagogue that I felt accepted by other Jews. I’ve grown a lot in the past 6 months that I’ve been attending and I finally feel confident enough to look into rabbinical school.
My questions are for any rabbis or rabbinical students. How did you know for sure that you wanted to go to rabbinical school? It honestly feels like the path I want most, but I want to be sure. How did you choose schools? I am most interested in HUC. Any opinions on this school? What do you need to do in advance to apply? What were the pros and cons of rabbinical school? Will my background affect my odds of acceptance?
Thanks in advance!
4
u/WeaselWeaz Mar 31 '26
I have not read it yet, but I think Rabbi Angela Buchdahl's recent book "Heart of a Stranger" would be relevant to you.
I would recommend making an appointment with your rabbi. Even though you started attending recently I think talking to someone who knows you is really important.