Rabbi Shlomo Chein: Welcome. I'll be with you in a moment...what's on your mind?

Torn: I was born and raised Catholic. I was married in the Catholic church by a Catholic priest and following all church laws. All of my life, I have felt that something was missing and in the last year, I have felt strongly drawn to Judaism. I have spoken with our local Rabbi (Reform) and have been on a regular Judaic knowledge reading scheudle. I would like to convert, but my beliefs are more in line with Orthodox (specifically Haredi). Would I be allowed to convert if my wife remains Christian?

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: instead of answering you i will ask you a question and let you answer your question by yourself

Torn: Ok :)

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: are you really interested in being a Jew and thus doing all of what Judaism says you must do?

Torn: Yes I believe in following the 613 mitvots (or as many as apply to me) religiously

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: well one of them is that you may not marry a non Jew

Torn: I understand. This is my dilemma.

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: what is the dilemma

Torn: Well, I really would like to be Orthodox, but I cannot divorce my wife (whom I love very much).

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: then you are not ready to become Jewish. No offense. But your love to your wife is stronger than your love for Judaism, and perhaps rightfully so - because G-d doesn't need you to become Jewish. You can serve G-d according to the Torahs laws for all of mankind - this way you remain non-Jewish, you remain married, and yet you undertake a special relationship with the same G-d of the Jews

Torn: Well, as a Catholic haven't I been essentially living a Noahhide life?

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: it is not an automatic... it is not a given

Torn: Your point is well taken, although I am now left somewhat without spiritual recourse as I no longer feel any connection to Christian religions

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: you can then feel connected to the Noahide religion. Which is not just 7 laws, it is a philosophy and a belief system. It believes in G-d, it believes in the Torah and it believes in the purpose and mission for all of mankind

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: you can read more about it at www.asknoah.org and in the book "The Path of the Righteous Gentile"

Torn: I didn't know that it was a formal belief system. Thank you. I will definitely have to look into that. Rabbi, it has been an honor and a pleasure to chat with you. I very much appreciate your time and your wisdom. :) Thank you again for your guidance on this matter.

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: my pleasure and much luck with your spiritual journey - a spiritual journey is a priceless journey so chose wisely

Torn: I certainly will try. Have a good evening and thank you again

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: sure

Rabbi Shlomo Chein: u2