With patience, persistence, and a realization that the process is one of evolution, not revolution, the convert acquires that combination of knowledge, habit, and subculture that constitutes an enduring Jewish identity.
The particulars can vary, but typically it involves appearing before a Beit Din, immersing in a mikveh, and adopting a Hebrew name. We use cookies to improve your experience on our site and bring you ads that might interest you. Join Our Newsletter Empower your Jewish discovery, daily. Sign Up. Discover More. Judaism welcomes sincere converts.
In fact, Abraham and Sarah, the founders of the Jewish people, were not born Jewish. Throughout the ages, untold numbers of people have converted to Judaism. If you are considering becoming Jewish too, here are some suggestions for you as you explore Judaism a step at a time. People choose to become Jewish for many different reasons. Some came to Judaism after a long spiritual search.
Many people who eventually convert had their interest sparked because of a romantic relationship with someone Jewish. Among the reasons most given by people who do convert are that:.
Becoming Jewish will make it easier for children by giving them a clear religious identity. Think about your own reasons. Remember, conversion must be your own free choice, not done because of pressure, but out of a genuine desire to embrace Judaism. Some reading suggestions are included in the bibliography on conversion.
Go to lectures, take introductory courses on Judaism that are offered by many colleges and Jewish congregations, and talk to some Jewish friends.
Remember that Judaism has an important ethnic component. You are joining a people, not just a religion, and so need to learn about different aspects of Jewish culture and about Israel [and the Holocaust ]. Remember, though, that Judaism is a faith of good deeds [and other ritual observances], not forced creeds. There is more concern in Judaism that you act morally than that you have specific beliefs [at least among liberal Jews].
All Jews share a passion to make the world a better place. It is difficult to provide a brief summary of basic Judaism. To get you started, though, here are some general Jewish beliefs that are widely held among Jews:. This page has been archived and is no longer updated.
Find out more about page archiving. Converting to Judaism Last updated On this page Find out more Page options Print this page. Converting to Judaism Converting to Judaism is not easy. Conversion and Jewish law Conversion to Judaism is a process governed by Jewish religious law.
Conversions are overseen by a religious court, which must be convinced that the convert: is sincere is converting for the right reasons is converting of their own free will has a thorough knowledge of Jewish faith and practices will live an observant Jewish life There are also two ritual requirements: a male convert must undergo circumcision - if they are already circumcised, a single drop of blood is drawn as a symbolic circumcision the convert must undergo immersion in a Jewish ritual bath, a mikveh, with appropriate prayers Judaism and conversion Judaism is not a missionary faith and so doesn't actively try to convert people in many countries anti-Jewish laws prohibited this for centuries.
Theo Heser, a Jewish convert, on his wedding day. Despite this, the modern Jewish community increasingly welcomes would-be converts. Find out more Judaism and circumcision Circumcision male Top. See also. Religion and Ethics home Interfaith calendar Ethics guides. Required Standards of Observance Conversion by definition involves a commitment to observe all Mitzvot. It also includes matters of Jewish belief and practice. The Beth Din expects a convert to maintain the standard of observance required by Jewish law, of every Jewish person.
There is an expectation that the convert will be able to read Hebrew, follow a Synagogue service, know how our festivals are celebrated and observed and be familiar with the Halachic Jewish legal and moral principles required to run an observant Jewish home.
Similarly, it is expected that the convert will belong to a synagogue and participate in community life. Most applicants do not meet these criteria when they initially approach the Beth Din. The process of conversion is intended to give applicants an opportunity to explore Judaism in depth to the point where they and their Jewish partners where applicable will feel willing and comfortable, over a period of time, to adapt to an observant Jewish life style.
The Beth Din is aware, that the standards it requires for conversion create an anomaly insofar as converts are expected to be more religiously observant than the majority of the mainstream Jewish community, who tend to be more traditional than observant.
While the lapse in religious standards within the wider Jewish community is a problem in its own right, affected to a large extent by the overwhelming secular society in which most Western Jews live, it cannot be a reason for lowering the universal standard expected of every Jew by the Torah Bible for one who wishes to enter the Jewish faith. While there is some flexibility in the conversion process depending on specific circumstances it would generally take the following form:.
A potential convert should initiate the formal process of conversion by writing a letter to the Beth Din describing their background and family and explaining why they have an interest in converting to Judaism. They should set out in the letter, any experience that they have had hitherto, of Jewish practice and custom.
If it is apparent that the applicant and partner where applicable have not yet discussed their situation with a Rabbi, the Beth Din may refer them to a Rabbi who is familiar with the conversion process and with whom the applicant can have an informal discussion.
Where it is apparent from the letter of application and any supporting documentation, that the criteria for conversion applications can be met, the Beth Din will ordinarily send the applicant a formal application form for completion and on receipt of the completed form, the Beth Din will normally invite the applicant and partner where applicable to an interview.
The applicant will also be invited, after suitable reflection, to seek a further interview should they still wish to proceed. In a case where the applicant is involved with a Jewish party, it is the Jewish party who will initially be given a tutor and the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to orthodox religious practice.
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