Thinking About Converting To Judaism?

Here are two books that will give you important basic information:

Embracing the Covenant: Converts to Judaism Talk About Why and How  by Rabbi Allen L. Berkowitz and Patti Moskovitz.  It’s always helpful to talk to someone who has taken a journey you’re considering for yourself.  This interesting, well-written book offers both practical advice and inspiration to a person considering conversion to Judaism.  For information and purchase options click here.

Converting to Judaism — Choosing to be Chosen: Personal Stories by Rabbi Bernice K. Weiss.  Over the years, Rabbi Bernice Kimel Weiss has shepherded hundreds of non-Jewish students into the family of the Jewish people.  In the gentle hands of a teacher who has witnessed and understood their turmoil, their conflicts, their tears, they bare their personal struggles.  What emerge from the pages of this book are amazing, powerful, soul-stirring stories of re-creation — the extraordinary adventure of becoming a Jew at the turn of the 21st century.  For information and purchase options click here.

The Three Most Frequently Asked Questions About Conversion:

1. Don’t you have to be turned away?
   
   No.  Yes.  Maybe.  Some rabbis follow a tradition of discouraging a convert three times before accepting him/her.  Other rabbis follow a tradition of “pushing away with one hand and welcoming with the other.”  Still other rabbis eagerly welcome a potential convert.  An excellent question to ask a rabbi at a first meeting is what his/her philosophy is concerning the welcoming of a potential convert.
   
2. Do I convert to a specific type of Judaism, like Reform, or Conservative?
   
   When you convert to Judaism, you convert to Judaism, not to a particular “type” of Judaism.  Each of the different Jewish movements in America — Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Orthodox — has its own philosophy about and requirements for conversion.  It’s important to do some research and to meet several different rabbis in order to find a teacher and a philosophy that’s right for you.
   
3. What do I have to do to covert?
   
   Every rabbi has his/her own requirements for someone studying for conversion.  Most rabbis, however, generally require a substantial period of study, performance of some of the mitzvot — like lighting Shabbat candles, coming to services, studying the Torah and learning to celebrate the Jewish holidays — involvement in synagogue life or Jewish communal life and a ceremony of conversion.  While the specifics of the conversion ceremony itself differ slightly from one movement to another, most of the movements require immersion in a mikvah (ritual bath) for men and women and, for men, either circumcision or a type of “token” circumcision for men who have been previously circumcised.

Do you have a specific question about conversion?

Would you like to find a rabbi in your area to talk to?  Please see the Ask the Rabbi page on this site, and submit your question to Rabbi David.  Confidentiality is guaranteed.

For information about conversion, visit these sites: Conversion and the Study of Judaism converttojudaism.org The Washington Institute offers individual counseling, private and group instruction, education, outreach, and support services, meeting the needs of all persons choosing Judaism. Conversion to Judaism www.convertingtojudaism.com I believe that to bring someone into the living waters of Judaism is the most fulfilling spiritual adventure.       — Rabbi Celso Cukierkorn Conversion www.convert.org Information for people interested in conversion. Conversion becomingajew.org A Web site designed to direct, support and nurture those who wish to join the Jewish Community.