Rabbi Amy Weiss posted the followed column in her Houston Cronicle blog after her visit at St. John's last Sunday evening ...
| A local woman rabbi offers unique perspectives on all things Jewish |
"Can you explain the Reform movement's outreach program asking people to convert and also how do Jews feel about Christians proselytizing to Jews?"
Well. I hadn't been in a Q&A like this for some time! The folks at St. John's Presbyterian Church on West Bellfort invited me to speak about Judaism as a part of their Outreach series to teach church members about other religions. Each and every one of the church members were welcoming, kind and respectful in asking questions, furthering our conversation and comparing our traditions and beliefs.
Dr. Jill Carroll from Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance opened the series two weeks ago and if you have never had a chance to hear her, I suggest you check the calendar to see where and when she is speaking next. Next week St. John's series continues, give it a try--they even give you dinner!
By the way, the Reform movement's outreach program to non-Jews is designed to provide education about Judaism to whoever wants to participate. Colleagues have told me they have hosted Girl Scout troop leaders who have Jewish girls in their troop and want to learn more about their faith, or grandmothers whose grandchildren are Jewish! But no one ever asks anyone to convert. When a Reform Jew asks someone to convert (a rare occurence) it is because their mate or loved one has lived a Jewish life for many years but had never converted. Often, when these people are asked why they never converted they will say "No one ever asked me."
We don't really ask people to convert, respecting their beliefs and faith.
And in turn, my response to the nice lady at St. John's was this: "Thank you so much for your concern, but we are fine. I understand that your faith asks you to do this, but we respect your faith and would never ask you to change your beliefs. We ask you to do the same".
Nice people, nice evening. Check it out.
Last Sunday night St. John's Presbyterian Church on West Bellfort
6:00p Interfaith Dialogue - Guest Speaker, Dr. Alp Aslandogan, and Supper
