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So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism, because if I do, I stand to inherit millions of dollars worth of property, money, etc. Thing is, as a believer in the Law of One, I'm not a Jew. I'm not gonna lie and pretend there isn't a piece of me screaming inside: "Oh just convert, light the candles and go to Synagogue on Fridays and you're pretty much set for life!" But the truth is, that's just not who I am.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Infinite Unity - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 06:16 PM)EvolvingPhoenix Wrote: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism, because if I do, I stand to inherit millions of dollars worth of property, money, etc. Thing is, as a believer in the Law of One, I'm not a Jew. I'm not gonna lie and pretend there isn't a piece of me screaming inside: "Oh just convert, light the candles and go to Synagogue on Fridays and you're pretty much set for life!" But the truth is, that's just not who I am.
Let's be honest with ourselves here. You are attracted to the potential wealth and associated things, or you would not have brought it up. I would suggest fully exploring and examining all potentials/choices to your utmost ability.
Is it possible to study Judaism and finding a point of view in which you could honestly/pracitically tell others that you are jew?
All I am saying is there is endless potential, and let's not tie ourselves off from what we desire/wish. There is nothing wrong with desire, with being you, and living life. That has been one of my largests lessons this go. There truly is no wrong, when there is only One/you
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - AnthroHeart - 05-24-2019
It reminds me of that rap song that says "more money more problems"
I'd go with what is in your heart. If you let love guide your way, it can't be wrong.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 06:25 PM)Infinite Unity Wrote: Let's be honest with ourselves here. You are attracted to the potential wealth and associated things, or you would not have brought it up. I would suggest fully exploring and examining all potentials/choices to your utmost ability.
Is it possible to study Judaism and finding a point of view in which you could honestly/pracitically tell others that you are jew?
All I am saying is there is endless potential, and let's not tie ourselves off from what we desire/wish. There is nothing wrong with desire, with being you, and living life. That has been one of my largests lessons this go. There truly is no wrong, when there is only One/you
Oh I'm not pretending there isn't a piece of me that wants to do it, but I feel like that would be selling out who I am for money, you know? I feel like someway somehow, I should be able to make my own way.
"Is it possible to study Judaism and finding a point of view in which you could honestly/practically tell others that you are jew?"
The truth is, I dunno. I don't know enough about the Jewish religion to know how compatible it is with the Law of One. Hell, TBH I don't even know enough about the Law of One to be sure how compatible studying Judaism is with the Law of One. On one hand, you could argue Jesus did did just that, but on the other, isn't the Old Testament outright said to be negative in nature, according to Ra? Dad argues you could still be a believer in the Law of One and still be Jewish. I haven't even read all the LOO material, let alone the Old Testament.
But the the truth is, something just doesn't feel right about converting, essentially, for money. Shouldn't joining a religion be done because you believe in the religion itself?
If I WERE to convert to Judaism as a LOO believer, shouldn't I be doing it whether or not money is involved? And if we're being honest, since you're calling on me to be honest with myself here, converting isn't something I would do if there weren't MILLIONS of dollars on the table. So I find myself in this predicament where I'd like to, but it just straight up doesn't feel right.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 06:39 PM)IndigoGeminiWolf Wrote: It reminds me of that rap song that says "more money more problems"
I'd go with what is in your heart. If you let love guide your way, it can't be wrong.
Love doesn't really have anything to do with this decision. But following my heart is an interesting idea. I don't think my heart is motivated by things like wealth though.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Glow - 05-24-2019
There are a lot of users here that use Jewish mystic teachings Kabbalah in their study. I have only treaded lightly but there is truth in that path. Just like most paths it’s just about discerning what is truth and what is not compatible with your truth.
Your issue no offence might be that you could not likely stay quiet about the parts that do not resonate. Or you might find it suits you very well. I very likely would consider finding out what is and isn’t compatible before I would say no.
I Stopped being a Christian because I found their truth incomplete but I have been told over and over by other Christians that they do not believe everything in the bible. They resonated with Jesus teachings and his service resonated so they take the good and ignore the bad. They also enjoy the community. 10 years down the road I found the gnostic gospels that were part of the Dead Sea scrolls but not included in the bible and realize the truth is there, was all along in Jesus’s own words. Much like in Jewish mysticism. So maybe leaving wasn’t my only choice.
Anyways not telling you what to do but Merrick has said he comes from the Jewish faith, Anagogy has delved very deep, NAu7ik also has been exploring the path.
Talk to them perhaps before you decide it can’t work
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Glow - 05-24-2019
I admit I have fantasized about converting just to have access to the Jewish Mystic teachings that are concealed from nonjews.
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RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
I'll talk to them about it. Thanks.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Merrick - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 07:26 PM)Glow Wrote: I admit I have fantasized about converting just to have access to the Jewish Mystic teachings that are concealed from nonjews.
Those mystic teachings are available in books on Kabbalah or in lectures you can find. However I doubt they will be of much meaning to you out of context. Jewish mysticism is very dense, a commentary on a commentary in a commentary, and without a strong foundation in Jewish texts, you’ll probably find the information either baffling or utterly prosaic as it won’t resonate well.
I was born and raised Jewish and consider myself a Kabbalist. Kabbalah is an extraordinarily rich strain of nondualistic philosophy, but is heavily steeped in a Jewish context. Ra mentions that Kabbalah is a pathway to study and know the archetypal mind of the Logos, but it is also perhaps the most complex path of study.
EP, I would like more context on your situation. Why would converting to Judaism make you an inheritor of such wealth? Do you have an existing relationship to Judaism? Are you interested in immersing yourself in Jewish culture, community, and teaching?
For what it's worth I fully believe Ra’s accounting of Jewish history, that Moses was deceived by Orion agents and unwittingly introduced negative concepts into Judaism. As a believer in LOO, one must approach such texts and culture with discernment. Even Kabbalah generally falls under the Hasidic tradition, which is very restrictive. Other than the purely mystical side of Kabbalah, I find Jewish spiritual teachings to be far less advanced than the teachings of Jesus (divorced from Christianity at large) or the Buddha, or many Hindu spiritual teachings. However, the culture is vibrant and rich and very much worth engaging with. There are some wonderful individual teachings within Judaism that promote positive spiritual growth, but as a whole system it is too focused on restrictive laws.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, as a Jew who also adheres to the LOO.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 07:26 PM)Glow Wrote: I admit I have fantasized about converting just to have access to the Jewish Mystic teachings that are concealed from nonjews.
If I DO join, expect me to f*** the police and share those teachings then. I find the idea of hoarding spiritual knowledge to be total bullshit.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Merrick - 05-24-2019
There are no Jewish teachings I know of that will only be told to Jews. The idea sounds like it came out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion or something.
The internet is a modern day Library of Alexandria. There is very little that can be kept secret now. Other than some volumes in extinct languages languishing in the Vatican archives, I doubt any truly secret spiritual knowledge exists anymore.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 07:46 PM)Merrick Wrote:(05-24-2019, 07:26 PM)Glow Wrote: I admit I have fantasized about converting just to have access to the Jewish Mystic teachings that are concealed from nonjews.
Those mystic teachings are available in books on Kabbalah or in lectures you can find. However I doubt they will be of much meaning to you out of context. Jewish mysticism is very dense, a commentary on a commentary in a commentary, and without a strong foundation in Jewish texts, you’ll probably find the information either baffling or utterly prosaic as it won’t resonate well.
I was born and raised Jewish and consider myself a Kabbalist. Kabbalah is an extraordinarily rich strain of nondualistic philosophy, but is heavily steeped in a Jewish context. Ra mentions that Kabbalah is a pathway to study and know the archetypal mind of the Logos, but it is also perhaps the most complex path of study.
EP, I would like more context on your situation. Why would converting to Judaism make you an inheritor of such wealth? Do you have an existing relationship to Judaism? Are you interested in immersing yourself in Jewish culture, community, and teaching?
For what it's worth I fully believe Ra’s accounting of Jewish history, that Moses was deceived by Orion agents and unwittingly introduced negative concepts into Judaism. As a believer in LOO, one must approach such texts and culture with discernment. Even Kabbalah generally falls under the Hasidic tradition, which is very restrictive. Other than the purely mystical side of Kabbalah, I find Jewish spiritual teachings to be far less advanced than the teachings of Jesus (divorced from Christianity at large) or the Buddha, or many Hindu spiritual teachings. However, the culture is vibrant and rich and very much worth engaging with. There are some wonderful individual teachings within Judaism that promote positive spiritual growth, but as a whole system it is too focused on restrictive laws.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, as a Jew who also adheres to the LOO.
THANK YOU Merrick.
*****EDITED. Dad says not to talk about the family situation. So I'm respecting his wishes. Otherwise I explained it to you, but I had to edit it out.*****
Honestly, I don't know where to begin asking about this. Although I've nothing against studying Judaism, I quite agree with you on Christianity, Bhuddism or Hinduism. Also, add Taoism to that list. That being said, I've never been a big fan of religion, regardless of whether I believed in God or not.
TBH, I feel like I need to just learn the lessons of love properly before delving into deeply intellectual subjects, although I did purchase the Brotherhood of Light tarot deck for self study and I am interested in learning astrology. Of the 3, Kabbalah seems the least accessible and the most foreign to me.
Chances are, if I DO join the Jewish religion, I will break A LOT of their precious rules. Because f*** the police. I'm not a big fan of restrictive rules and regulations. Especially ones that are outdated by thousands of years.
But I don't know much about Judaism. Dad never taught me too much about Judaism specifically, believing that ALL belief systems contain truth and that all paths to God are valid.
The best understanding I have of the Old Testament are the teachings of Jordan B. Peterson, who takes the Old Testament and comes up with a lot of profound life wisdoms from it, although I get the feeling his wise teachings are lacking in the love department and could use more of the Christic love and compassion aspects.
I guess my first question is: If you believe what you do about Judaism and hold the views you say you have about it, what keeps you practicing the faith?
Is it just because you grew up with it and are already so familiar with it?
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Glow - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 07:52 PM)Merrick Wrote: There are no Jewish teachings I know of that will only be told to Jews. The idea sounds like it came out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion or something.
The internet is a modern day Library of Alexandria. There is very little that can be kept secret now. Other than some volumes in extinct languages languishing in the Vatican archives, I doubt any truly secret spiritual knowledge exists anymore.
Could very well be it was someone talking out of their derier.
I also sort of assumed as you said I would need the background and a good teacher which is why the fantasy of converting. It was really more about having an invested teacher to help me piece it together.
That was at the same time I considered learning Hebrew and Greek because I knew I could find what was missing from what I had been taught if I could read everything myself. Thankfully I received lots of teaching from my higherself, and read some of the gnostic gospels to reinforce what my higherself was teaching and now feel peaceful enough that it doesn’t pull at me anymore.
It sure did!
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Infinite Unity - 05-24-2019
Do what you feel is right for you brother/others, follow your will, thats all I am saying. Get in a quiet place and feel it out, you will come to what you want to do.
Also what I was hinting at, is that a great majority of more ancient mass followed religions, do have nuggets or core concepts that can be infrenced, to conceptually match up to LOO aspects. Such as the teachings of Christ. Basically there are aspects/parts of many religions whose core/parts are inspired and written by people delving into seeking The Creator.
Essentially when I speak to any other self who openly follows a religion like Christianity, I try and communicate/identify with those aspects naturally. So in many respects I can identify with this person, and not outright cause a divide/separation/Gulf between us. Because essentially a Christian identifies any non Christian as someone that does not believe in God at the base understanding.
To me it alot of understanding and communicating boils down to truth/trust. Many entities identify truth as specific data subsets, while to me the core of truth is more aligned with intent. Rather than specific/chronoclized data. Truth is more related to a general direction conceptionally, than specifics.
So what I am getting at is that most things like morals, is actually a subset to Truth or open communication.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
EDITED: On second thought, I might just start asking family members to help me learn more about the Kabbalah and I'll see if it has me wanting to join the Jewish faith. But I would need REAL HELP in understanding the Kabbalah.
@ Merrick Could you explain more how the Kabbalah fits into LOO study and how it's been useful in helping your seeking?
Dad views it less as "converting" and more as "embracing my heritage" I view it as "seeing if Judaism is a good spiritual fit" If it's not, then it's probably best to just explore my own path and not give a single thought more about the inheritance, because quite honestly, I've never given a s*** before.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-24-2019
I guess the main question is, do I find the Kabbalah enticing enough to join? I mean, there's already the tarot and astrology. How well do those fit with the Kabbalah? Do they just muddy things up?
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Merrick - 05-24-2019
Sure, I will be able to post in depth later this evening. Based on what you’ve said so far, I think you’re making a wise decision in not converting just or the prospect of financial gain.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Relax - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 07:52 PM)Merrick Wrote: There are no Jewish teachings I know of that will only be told to Jews. The idea sounds like it came out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion or something.
The internet is a modern day Library of Alexandria. There is very little that can be kept secret now. Other than some volumes in extinct languages languishing in the Vatican archives, I doubt any truly secret spiritual knowledge exists anymore.
The majority of Aboriginal/Indigenous spiritual knowledge/s are utterly secret.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Merrick - 05-24-2019
(05-24-2019, 09:33 PM)Relaxo Wrote:(05-24-2019, 07:52 PM)Merrick Wrote: There are no Jewish teachings I know of that will only be told to Jews. The idea sounds like it came out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion or something.
The internet is a modern day Library of Alexandria. There is very little that can be kept secret now. Other than some volumes in extinct languages languishing in the Vatican archives, I doubt any truly secret spiritual knowledge exists anymore.
The majority of Aboriginal/Indigenous spiritual knowledge/s are utterly secret.
Fair point! Judaism is too mainstream and widespread to be able to hold such secrets.
EP, I still don’t have time to do a full reply, so I’ll be short. If tarot and astrology resonate with you, and you gain valuable insight from them, do not feel obligated to study Kabbalah. Astrology resonates little with me, while Kabbalah resonates tremendously. These are all valid pathways to gnosis.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-25-2019
Thanks Merrick
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Nau7ik - 05-25-2019
Merrick gave excellent advice! I don’t really think i need to say anything, but since you asked for my opinion I shall speak:
I think you have already answered your question. Converting is a serious thing. You are then required to follow Judaic Law. And if you’re an uncircumcised male... then you will need to get that done. But if your dad is Jewish then this is probably not something you have to worry about.
I personally wouldn’t convert for any superficial reasons like money or property. I would do it if I saw that Judaism was the right path for me.
Now, Judaism has positive and negative mixed in, as do all religions. You can still follow the Law of One. Judaism supports the philosophy of the Law of One. Well all I really know is the mysticism of the Jews. I don’t study Jewish Law or dogma. But their mystical teachings show a highly advanced understanding of metaphysics and spirituality.
From what I know, Kabbalah is only taught to males over the age of 30 and who are married. You can still find all of this information without converting. In fact, there’s an amazing app called “Sefaria” which a massive compendium of all Jewish holy and spiritual texts. They have many old out of print Kabbalistic texts as well. Some of them are only in Hebrew. But the point is that at this point in human history, any information that we desire is at our fingertips. In the past, it was not at all this easy. Many avenues are opened up to us now!
The decision is yours to make. Follow the wisdom of your heart.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-25-2019
Thanks Nau7ic. I think I have my decision and I think as long as I follow my heart in all occaisions I'll be dine in life. I don't need the wealth. I dont think studying the kabbalah is what I need right now. What I need right now is to just learn how to love myself, forgive myself and be the best version of myself I can possibly be. Not study esoteric material but just that. To forgive myself and be my own best friend and supporter. I need to do that for myself. That's where I should be putting my focus.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Diana - 05-25-2019
I had a similar issue when I was in my early twenties, though it was about marrying into an old-money family. I didn't even want to get married (the idea was thrust upon me by receiving an engagement ring as a birthday present from my current boyfriend.
)For me, it was about selling out. I knew that wasn't me but I gave it a little time before I made up my mind. (I'm not an impulsive person.) I even told my "fiancee" that I didn't think I could stay monogamous (I was young!) and he told me that would be acceptable. I decided to be free and independent.
There is no judgment about what you decide to do either way. It just has to feel right, and no one can know what that is but you. My only suggestion is to not be impulsive. Consider, and the right course of action will reveal itself.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - Merrick - 05-25-2019
So EP, Kabbalah is the Jewish mystical study of reality. It is nondualistic and begins from the same premise that the Ra material does, that we are all one, that all that exists is the infinite creator who is infinite love/light, and what we are experiencing is a refraction of that light into solid time/space. The Kabbalah Tree of Life that you’ve probably seen before is both a map of reality according to this view and a path of spiritual seeking that returns the seeker to the source. It’s an extremely potent and flexible symbol that can be studied to understand the archetypal mind of the Logos. It can also be lived as a spiritual practice.
It doesn’t use all the same terminology, but it is highly compatible with the LOO, as almost all nondualistic philosophies are. It’s also highly steeped in Jewish history and culture. Much of it makes little sense unless you’ve studied the Old Testament and the Talmud. It’s not the only path to understanding, but it is a highly sophisticated one and for those who resonate with it has tremendous insight to reveal.
For many centuries gentiles, primarily those in occult circles, have used imagery and concepts from Kabbalah and grafted it into their magical systems. The fact that it works at all is a testament to the flexibility and power of the Tree of Life symbol. I personally find that the non-Jewish uses of Kabbalah absolutely do not resonate with me, to the point that I actively avoid them. However there are others who find a lot of use out of these occult teachings.
I hope that helps give some context. Here is a little more context about converting. Jews are not evangelical. Judaism is not an evangelical religion. Not only do we not solicit converts, we are bound to turn potential converts away and warn them that their choice will bring a lot of extra responsibility (indulging getting circumcised for adult males if they aren’t already). Traditionally, a Rabbi is meant to turn away a potential convert three times. If the convert remains after three rejections, then they are allowed to convert. This is to ensure only those serious about living a Jewish life join. Your father pushing you to convert is not a Jewish value and to do so for money is also not a Jewish value. Food for thought.
You asked how I interact with my Judaism while also believing in the LOO. As I mentioned, Kabbalah and LOO are highly compatible and different expressions of the same philosophy. I follow my own intuition on what to follow and what not to follow. I’m not a traditionalist, but I also see the value in my culture and heritage. Mainstream Jewish denominations, who hold a more limited view of a separate god and separate humanity, holds no interest for me. For me, the mystic life has always been a more solo path of introspection. However there are great Kabbalah scholars and I hope to study with one in this incarnation to better unite my Jewish and my mystical sides.
RE: So my dad's trying to get me to convert to Judaism... - EvolvingPhoenix - 05-25-2019
My mind is made up. I'm not converting, but I do come away with a better appreciation for the Jewish religion, and the Kabbalah in particular so, thanks Merrick