Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
There was a black Jewish guy in my shul for a time last year, and he was treated like a rock star. If anything, he got extra aliyas, not less. But I daven in a shtiebel, so there's a whole lot of personal accountibility to how we treat each other. If even one man has a makloiches with another, it seems like the whole shul knows (and often times somebody intervenes to keep the peace). I grew up in large synagogues, though, and the dynamic was very different there.
There was a black Jewish guy in my shul for a time last year, and he was treated like a rock star. If anything, he got extra aliyas, not less. But I daven in a shtiebel, so there's a whole lot of personal accountibility to how we treat each other. If even one man has a makloiches with another, it seems like the whole shul knows (and often times somebody intervenes to keep the peace). I grew up in large synagogues, though, and the dynamic was very different there.
Ethiopian, do you think we could pass off as israeli?
I used to be a one person welcoming committee in my shul. If anyone was new, especially if they looked "different", I came over and shook their hands and welcomed the family heartily. Just like I welcomed my other friends. I abhor people that treat people differently based on appearances.
Ethiopian, do you think we could pass off as israeli?
OK, I will try this again, more politely, in deference to our kind moderator. Your posts seem very odd to me. You seem very focused, in many forums, on what you can "pass off" as. You've already stated the ethnicity of the people in the photos in another post on another forum. Although, as an added benefit, it's providing an interesting discussion among people that don't always post.
Walk with confidence, hold your head up, smile at people you don't know and make sure your handshake is good and you have impeccable manners. Enunciate clearly, and have good posture and be kind. Whatever you are, be the best that you can be. Then whoever doesn't accept you is the one with the problem.
That will carry you far wherever you go, and whatever you look like.
I think the answer to your question will be dependent upon the rabbi to whom you speak.
Historically, tribal identification came from the father, although traditionally, the faith was passed down through the mother. All streams of Judaism recognize matrilineal descent, but Reform and Reconstructionist Jews recognize patrilineal descent if Judaism is the only faith practiced, and there are public affirmations (i.e. b'nai mitzvah, etc.)
I'm a third-generation Reform Jew (all Jewish parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and as far back as I can tell...all Jews). Personally, I think you should consider approaching this as to how you want to live your life as a Jew. In other words, what would be meaningful for you to do? What stream of Judaism could you call home? Which could you not? It's there that I'd seek advice from clergy. Perhaps a conversion would be in order, or maybe just some prayers in a mikvah. Maybe neither.
Despite all this "who is a Jew" hooplah, at the end of the day, it's between you and God.
I'd consider posting this on the Interfaithfamily.com BB. It's an interfaith BB run by the Jewish Outreach Institute. Clergy visits that BB.
Best of luck in your quest.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
