How to Convert to Judaism – Become Jewish

Conversion to Judaism or becoming Jewish is very different than choosing to change or become apart of any other religion. Judaism is more than just a religion. It is a culture, faith, religion, and a group of people that are decedents of Abraham and his son Isaac. Being Jewish is about having a special direct connection with G-d.

Being Jewish is much more than a religious choice; it is a way of life.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Time and Patience
• An Open Heart

1. 
    

   MAKING THE CHOICE: Know first that Jews do not ever try to convert anyone, this is strickly a sole decision. Making the choice to become Jewish may have been a long journey and you may feel as if the time is finally here, I have made my choice and now I am ready, but understand that the journey is only the beginning. Know why you are converting and what it means to be a Jew. Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah; therefore, if this is something that you have the slightest bit of confusion about, you are not ready! Do not choose to convert just to marry someone or for any other reason other than for yourself!

2. 
    

   MOVEMENTS OF JUDAISM: Once your decision has been made, it is time to consider what movement of Judaism you would like to do your conversion and what form you choose to become a part of. The major options to choose from are Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Although there are other forms these are the basic three and the easiest ones in which to find a congregation.

3. 
    

   BE CAREFUL! Know that there is an organization that calls themselves Messianic Jews...this is not Judaism! This is a form of Christianity and their organization is fine except that it can be very confusing to non-Jews - since they call themselves Jews and call their churches Synagogues. An important part of Judaism is that Jews DO NOT recognize Jesus as the Messiah. It is not possible to believe Jesus is the Messiah and be a Jew at the same time.

4. 
    

   RESEARCH: Research the differences in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. You should have a pretty good idea since you have made the decision to convert. However, it is very important to be sure you understand all three. Orthodox will only accept an orthodox conversion. Conservative will only recognize an Orthodox and Conservative Conversion and Reform will recognize all three. So remember if you convert Reform, then Reform is the only group that will recognize your conversion.
   It is important to know which community you will feel the most comfortable becoming a part of and which one will allow you to join. For example: if you are already married to a non-Jew Orthodox will not do your conversion. Conservative may do your conversion and Reform will do a conversion. Read and research everything you can, this is an important decision.

5. 
    

   BEGIN LEARNING: Begin learning everything you can on your own. The best website to help you with this is www.myjewishlearning.com A link is below. Throughout this website you will find online classes and quizzes to help you begin learning and help prepare you for conversion class. Read everything you can. Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook, by Lawrence J. Epstein is an exceptional book to assist you in your decision and to help you understand this process. The Everything Judaism Book by Richard Bank is also a very easy to read guide that is helpful to refer to even after your conversion.

6. 
    

   ISRAEL: Understand the rules of Israel. Israel will become a huge part of your life after conversion if it is not already. A conversion in Israel is the most highly accepted conversion there is. However, this type of conversion can take up to 5 years if they allow you to convert. It is very difficult to convert in Israel. Israel will accept all conversions as long as your conversion is done properly and recorded for citizenship purposes. Israel Rabbis will usually not perform any life changing events or life cycle events (i.e. Bar Mitzvah, A Bris Milah, or Wedding) if your conversion did not take place in Israel or by their standards. This is important to know if you plan to visit Israel for a life event.

7. 
    

   A RABBI! Finding a Rabbi: Finding a Rabbi for conversion is the very most important step. This is the person that you are intrusting your faith and future to. You will spend a lot of time with your rabbi during conversion classes, when going to Shul (Temple or Synagogue), and throughout your conversion. Your Rabbi will be just that, YOUR Rabbi, the person that you will want to feel comfortable going to for life cycle events, times of need, and for times of grief.

8. 
    

   DO NOT BECOME DISCOURAGED: Once you choose a form of Judaism and a Rabbi asking the Rabbi can be very scary. Be secure in your decision and know that when you ask the Rabbi he will probably “slam the door in your face”. This is the best way to describe a worst case scenario. It is standard practice for the Rabbi to refuse your conversion three (3) times. Do not become discouraged or upset, this is a test of your commitment. Rabbis know that this is a major life changing decision that cannot be reversed and should not be entered into lightly; therefore they must test your commitment. This is for your benefit and not to be taken as a personal rejection.

9. 
    

   DO NOT BE AFRAID! Going to your first conversion class can be frightening. Just remember that everyone in class will be there for the same reason and just as afraid. Clas is exciting, informative, and a place to learn and grow. This will be a positive experience. Embrace it!

10. 
     

    HOW LONG?? Each Rabbi will have their own procedure for conversion. Some will have classes once a week or several times a week. It can take One year to Five years. This depends on the form of Judaism you choose and your Rabbi.

11. Male Conversion: Males will have an additional step to their conversion. Circumcision is a very important part of being Jewish. G-d made a covenant with Abraham requiring all descendants of Abraham to be circumcised. Therefore; Circumcision is necessary for conversion. If a convert is already circumcised the Rabbi will have a symbolic circumcision performed. Usually a doctor will draw a tiny amount of blood to symbolize a circumcision. If a convert is not circumcised a surgical procedure will be needed to perform the circumcision.

12. 
     

    BET DIN: The Bet Din, translated means “house of judgment”, is the group of three (3) men that will bring you in for an “interview” once you have completed all of your conversion classes. The Rabbi will determine your final assignment which is usually an essay explaining why you have chosen to become Jewish and how you plan to live your new life as a Jew. They will ask you about you children. Any future children should be raised Jewish. The Bet Din is the group that will determine if you are able to follow through with your conversion. Do not worry, if you are true to your conversion in your heart, you will do fine. Your Rabbi will prepare you for this step.

13. 
     

    MIKVAH: The final phase of the conversion process and the beginning of your new Jewish life begins with the Mikvah. The Mikvah is a very special pool of water in which you will immerse your body, completely nude 3 times. Each time you come up from the water you will recite a prayer in Hebrew and English. If you are male you will be accompanied by 3 men know as the Bet Din. If you are a female the Bet Din will be behind a closed curtain and you will be accompanied by a female attendant. The purpose is that the Bet Din must witness your Mikvah but for modesty sake women are protected behind a curtain; however, the Bet Din must be able to hear the prayers and the female attendant must watch the emersion to ensure that it is Kosher.

14. 
     

    PREPARE FOR AN AMAZING TRANSFORMATION! Body and Soul, you will have the transformation of a lifetime. You will find that during this time you may lose family and friends that may not understand your decision but you will gain family and friends that love and support you. You will feel afraid that you do not know as much as a “born” Jew, but believe me; this is far from the truth. You will learn everything you need to know during your conversion. New friends at your Shul and your Rabbi will assist you in learning day to day ways to be a good Jew.

15. 
     

    CHILDREN: A conversion for a child is slightly different. Typically children under 13 for a boy and 12 for a girl do not have to go through a conversion as an adult. With the consent of a Jewish Parent (Born or Converted) a Rabbi will convert a child. Once a child reaches the age of 12 for a girl and 13 for a boy, they will be given the opportunity to continue on their path as a Jew or to revert back to being a non-Jew. A child underage will need to be immersed into the Mikvah in the presence of the Bet Din and the Rabbi will say the conversion blessing over the child.

16. 
     

    Mazel Tov (מזל טוב‎) on your decision!

Resources

• Conversion to Judaism Book
• My Jewish Learning
• Your Grief Matters by Rabbi Mel Glazer

[sultan1972]

on 9/24/2009 I really don't get it... Why should it take years to convert to what you believe is G-d's religion? Why should you think you are closer to G-d just because you were born as a Jew. Why should a Rabi or a Priest be my way to the Lord? To me, all people were created equal and piety only makes them different... G-d loves all of his creation and does not look at their colors or shapes but looks into their hearts. As a Muslim Palestinian, I feel very sorry for my people because of this mentality we are facing. We really have no chance because we were created as "dogs" for the chosen people!!! I know G-d is more merciful than this... The way to Him is straight and easy.

[BruiseDude777]

on 8/24/2009 Like the previous guy said you have no idea what your talking about and are missing the complete essence of what Judaism is. To say that Messainic Jews aren't really Jews just disqualifies this whole article, which had parts in it that were informative. You clearly do not know anything about Judaism, and religion period and your just another stupid person who doesn't get it.

For one thing beleiving in Jesus Christ as the Quote UnQuote Messiah has no bearing in whether someone can be a Christian a Jew, or anything. That is just a misconception filter down by people like yourselves, Jews and Christians, who clearly don't understand God, or the bible and is just perpetuating this division among God's people.

Christianity and Judaism are the same religion. Jesus Christ came dowm to bring in gentiles into the Jewish faith because he believed that God's love was not limited to one...

[aldenfilms]

on 3/3/2009 You're article was informative and inspiring. My wife and I just attended my best friend's wife's Adult Bat Mitzvah in Boston, after her conversion 15 years ago. It was beautiful! People like yourself will keep Judaism alive and well in the future.

[herskovicmd]

on 2/4/2009 There are some misconceptions in this article but it is otherwise informative. There are two points in particular that require clarification. The quote, "The entire point of Judaism is that Jews DO NOT recognize Jesus as the Messiah". Dear Lord, that is not the "point" of Judaism! The point of Judaism is a direct covenantal relationship with G-d, the Creator. Additionally, the article completely leaves out the most important part of the process required for any male with to convert: circumcision.

[grimsleygl]

on 1/24/2009 What great insight on "becoming" Jewish. Thank you so much for sharing this information. Many of these steps are new to me, but I've always wondered what the process was like for those making such a major life change. 5*'s and a recommendation. Well done indeed!