I converted to Reform Judaism 25 years ago, and I understand looking for something that "fits", a spiritual home if you want to call it that.

First things first:  If you feel your current church is not providing what you need, then, yes, you need to look elsewhere.  Do not discount Conservative Judaism.  I live in a smaller area, where the choices for Jews are Reform, Conservative, and Chabad.  We have friends at the Conservative shul who are a lesbian couple with a son.  The congregation not only supports them, the rabbi and his wife have often asked them to babysit their three kids!!  Visit synagogues and get a feel for the congregation and the rabbi and their level of tolerance.  You can probably also do some online research and get some impressions of congregations in your area.  Most synagogues and temples have websites now.

Reform Judaism is, yes, usually less observant in many respects.  However, much of Judaism is within the home, and you can be as observant as you like there.  Yes, you might get some weird looks if you decide to become Reform and, say, keep kosher, but it's your body, your home, and your life  -- therefore, your decision.  It also depends (again) on the congregation and the rabbi.  Like I said, we are Reform, and our rabbi is "reform" in certain aspects and very, *very* conservative in others.  If you get any negative reactions -- ranging from "bad vibes" to outright rudeness, find another place. 

Read, pray, think. Find a congregation with Intro to Judaism classes.  Many times these classes are found in Reform temples, but there might be some in some Conservative shuls as well.  They usually run Sept. thru May/June.  You can get more info that way and also get to know if that particular congregation is right for you.

Good Luck!!!!!

Jun 3, 2010 -- 7:21PM, Curiousuu wrote:

I'm currently a Unitarian Universalist, and while I find nothing objectionable with my current religion, I just don't feel like it's spiritually "enough" for me. I feel a sort of calling to Judaism, but I just don't know. It's getting kind of painful for me, to be honest, so I'm looking to you all for some guidance.

There are a few problems though. Namely, I don't unconditionally support Israel, and I'm gay. I support Israel's right to exist, but I feel like no country is justified in everything she does...like (sorry to bring this up), the flotilla incident...I'm not so sure about that. Also, I'm gay. I know the obvious answer to that would be "reform Judaism!" but I like the level of commitment and the more involved youth programs that conservative Judaism has to offer, as I plan on adopting kids one day. 

I believe the Torah was inspired by God (sorry if I shouldn't type that, I don't know if goyim are aloud to write His name) but not directly told to Moses. I believe Genesis is an allegory and that evolution exists. Are these reform or conservative beliefs, or are they both?

I've been praying about this, but I'm still lost as to the details. Any and all assistance is welcome!

If you are having any doubts whatsoever, you should not consider converting. Once you

convert you cannot unconvert, and will always be a Jew.

Sounds like you are in the beginning stages of learning about Judaism.

I would recomment studying and attending a synagogue-and see where it leads.

Dear Curiousuu,

Conversion to Judaism is a serious and lifetime commitment. There is no guarantee that you will find Judaism either more or less "spiritual" than UU. If you don't already know, there are ongoing arguments over who is "really" a Jew and who isn't, and it's not a pretty discussion. As a convert, you will be one of the subjects of that discussion.

Spirituality is individual, it is one's own relationship to Creator and how you live that out. You don't have to be a member of organized religion at all to be spiritually fed. See if there are parts of your tradition that are more obscure or untouched, primarily because they are not something for the general UU population. Ask your pastor about it and see what he/she says.

It sounds to me that you are seeking. By all means, check out any local synagogues, take their classes on Judaism, attend their services, and learn. No harm in that, and it may be very educational for you.

But, while you're doing that, also check out other paths if yours isn't satisfactory. Judaism is great in that it does not require everyone to convert to it to be "saved," and recognizes that there are many legitimate paths to Creator. Many people like Buddism, "core" shamanism, wicca, etc. It all depends on what kinds of things "float your boat."

Just don't make any hasty decisions. Finding your spiritual path is a journey, not a necessarily destination.

Very serious Christians convert all the time. In fact, that is the reason that many convert. They're serious and sincere about their religion, but when putting the pieces together they find that they don't quite fit.

Please don't convert just because your fiance is Jewish. If you have the option, observe as long as you can. However, if you want to convert because of your conviction - regardless of your fiance - then that is another story. With the large number of marriages ending in divorce, you may find yourself Jewish with no mate. Is the "still Jewish" part going to be okay with you? What if you fall in love with a Christian guy? Will you "revert"? Just something to ponder.

Please be aware that the Jewish opinion of homosexuality is very nuanced. There are a couple of verses in the Torah which - on initial reading - APPEAR to condemn MALE homosexual behavior - but maybe not. Once context is considered, it may be that what is being condemned is specific IDOL WORSHIP behavior.

And there is nothing at all even hinting at female homesexuality whatsoever.

It is true that the ideal is male-female pair bonding 'marriage' - but many people for one reason or another fail to meet 'the ideal' in all sorts of areas. Continue to read and learn, and my advice would be, don't make a decision one way or the other based on ANY single topic.