[corhen]

My husband and I live overseas-Tokyo, Japan. He was raised Jewish and I Catholic. I want desperately to begin conversion, but it is nearly impossible living overseas. There is a Jewish community center in downtown Tokyo, but it is a two hour drive, without traffic. So it is really not an option. We are not military but work for the military, however, the military does not have a rabbi on mainland Japan. We are in the process of adopting two children from Guatemala. I really really want the children to be raised Jewish. I want to begin that process with them as soon as possible. With the lack of availability I am not sure what to do. My hubby says don't worry.

I have so many questions...I am looking for someone to have conversations with about many aspects...

Can anyone offer any ideas?
thanks

[Shai's Mom]

My older son was 7 1/2 months old when we took him home. He had his brit done at the hospital.

The little one was 7 weeks old. Since he was born premature the hospital did not do a brit on him. We arranged for it with a doctor who is also a Mohel. The doctor was a Neurosurgeon, so we could be sure he had steady hands.

We put a numbing cream on our baby's Whoohoo and the doctor did a local anesthesia before the brit. All went perfect and after 1/2 day our little one was back to his old self.

I have to admit though that the brit is one of my least favorite customs. But, I'm not going to break a 6,000 year tradition because I'm a bit squeamish.

[jewishadoptionblog]

Although you may be aware of their presence, Chabad does have a center in Tokyo. Even if you are not pursuing a chabad lifestyle or orthodox conversion, they are a very good resource, a good place to start and may even have classes or whatnot - a link to Judaism while so far away. Their contact info is below. You also mentioned you have lots of questions about 'aspects' - could you be more specific?
Address:2-27-23 Ebisu
Tokyo, Shibuya-KU 150-0013 JapanPhone:81-3-5789-2846Fax:81-3-5789-2847Web:www.chabadjapan.comRabbi Mendi SudakevichMrs. Chana Sudakevich

Best of luck!
Naomi

[Shai's Mom]

Ok, so I'm a secular Jew, but, I agree with Naomi. Chabad offers great resources and when I lived in the US they were always good about helping.