r/JewsOfConscience • u/HomeboyCraig Reform • 10d ago
Discussion - Flaired Users Only Converting to Judaism while not believing in Zionism
Hi all, I’m sorry if this isn’t the right place to ask - but is it possible to convert to Judaism if you don’t support Israel? I was in the process of converting in October 2023, but I stopped attending the temple I originally went to when they said that Israeli lives were worth more than Palestinian lives. Since then, I haven’t actually been able to find a temple or shul in my area that works with converts and isn’t pro-Israel (I live in Portland, OR)
I asked this question on another Jewish subreddit and was called a Hamas supporter and the overwhelming majority of responses said that I can’t convert if I don’t support Israel, but I figured I’d ask here as well.
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u/fmbsd Anti-Zionist 10d ago
It is possible! I don’t support Israel and was able to convert. My rabbi says that of the 3 Israels, it’s mandatory for her conversion students to care about Am Yisrael (the Jewish people) and Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel) but optional to support Medinat Yisrael (the modern state of Israel). However, I’m guessing that her stance is pretty uncommon among converting rabbis. I’m on the east coast so I don’t know of any viable options in Portland, but you might contact JVP Portland and see if they know of any synagogues/rabbis who accept anti-Zionists. Good luck!