Q. Hi, my name is … I am 18 years old living in Brantford, Ontario I still live with me parents. I’ve been studying and studying about Judaism for over a year now and I do know the entire Hebrew alphabet. I want to become Jewish and I very much need help. I’m not sure all the steps and I would like to talk to an orthodox rabbi about their thoughts on this and how they can help me. I know you must be very busy but thank you or taking your time to read this letter.

A. Dear …
To be able to advise you better, could you kindly provide a bit more information.
Was or is anyone of your ancestors Jewish? What exactly attracted you to study about Judaism?
Are you in contact with a rabbi or synagogue already?
Thanks

Q. From the research I have done and asking my parents of any known Jewish relative I have come up empty handed. What attracted me to study Judaism is that I came in contact with a friend who I later found out was Jewish. I didn’t really understand what the Jewish religion was about so I did lots of studying and asked him to help me out and teach some things along the way. Once I started reading all the wonderful traditions and the respect I knew I needed this is my life. And when I decided that I wanted to convert and all the life changes I was going to have to make it made me feel so happy and at peace. I am not I contact with anyone right now for I have tried to email some people but I haven’t gotten far. I’m still living with my parents and I have not gone anywhere cause I’m not sure where to go. How to talk or how to dress. I very much hope you can help me thank you so much again for replying to me. 

A. Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a advised that you should meantime continue you reading education and became well acquainted with the requirements and meaning of Orthodox Judaism. He also suggested that you should first try for a while to be a good Noachide, learning and observing the seven mitzvos, emuna and prayer etc. Then you should reassess and reevaluate if this new and difficult way of life is really for you. The Ideal person to guide you in your quest is an expert in Noachide religion; Rabbi Michael Skobac (emes@bellnet.ca)

Best wishes.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a