How to Convert to Judaism

Many people are interested in learning more about the Jewish faith and visiting synagogues without feeling the need to convert to Judaism. However, many others feel attracted to Jewish observance and culture, whether they can identify the reasons for their interest or feel an intuitive connection. Since Jews do not proselytize and seek converts, those who want to convert to Judaism need to look for answers on how to make this major life decision.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Before the Conversion

1. Decide whether a Jewish conversion is right for you. Observing the Jewish commandments is a major responsibility and should not be entered into lightly.

2. Seek an Orthodox rabbi and explain to him your desire to convert. If he discourages you from converting (which is the tradition), try speaking to him again.

3. Read everything you can about Jewish observance. Your rabbi should give you a list of books to read, and you can find resources on the Internet and at your library.

4. Attend religious services at every opportunity. This will give you an idea of the structure of the prayer service and some practice praying along with a minyan (group of at least ten male worshippers.)

5. Enroll in a Hebrew class. You will need at least some knowledge of Hebrew to read the prayer book and will want familiarity with the language as you continue to study Torah.

6. Observe the commandments, even before you have converted. Think of the period before your conversion as a trial period or training before the big event. Once you become Jewish, you will be required to fulfill the commandments properly.

The Conversion

7. Familiarize yourself with the conversion process. Female converts immerse in a mikveh (ritual bath), and males undergo circumcision or a minor procedure if they have already had a circumcision, followed by immersion in a mikveh.

8. Discuss the process with your rabbi and make sure you understand every step. He will be joined with two other rabbis to form a rabbinical court that approves the conversion.

9. Take a bath and cleanse your skin of any impurities or any substance which can block the flow of water to the skin. This is an essential preparation for immersion in a mikveh, and takes place after you have been approved by the Beis Din (council of three rabbis.)

10. Make a commitment to observe all the Jewish commandments. You will be instructed concerning what to say by the rabbi when you are in the mikveh, and the Beis Din will be present. Women are covered with a large sheet for the sake of modesty.

Tips & Warnings

• Take someone who has converted to Judaism with you to the mikveh. He can prepare you for the procedure and allay your concerns.
• Do not convert without a full intention to observe the Jewish commandments. A lack of sincerity can make a conversion false.

Resources

• Beingjewish.com
• Askmoses,com

[angeladent]

on 1/13/2009 The Bet Din is not always made up of Rabbis and your can convert to any Jewish movement not just Orthodox. Good Article, but there is much more involved and it is important to know everything! Being Jewish is a complete way of life, not just following commandments. In addition, there are more than the 10 Commandments that everyone knows, there are really 613 commandments in the "old Testament", known as the Torah.
Thanks for sharing the information.

[shafferb1]

on 7/13/2008 Excellent article. You should also take a look at http://www.becomeajew.org where you can find some more information on how to convert to Judaism