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/j0sch Jewish 9d ago

Depends what strain of Judaism you are converting into.

The Zionism movement is not a religious movement, but Israel holds a unique place in traditional Judaism (generally Conservative or higher) and Jewish holidays/practice/laws/etc.

Your views on the former doesn't matter and shouldn't even come up, but having issue with the role Israel plays/has played in Judaism would likely be detected and be an issue, if that were the case. Traditional Rabbis/synagogues/communities are generally supportive of Zionism as well, so you would definitely be surrounded by it through the process and being involved in those communities.