How to Make Conservative Judaism Part of Your Life

Conservative Judaism is a modern view of Judaism that began in the 1900s in the United States. Conservative Jews follow a commitment to the traditional Jewish laws and customs, yet they stress a non-fundamentalist teaching of Jewish faith. To make Conservative Judaism a part of your life, it is important to understand the basis of Conservative Judaism.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Study the foundations and beliefs of Conservative Judaism. In 1988, the leadership council of Conservative Judaism released an official statement titled “Emet Ve-Emunah: Statement of Principles of Conservative Judaism”. This statement includes a variety of Jewish beliefs that are deemed justifiable.

2. Review the objectives of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: “The advancement of the cause of Judaism in America, the maintenance of Jewish tradition, loyalty to the Torah and its historic exposition…”

3. Search for synagogues of Conservative Judaism in your area. Visit the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Web site to obtain more information about where in your state Conservative Judaism synagogues are located.

4. Take notes to help improve your knowledge of traditional Jewish faith and compare these to the ideas of Conservative Judaism.

5. Get involved with your Conservative Judaism community. Join a synagogue to better know your community. Strive to meet and join other clubs to further discuss your Conservative Jewish ideas. These clubs or organizations can be found through searches on the Web.

6. Begin making Conservative Judaism a part of your life by practicing daily rituals. Identify the ideas and morals of Conservative Judaism that are most important to you and strive to live by them.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn all of the local and regional customs of fellow believers.
• Study the religion thoroughly before committing. Learn about its differences to other forms of Judaism.