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To love the stranger (proselyte) (Deuteronomy 10:19)
Not to wrong the stranger (proselyte) in speech (Exodus 22:20)
Not to wrong the stranger (proselyte) in buying or selling (Exodus 22:20)
Conversion to Judaism
Converting to Judaism means that you must be willing to follow halachah, accepting the Jewish faith (Torah), and joining a people. There is a belief in the Talmud (Shavuot 39a), based upon Deuteronomy 29:13-14, that every sincere convert's soul was present at Mount Sinai and agreed to follow the mitzvot handed down during the national revelation.
The first step to conversion is figuring out why you want to convert.
Among the reasons people give for wanting to convert are:
Judaism has sensible religious beliefs
A wish to join a respectable, hardy people
Wanting to leave an idolatrous/non-Torah-based religion
Wanting to share the faith of a partner
Religiously uniting an intermarried family
Making it easier for the children to have one family religion
Conversion must be done out of a true conviction and not due to any type of coercion or simply to get married. It is also very important for you to talk with your partner, children, friends, and family about your interest in Judaism as early as you can.
Learn as much as you can about Judaism. Use this site and the provided links and books to explore Judaism. It is also recommended that you visit as many kinds of synagogues as you are able to while you are exploring the idea of conversion. It is important to understand Judaism's basic beliefs which include:
1. Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith
2. Judaism introduced the idea of One G-d to the world. Judaism rejects the idea of a trinity and other multiple gods. You can pray directly to G-d without any intermediaries.
3. Judaism does not believe in "original sin". People are free to choose good or bad.
4. Judaism does not believe that Satan is a fallen angel. Satan is an angel in heaven who is only permitted to do what G-d allows him.
5. Judaism encourages probing spiritual questions.
6. Judaism encourages close-knit families and communities.
7. Judaism does not believe that the Messiah has yet come. When the Messiah does come he will be a normal human-being and not a demi-god. Certain occurrences will happen when the Messiah comes.
8. Judaism believes that all righteous gentiles will have a place in the World To Come.
Once you are sure that you want to convert, you need to contact a rabbi. It is traditional for a rabbi to turn a potential convert away three times before an agreeing to convert the individual. Do not be discouraged if this happens to you since it is only done to help determine a potential convert's sincerity. When you do meet with the rabbi he (or she) will ask you various questions generally beginning with why you want to convert. Remember that there is no real right or wrong answers and the rabbi will realize that you are going to be nervous.
Wear something modest when you are going to meet the rabbi. For men it is a good idea to wear dress pants and a formal shirt (a tie or jacket can be optional). For women it is a good idea to wear a long skirt with a shirt that has sleeves covering the elbows (or longer) or dress with a top that has sleeves covering the elbows (or longer). Also remember that Orthodox (and some Conservative) rabbis will not shake hands with females or even pass something (like a business card) directly to a female. This is not done out of a dislike or a lowered status of women but out of the idea of modesty.
Orthodox and Conservative rabbis will not convert only one non-Jewish spouse. This is important to consider when researching conversion. If both spouses are accepted for conversion (or one spouse is already Jewish), a time-period of separation will be needed and after the conversion(s) is completed, a Jewish marriage will be performed. Any children born before the conversion will also need to convert. This issue is best addressed by a rabbi since the issues and requirements are different depending upon the age of the children.
After the rabbi agrees to convert you, you will go through a period of study and practice of the rituals (i.e. lighting Sabbath candles) which will generally last one year but could be longer. When the rabbi feels that you are ready to complete your conversion there are some remaining steps that you will have to go through. The Orthodox and Conservative (and some Reconstructionist and Reform) rabbis will require males to go through a circumcision. If the male is already circumcised then he will go through a hatafat dam brit. Males and females will be required to go before the bet din where the potential convert will be asked various questions - mostly pertaining to why one wants to convert, what one has learned, if one is willing to give up any previous religious affiliations, and (Orthodox and Conservative rabbis) if you are willing to follow halachah. Once this is completed a Hebrew name will be chosen (this is usually already established in advance of the bet din by the convert). After this you will go to the mikveh and immerse yourself. The Sabbath after the conversion is completed men (and women in some non-Orthodox shuls) will generally be called for an aliyah during the Torah reading. Remember that even though you are now considered a Jew, you still have a lifetime of learning ahead of you!
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Common Questions
If I convert to non-Orthodox Judaism, will I be considered a Jew?
Orthodox Judaism does not recognize any conversions done through any of the three non-Orthodox sects. Conservative Judaism will accept any Orthodox conversion and some Reform and Reconstructionist conversions (on a case-by-case basis). Reform accepts all four sects conversions as does Reconstructionist.
If I convert through "Messianic Judaism", am I considered a Jew?
No, you are not considered a Jew by anyone outside "Messianic Judaism". "Messianic Judaism" is not a sect of Judaism but is instead a sect of evangelical Christianity.
Can only one spouse convert if the other is not willing to convert?
Orthodox and Conservative rabbis will not convert only one spouse because this would cause an inter-marriage which is against halachah (Jewish law). Some Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis will convert only one spouse.
Must I move to a Jewish community after I convert?
If you convert Orthodox you will be expected to move to a Jewish community either before or after your conversion. The ideal for non-Orthodox Judaism is to live in a Jewish community but it is not necessarily required (check with your rabbi).
If I convert, may I make aliyah (move to Israel)?
Yes, converts to the four recognized sects of Judaism may make aliyah. However, it is important to remember that non-Orthodox converts will be considered Jews by the State but not by the Rabbinate.
Must I learn Hebrew?
Yes, you will need to learn Hebrew. Most of the services in Orthodox and Conservative (and many Reform and Reconstructionist) synagogues are done in Hebrew. The only real way to learn Tanach is through the Hebrew language. Without a knowledge of Hebrew many writings are off-limits because they have not been translated.
Must I keep kosher?
Yes, for Orthodox and Conservative converts, you will need to keep kosher. For converts within Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, generally you will not be required to keep kosher but it is best to ask the rabbi.
What happens at the bet din?
The bet din is a rabbinic court that will determine if someone is ready to complete their conversion. Each bet din is different but in general you will be asked why you want to convert and various questions about your background and what you have learned. For Orthodox and Conservative conversion you will also be asked if you are willing to follow all 613 mitzvot and you will only marry within the faith.
Must I believe that the Written Torah is directly from G-d and written by Moses?
For Orthodox conversion and some Conservative conversions, this would be a requirement. Don't worry if this is not your initial stance since it may change over time after you learn more about Judaism and the Torah.
Must I believe that the Mishnah (Oral Torah) is directly from G-d and given to Moses?
For Orthodox conversion and some Conservative conversions, this would be a requirement. Don't worry if this is not your initial stance since it may change over time after you learn more about Judaism and the Torah.
Can I still believe in Jesus and convert?
No, you cannot still believe in a trinity, Jesus as G-d, or Jesus as the messiah and convert to Judaism. You may still believe in his existence and even that he was a teacher but that is the extent that would be permitted.
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Subjects to Know
The rabbi of the potential convert will give him/her instructions and determine what the correct course of study will be for him/her. Following are suggestions as to the minimum of what a convert should learn.
What it means to be a Jew
Basic Hebrew
Books of the Tanach
Understanding the topics in each Parsha
Maimonides' 13 Principles
613 Mitzvot
Mishnah
Shulchan Aruch
Concept of G-d
Prayer
Synagogue Services
Lighting the Shabbat candles
Havdallah
Kashrut
Niddah
Tefillin
Tzitzit
Mezzuzah
Jewish Parenting
Jewish Calendar
Jewish Holidays
Jewish History
History of Israel
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Jewish Movements (sects)
Note: The differences discussed here are based upon shared generalities of that movement. There are of course differing opinions within each movement.
Orthodox Judaism (also known as Traditional Judaism) is the oldest sect of Judaism - and in fact, was the only sect until Reform Judaism came into being in 19th century Germany.
Orthodox Judaism is a formulation of Judaism that adheres to a relatively strict interpretation and application of the laws and ethics first canonized in the Talmudic texts ("Oral Torah") and as subsequently developed and applied by the later authorities known as the Gaonim, Rishonim, and Acharonim.
Orthodox Judaism is characterized by belief that the Torah and its laws are Divine, were transmitted by Hashem to Moses, are eternal, and are unalterable; belief that there is also an oral law in Judaism, which contains the authoritative interpretation of the written Torah's legal sections, and is also Divine by virtue of having been transmitted by Hashem to Moses along with the Written Law, as embodied in the Talmud, Midrash, and innumerable related texts, all intrinsically and inherently entwined with the written law of the Torah; belief that Hashem has made an exclusive, unbreakable covenant with the Children of Israel to be governed by the Torah; adherence to Halacha, or Jewish law, including acceptance of codes, mainly the Shulchan Aruch, as authoritative practical guidance in application of both the written and oral laws, as well as acceptance of halacha-following Rabbis as authoritative interpreters and judges of Jewish law; belief in Jewish eschatology. Orthodox beliefs may be most found in their adherence to the thirteen Jewish principles of faith as stated by the Rambam (Maimonides).[1]
The 2000 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) performed by the Council of Jewish Federations found that 21% of the Jews in America identify themselves as Orthodox as compared to 7% in the 1990 NJPS.
Find an Orthodox Synagogue near you
Find a Chabad Center near you
Conservative Judaism grew out of the tension between Orthodoxy and Reform. It was formally organized as the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism by Dr. Solomon Schechter in 1913, although its roots in the Jewish Theological Seminary of America stretch back into the 1880s.
The principles of Conservative Judaism include:
1. A deliberately non-fundamentalist teaching of Jewish principles of faith;
2. A positive attitude toward modern culture; and
3. An acceptance of both traditional rabbinic modes of study and modern scholarship and critical text study when considering Jewish religious texts.
Conservative Judaism has its roots in the school of thought known as Positive-Historical Judaism, developed in 1850s Germany as a reaction to the more liberal religious positions taken by Reform Judaism. The term conservative was meant to signify that Jews should attempt to conserve Jewish tradition, rather than reform or abandon it.2
The term Conservative Judaism doesn't refer to a narrowly defined movement or school of thought. Rather, it refers to a broad religious movement with an overlapping range of beliefs and practices that are more liberal than what is affirmed in Orthodoxy, and more traditional than what is affirmed in Reform. This definition covers a wide range of groups and individual prayer communities outside of the formal Conservative movement.[2]
The Conservative movement, more narrowly defined, refers to a specific religious group with a well-defined organizational structure, specifically the LCCJ, Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism, and any people affiliated with any of these organizations.[2]
Conservative Jewish groups in the broader sense include Traditional-Egalitarian synagogues, and many non-movement affiliated synagogues, kehillot and chavurot, and any people affiliated with any of these organizations.[2]
The 2000 NJPS found that 33% of the Jews in America identify themselves as Conservative as compared to 38% in the 1990 NJPS.
Find a Conservative Synagogue near you (North America)
Find a Masorti Synagogue near you (Outside North America)
Leopold Zunz suggested that Jews study their history and learn of the great achievements of the past. While Zunz was implementing his ideas, a movement began to make religious services better understood, by incorporating music and the local language. Rabbi Abraham Geiger suggested that observance might also be changed to appeal to modern people. Between 1810 and 1820, congregations in Seesen, Hamburg and Berlin instituted fundamental changes in traditional Jewish practices and beliefs, such as mixed seating, singleday observance of festivals and the use of a cantor/choir. Many leaders of the Reform movement took a very "rejectionist" view of Jewish practice and discarded traditions and rituals.[3]
Traditional Reform Judaism does not believe that the Torah was written by Hashem but was written by separate sources and redacted together. Many non-observant, nominal, and/or agnostic Jews identify themselves as Reform simply because Reform is the most liberal movement.
The classical approach of Reform Judaism towards halacha was based on the views of Rabbi Samuel Holdheim (1806-1860), leader of Reform Judaism in Germany, and other reformers. Holdheim believed that Reform Judaism should be based solely upon monotheism and morality. Almost everything connected with Jewish ritual law and custom was of the ancient past, and thus no longer appropriate for Jews to follow in the modern era. Since the 1940s, the American Reform movement has continued to change, sometimes evolving in what appears to be a traditional direction. Many Reform congregations use more Hebrew in their religious services and are incorporating aspects of laws and customs, in a selective fashion, into their lives. This is a departure from the classical Reform position in favor of more traditional Judaism.[4]
The 2000 NJPS found that 39% of the Jews in America identify themselves as Reform as compared to 42% in the 1990 NJPS.
Find a Reform Synagogue near you
Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern American-based Jewish movement based on the ideas of Mordecai Kaplan. The movement views Judaism as a progressively evolving civilization. It originated as the radical left branch of Conservative Judaism before it splintered. The movement developed from the late 1920s to 1940s, and it established a rabbinical college in 1968.[5]
There is substantial theological diversity within the movement. Halacha is not considered binding, but is treated as a valuable cultural remnant that should be upheld unless there is reason for the contrary. The movement emphasizes positive views towards modernism, and has an approach to Jewish custom which aims toward communal decision making through a process of education and distillation of values from traditional Jewish sources.[5]
Unlike classical Reform Judaism, Reconstructionism holds that a person's default position should be to incorporate Jewish laws and tradition into their lives, unless they have a specific reason to do otherwise. The most important distinction between Reconstructionist Judaism and traditional Judaism is that Reconstructionism feels that all of halacha should be categorized as "folkways", and not as law.[5]
Reconstructionism promotes many traditional Jewish practices, while holding that contemporary Western secular morality has precedence over Jewish law. Thus, mitzvot (commandments) have been replaced with "folkways", non-binding customs that can be democratically accepted or rejected by the congregations. Folkways that are promoted include keeping Hebrew in the prayer service, studying Torah, daily prayer, wearing kipot (yarmulkas), tallitot and tefillin during prayer, and observance of the Jewish holidays.[5]
According to the 2000 NJPS, only 3% of the Jews in America identify themselves as Reconstructionist as compared to 1% in the 1990 NJPS.
Find a Reconstructionist Synagogue near you
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Conversion Issues
When choosing a rabbi please remember the following
Orthodox Judaism only accepts Orthodox conversions as valid
Conservative Judaism accepts Orthodox and Conservative conversions as valid
Reform Judaism accepts Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform conversions as valid
Reconstructionist Judaism accepts Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Reform conversions as valid
There are some general guidelines for you to follow in discussing becoming Jewish
The most important part of discussing conversion is not to be afraid or reluctant to discuss the subject.
Remember that conversion is a long process, and not a single action.
Because a welcoming attitude is the most important contribution you can make, remember not to use any emotional pressure.
Here are some suggestions for telling people about your conversion to Judaism
Think through your feelings and practice talking them out.
Most experts think telling parents in person and to both parents at the same time is best.
Telling your parents as soon as possible is best.
There is no special time to tell but such an announcement shouldn't be made during days of obvious religious significance or personal significance
It is better to speak to parents alone.
In telling your parents about your conversion, discuss what you find attractive about Judaism, how it met a particular need, how it helped a relationship, how you feel closer to - not further from - your parents, in part because of Judaism's emphasis on family.
Be prepared for a range of reactions from support to shock to total disapproval.
Follow up a visit with a letter or phone call.
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Conversion Stories
A lot of people just can't believe that there is something in the Jewish religion worth having. Something that someone from the accepted, middle-class WASP world would want. So when a Jewish person makes this comment, I have to realize my patience and explain why I converted and how much value there is in being Jewish.
I doubt that my parents will ever understand why I converted. All they see now is a yarmulka on the head of a son who's not the same person they watched grow up. [more]
As Michaela studied, she discovered that much of what Jesus taught was also taught by other rabbis of the time. This shocked her. She had been taught that Jesus and his teachings were original and revolutionary. This increased her desire to study Jewish roots and, ultimately, Judaism. Once she knew the source was Judaism, her journey home was inevitable. [more]
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Start Your Jewish Library
Conversion
Choosing Judaism
Conversion to Judaism: A Guidebook
Counter-Missionary
The Jew and the Christian Missionary: A Jewish Response to Missionary Christianity
The Real Messiah: A Jewish Response to Missionaries
Hebrew
Basics of Biblical Hebrew Grammar
The First Hebrew Primer 3rd Edition
Hebrew Bible
Bible Basics
Biblical Literacy
Encyclopedia of Biblical Personalities
Stone Edition Tanach
Jewish History
History of the Jewish People Volume I
History of the Jewish People Volume II
Jews, God, and History
Jewish Holidays
Holiday General Readings
Jewish Prayer
Entering Jewish Prayer
The Laws of Brachos
The NCSY Bencher
To Pray As A Jew
Judaism/Jewish Life
Aryeh Kaplan Anthology I
Aryeh Kaplan Anthology II
Bris Milah/Circumcision
Celebrating Your New Jewish Daughter: Creating Jewish Ways to Welcome Baby Girls into the Covenant-New and Traditional Ceremonies
Death and Bereavement
Exploring Jewish Tradition: A Transliterated Guide to Everyday Practice and Observance
For Kids-Putting God On Your Guest List: How to Claim the Spiritual Meaning of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Kosher
Everyday Cooking for the Jewish Home
Kashruth: A Reference Guide
The Laws of Kashrus
Shabbat
Around the Shabbat Table
ArtScroll Transliterated Siddur (Orthodox)
Gates of Prayer (Reform)
Shabbat Vehagim (Reconstructionist)
Siddur Sim Shalom (Conservative)
Women
The Jewish Woman's Book of Wisdom
The Laws of Niddah
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