Conversion: How to get started

HOW TO GET STARTED

The first step is to join an Introduction to Judaism program or find a rabbi who will study with you. Programs usually consist of about 18 sessions and delve into a number of topics, including but not limited to Jewish history, rituals, Israel and core Jewish values.

Most programs will help you find a sponsoring rabbi, who will help you establish a connection with the Jewish community and become a “part of the rhythms of Jewish life,” said Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, who heads the Introduction to Judaism program at American Jewish University.

A good sponsoring rabbi will be able to address any concerns along the way as well as offer guidance after you have completed the course.

Conversion to Orthodoxy is a more difficult process. Besides an understanding of the history, culture and values of Judaism, applicants need to make a commitment to a whole new lifestyle, including adherence to a kosher diet.

At the conclusion of a program of study, a meeting is set up with a beit din.

The Beit Din

The beit din is a court of three Jewish leaders, who will ask questions to determine whether the applicant:

• is sufficiently knowledgeable about Judaism;
• is converting of his or her own free will;
• is no longer practicing any other religion;
• will live up to the responsibilities that come with conversion.

If the beit din feels the requirements have not been adequately met, they can deny the would-be convert. However, Artson notes that applicants are rarely denied, since, generally, the sponsoring rabbi would have addressed potential questions or problems over the course of preparation.

For an Orthodox conversion, several meetings will be held with the beit din to analyze progress.

After the beit din authorizes the conversion, the first half of the process is complete.

Circumcision

Uncircumcised men have to be circumcised to convert. A man who has already been circumcised, however, goes through a hatafat dam brit, a ceremony conducted by a mohel, who uses a needle to draw a drop of blood.

Mikveh

Both men and women are expected to immerse in a mikveh, or ritual bath.

Children

Artson says that children are treated like independent adults. The only difference is that children under the age of 13 don’t have to go through a program. Children do still have to enter the mikveh.

Who Will Consider You Jewish?

Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist and Renewal rabbis will accept any conversion as valid, as will the State of Israel for citizenship. But Israel’s official religious authority has far stricter limits as to who is a Jew.

Orthodox rabbis will recognize only an Orthodox conversion.

Who to Contact

Conservative

The Louis & Judith Miller Introduction to Judaism Program American Jewish University
(310) 440-1273
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Orthodox

Rabbinical Council of California
(213) 389-3382
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Reconstructionist
” title=”urj.org” target=”_blank”>urj.org

Renewal