I'm About To Be Baptized This Sunday

[hardieamerica]

Today, I had my pre-baptismal interview with a Church elder. I am scheduled to be baptized this Sunday (October 5th)

 

Previously, I practiced the Jewish faith and am a citizen of Israel. Once I am baptized into the LDS church, will I cease

 

to be a member of the Jewish faith?

[Rain]

Do you mean Jewish religion? If so then you cease to be a member according to all of my Jewish friends. Actually those friends also say when you start to believe in Christ you are no longer a Jew.

Or do you mean heritage, culture, etc.? If so then your heritage remains the same and you just get to combine a new culture with the one you have, though you may give up religious practices you have.

Congratulations!

Edited October 4, 2014 by Rain

[Raingirl]

Today, I had my pre-baptismal interview with a Church elder. I am scheduled to be baptized this Sunday (October 5th)

 

Previously, I practiced the Jewish faith and am a citizen of Israel. Once I am baptized into the LDS church, will I cease

 

to be a member of the Jewish faith?

I was an Orthodox Jew who was baptized into the church in 2011. I also know a bishop who converted form Judaism who played a special part in my journey to baptism.

Congratulations on your upcoming baptism! I am really happy for you!

[Stargazer]

Don't know if you are aware of it or not, but one of our regular posters is Volgadon, who is also an Israeli LDS member.  He served a mission in Russia, I believe. 

 

His profile here is: http://www.mormondialogue.org/user/15331-volgadon/

 

It's possibly you might like to PM him.

[Calm]

He showed up yesterday, between him and Raingirl, they can probably answer a lot of questions. A friend used to be involved with a group of Mormon Jews and I believe they kept many of their traditions, they had an online group as well. If you are interested I could track her down and get the info.

[HairBear]

Just wanted to say congratulations on your baptism this Sunday

[blooit]

I believe that much like I am a Mormon and a Christian, you can be a Mormon and a Jew.  You certainly reject certain notions by entering into baptism, but you lose nothing and only grow in the faith by being baptized.  btw - a very close friend of mine and Israeli national was baptized a few years ago.  Then about 2 years ago I baptized another Jewish friend.  It has been so cool to see him get his patriarchal blessing - go to the temple, etc.  There is something special about those of a Jewish background who enter into the covenant.  

[rpn]

I think Jews are uniquely able to continue being religious and cultural Jews, while being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.  Jews were always Christ's chosen people and He has made promises to them that are different is some ways from those He has made with non-Jews.   You will need to respect the authority of the current prophet and church leaders, when you are baptized, and accept that this IS His church.   In doing that, you don't need to renounce your Jewishness.   (Indeed, those who convert from all faiths are invited to bring everything consistent with the Gospel with them.)

[EllenMaksoud]

Today, I had my pre-baptismal interview with a Church elder. I am scheduled to be baptized this Sunday (October 5th)

 

Previously, I practiced the Jewish faith and am a citizen of Israel. Once I am baptized into the LDS church, will I cease

 

to be a member of the Jewish faith?

I was Muslim before being baptized into the Mormon church. I'm still Muslim and now I am Mormon. Only men say that we can not do that. Lately, am more observant of Muslim practices but still attend Mormon services. No Mormon has said a thing. I do not think that our Heavenly Father believes in denominational lines. The fact that some Muslims are busily killing each other pains me but I will not renounce Islam. We all seek knowledge of the same God.

[Guest]

Today, I had my pre-baptismal interview with a Church elder. I am scheduled to be baptized this Sunday (October 5th)

 

Previously, I practiced the Jewish faith and am a citizen of Israel. Once I am baptized into the LDS church, will I cease

 

to be a member of the Jewish faith?

Good to hear it, but do they do baptisms on General Conference Sunday? If so, very fitting.

[Guest]

He showed up yesterday, between him and Raingirl, they can probably answer a lot of questions. A friend used to be involved with a group of Mormon Jews and I believe they kept many of their traditions, they had an online group as well. If you are interested I could track her down and get the info.

I have a decades long friend who "is" a Jew and a Mormon (important distinction there) he and his family celebrate Christmas and Hannukkah (hope I spelled it right).

[Kenngo1969]

Google Daniel Rona.  He describes himself (going from memory here, so if this isn't totally accurate, forgive me) as "An Israeli, an American, a Mormon, and a Jew."  Perhaps I ought not say this, because what I know about Judaism can be fit into a wee thimble, but, while much of the rest of Christianity (save Messianic Judaism, perhaps) "throws the baby out with the bathwater," so to speak, when it comes to Judaism, the only other faith of which I am aware (and the only Christian faith) that has any concept of what it means to be a member of the House of Israel is Mormonism.  (Raingirl, feel free to chime in; I'm sure you've forgotten more on the subject than I'll ever know. )

 

Congratulations on your pending baptism.

[Ham Clam]

Congratulations on the Baptism!   

There's a reform Jewish sect that I've gone to a couple times. Nice people. 

[Garden Girl]

I believe that much like I am a Mormon and a Christian, you can be a Mormon and a Jew.  You certainly reject certain notions by entering into baptism, but you lose nothing and only grow in the faith by being baptized.  btw - a very close friend of mine and Israeli national was baptized a few years ago.  Then about 2 years ago I baptized another Jewish friend.  It has been so cool to see him get his patriarchal blessing - go to the temple, etc.  There is something special about those of a Jewish background who enter into the covenant.  

 

Mormons are Christians.... If you are a Mormon, you should know better than making such a misleading statement as highlighted above... you make them sound like two different things in the context you place them...

 

GG

[Calm]

We all hope I am sure that you will come back and let us know how it went today.

[Duncan]

I know too Jewish people who joined the Church and one served my Bishop years ago, great guy

[Stargazer]

I know too Jewish people who joined the Church and one served my Bishop years ago, great guy

 

The question I have is related to DC 107:76

76 But a literal descendant of Aaron has a legal right to the presidency of this priesthood, to the keys of this ministry, to act in the office of bishop independently, without counselors, except in a case where a President of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, is tried, to sit as a judge in Israel.

This appears to say a ward bishop who is a "literal descendant of Aaron" could act without counselors. And a "literal descendant of Aaron" is a Kohen. Has this ever happened in the Church, that a Kohen has been called to be a bishop?

[Generational]

Congratulations! What a great time to be baptized into the Church of the prophesied Messiah!

You can never stop being what you are: a child of God, a descendant of Judah, and an heir to the blessings and promises of the Lord and His prophets to His chosen people. The only difference you will find is that the law of Moses has been fulfilled and sacrifice by the shedding of blood is now given in rememberance of the sacrifice given by the Messiah, of which the law of Moses was a type, or excecuted in anticipation of the actions of the Savior.

Hanukkah is a celebration of the miracle of the minorah after the Babylonians destroyed the Temple. Please do not cease celebrating if you desire it. The Roman insistence to wipe it from tradition should never reflect in your personal life. Passover is a beautiful tradition observed by the Savior Himself, and I have been blessed to be invited to partake, please do not feel pressured to cease (just use grape juice). It's hard to place many restrictions on the observances you have because they are not just religious holidays, but historical and cultural as well. Just don't let the religious aspect of those that occured after the meridian of time (BC to AD in the Roman Calendar) deter you from your acceptance of the Messiah or keep you from growing your precious testimony. You are also free from preparation of Kosher meals. You dont have to turn your back completely, just understand that it has been done away as well. I myself have learned to prepare Challah bread the Kosher way (including blessings) and I choose to prepare it this way. Not because it is necessary anymore, but because it is historical and a way for me to remember my Savior who was decended from Judah.

Again, congratulations! I know that your choice to be baptised is the right choice. That the Savior, Jesus Christ is the very Messiah that was prophesied of old. I testify that the journey you are electing to take will not always be smooth, but it is the only way back into the presence of the Father, the Holy One of Isreal. That He bless and protect you on this path is my prayer for you, in the name of the Messiah, Jehovah, the Holy one of Isreal, Amen.

[Storm Rider]

Today, I had my pre-baptismal interview with a Church elder. I am scheduled to be baptized this Sunday (October 5th)

 

Previously, I practiced the Jewish faith and am a citizen of Israel. Once I am baptized into the LDS church, will I cease

 

to be a member of the Jewish faith?

 

Hello Hardie, what a wonderful announcement; thank you for sharing it with us.

 

Some can split hairs and desire to create technical caveats, but given your question I would answer it in hopes like the Savior does. When the Savior came he never denied his Jewishness; just the opposite.  He was the promised Messiah and you are entering into his Kingdom which is the fulfillment of the purpose of his people.  Welcome Home.