Question 1

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

Our community is based in Switzerland.   We have a prayer and community centre in Eglisau, which is named in honour of Eli Haroun.

Question 2

Can I join your community?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Please have a look at the "Contact and Membership" section for a detailed overview of the options we offer.   Please be aware that we are a JEWISH community.   There is no association with Karalyers, Crimean Karaite.

Question 3

Where can I get further information online?

Accepted Answer

www.karaite.org.il/index www.karaites.org/ https://kjuonline.net www.karaite-korner.org https://abluethread.com www.karaitelibrary.estranky.cz

Question 4

Do you have a reading list with books you recommend?

Accepted Answer

TaNaKh - Koren Jerusalem Bible As it is written - a brief case for Karaism Royal Attire - Karaite and Rabbinate Beliefs Karaite Anthology

Question 5

Do you have a synagogue I can visit?

Accepted Answer

We have a prayer room in Eglisau, Switzerland.   If you would like to visit us, please write us an Email.

Question 6

Purity laws for entering a prayer room

Accepted Answer

Major and Minor impurities: one is not allowed to enter a prayer room / synagogue.   One needs to go through the proper purification process in order to be able to enter a prayer room / synagogue.

Question 7

I would like to convert to Karaite Judaism. Is this possible?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is. You will need to first attend a one and half year online course in Karaite Jewish Studies at the Karaite Jewish University. After successful completion, you will need to join us for a Shabbaton in Eglisau, Switzerland or Daly City, San Francisco USA.   https://kjuonline.net/learning/

Question 8

I am already Jewish. Do I still need to convert?

Accepted Answer

Conversion is here the wrong word, affiliation is more to the point. You will also need to take part in the Karaite Jewish studies course provided by the Karaite Jewish University. After successful completion, you will need to attend a service at one of our synagogues, in Israel, Europe or the US.   https://kjuonline.net/learning/

Question 9

What are the main differences between Karaite and Rabbinate Judaism?

Accepted Answer

The main differences would be in regards to some holidays and on how to celebrate them, calendar, status of woman, acceptance of patrilineal line, role of authority (in the Rabbinate world Rabbi) and most importantly, the rejection of the man made oral law.

Question 10

Are woman allowed to lead services?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, yes they are. In Karaite Judaism woman and men are equal in every aspect.

Question 11

Do Karaites follow a religious authorities?

Accepted Answer

As of today, no.

Question 12

Why don't Karaites wear a Kippah the whole time like the orthodoxe?

Accepted Answer

There is no law in the Torah that one should cover ones head. In fact, one should wear Tzitziot. However, with time Kippot have become also compulsory in synagogues, at wedding etc.

Question 13

Do you celebrate Chanukka? Purim?

Accepted Answer

Purim yes, eventhough it is not mentioned in the Torah, it is mentioned in the Tanackh.   Channuka on the other side is not mentioned in either and therefore the answer is no. As so often, people do have differents takes on this matter and there are some that celebrate Channuka. What is important though, is that if you do, do not say the Rabbinate prayer, as G*d did not command us to light the candles.

Question 14

Does a Karaite wedding differ to a Rabbinate one?

Accepted Answer

The main difference is the Kettuba: Woman can also be witnesses and there is a tradition of 10 witnesses signing it. There are other smaller differences, especially in aspects of the role of the woman, which as I mentioned in a different section, is one to one to the man.

Question 15

Can I get married the whole year around? Or are there dates one shouldn't get married?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but there are obvious restrictions: Shabbat, holidays and the from the mid of the 4th month - Tammuz till the mid of the fifth month - Av

Karaite Jews of Europe

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