Conversion in Paris
Question
B"H
I would like to pursue conversion to Judaism and study Torah and other Jewish texts. This conviction began in my early teenage years and has gradually become something I feel increasingly certain about.
I come from a non-Abrahamic religious background. I participated in it. I was never very religious, but I participated because my family was religious. I knew there was a G-d but i also disagree with my family's way of pleasing and worshipping G-d.
My interest in Judaism started in my early teen years when we learned briefly about the Holocaust at school and for some reason it affected me in a very strong emotional way and led me to learn more about Jewish history and Judaism in general. Over time, this developed into a deeper curiosity and interest.
I learnt Seven Noahide Laws and unfortunately, I was obligated to participate in my family's religious practices when i was living with my parents. But i moved to Paris at 18 and completely left idol worshipping and almost 4 years later i still live by that.
Now I want to pursue conversion but only English speaking community i found was reform Jewish community with English speaking rabbi who can guide me. My original plan is to convert in orthodox way but i couldn't find English speaking orthodox rabbi in Paris.
So is it fine if I convert now or at least study Jewish texts in reform synagogue and later when I have the opportunity, I go to the orthodox rabbi and convert. Or its not permitted for orthodox rabbi to accept a reform convert like me ? Because my end goal is really to convert from orthodox rabbi but till then at least I can learn more about Jewish life and other things. Please guide me what should I do. Or if you know any English speaking orthodox rabbi in Paris or surrounding area , please let me know.
Thank you so much for your help.
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
If you are serious about conversion, then you must reach out to the local orthodox rabbis in Paris for advice and guidance. I am sure there are orthodox rabbis in Paris who speak English.
There is no value in studying in or attending a Reform synagogue.
Best of luck!
