RBIS August 31, 1999: Should I Convert to Torah-Observant Judaism or Stay a Noachide?

My name is Todd Arnold. I am a Gentile who left "Messianic Judaism" about a year ago and since then have been wanting to convert to "orthodox" (authentic Torah-observant) Judaism. I have been doing much thinking on whether I should convert to "orthodox" Judaism or stay a Noachide. Anyone's help would be greatly appreciated.

NANCY JANUARY RESPONDS:

Welcome to the community! You have traveled a path that many of us traveled.

Deciding whether to convert to Torah-observant Judaism or to remain a Noahide is tough for all of us. Usually the desire to convert is born of (1) a desire to immerse ourselves in Judaism because that is what we are familiar with and (2) wanting to divorce ourselves from Christianity or another former religion.

In contrast to Torah-observant ("orthodox") Judaism, Noahism is not well defined. That point alone often makes one seek conversion.

But are those good reasons to convert to Judaism? Are those strong enough reasons to make us seek adherence to the 613 laws of Judaism, deal with Jew-hatred ("anti-Semitism"), etc., with no regrets after we have learned more about Noahism? I often wonder how many converts to Judaism look back, slap themselves on the forehead, and cry, "I could have been a Noahide!"

HaShem created you as a Noahide. What reasons could possibly be compelling enough for you to change that? Well, there are a very few reasons that compelling. But you will have to find them within yourself if they are to be found.

To help you make you decision, I suggest you make three lists, or just mark off a sheet of paper in three columns.

In the first list or column, write the changes you expect conversion to make in your life. Be specific: I can move to Israel and be a citizen, I can be called to the Torah, my family will disown me, I will have to keep kosher.... Then go back and cross off any item that can/will happen if you do not convert. You may need to consult with a rabbi to learn whether an expected change can happen to Noahides as well as Jews.

If the change in your life can/will happen either way, it is not significant in making this decision.

In the next list or column write the names or individuals or groups whose disapproval you can live with. No matter which decision you make, somebody will try to convince you that it is the wrong decision. If you decide to convert, there will be both Jews and Gentiles who will say you should not have done so. Or who will say you should have converted with a different group. If you decide not to convert, but still associate with the Jewish community, there will be both Jews and Gentiles who will try to push you to convert. If you don't convert or associate with the Jewish community, there will be both Jews and Gentiles who will try to push you into an "observant" lifestyle.

No decision will please everybody. With what level of acceptance or non-acceptance can you live comfortably?

In the third list or column, list the things you can accomplish by conversion that cannot be accomplished as a Noahide. This may be the toughest question. Be very specific. What can you, as a Jew, contribute to the Jewish people, the land of Israel, or the world at large that you cannot contribute as a Noahide?

When you've answered these questions, you will be in a better position to ask your original question. Everyone can give you advice, but until you can answer these questions, you will be no closer to knowing which decision is best for you.

Regardless of which decision you make, you will be welcomed here.

Thanks for joining our community.