u/Davewise5743

Hey all,

So I started attending a reform Synagogue about a year and a half ago, and about six month ago, I decided to officially convert. I have had about half of my conversion classes and an Intro. to Judaism course and have observed every holiday since Purim. I am loving everything...except.

I grew up in a multifaith household, my father was Jewish (Also a Reform Convert) and my mother was some flavor of Christian. Another big part of my upbringing was being poor and totally immersed in northern rural Appalachian culture which comes with it's own cultural foods and recipes. My father never kept Strictly Kosher and seemed to be at peace with that even though his Jewish-ness was also very important to him.

In my own conversion, I keep strictly kosher during holidays and Shabbat (Sundown to sundown) and plan to fast for Yom Kippur. But during other times I enjoy important Appalachian foods like BBQ Chipped Ham Sandwhiches, Ham Beans, and Fried Pork Chops with applesauce. I do this because in observing Kashrut on my own terms allows me to celebrate the commandment, whereas I feel if I kept kosher (or kosher-like) all the time I would come to resent the Mitzvah rather than celebrate it.

I Guess what I'm asking, is: Is that acceptable? I have asked my Rabbi and he merely says "We all walk our own path towards God.", meaning he's never chastised me for it but hasn't come out and said it's fine. I did some research online and found that only about 5% or American Reform Jews keep strictly kosher, and roughly 30% keep Kosher-like diets.

Anyway, thanks for any feedback you can give!

Shalom,

Dave.

Hey all,

My Conversion and my take on keeping Kosher.