Converting to Judaism

[Anonymous]

Can anyone convert to Judaism? Are there any special requirements or procedures? If a former Christian or Muslim want to practice Judaism will it be possible? Will Orthodox Jews accept people born into other faiths? Or does being a Jew mean that you have to have Jewish lineage? Also, if Jews are in fact God's chosen people, then why practice any other faith, but Judaism?

[Anonymous]

Anyone can convert. I know at least three Asian women who converted to marry. My graduate advisor was a Carribean born Hindu who converted to marry.

[Anonymous]

I forgot to add that many Jews consider it rude to point out that someone was a convert.

[Anonymous]

Anyone can convert, however it is generally a relatively long process that involves a lot of studying and learning about the religion. It's not just a simple matter of declaring your belief. The exact requirements vary by denomination and the individual Rabbi.

[Anonymous]

Are you interested in converting? Or are you asking from curiosity? That might shape the info people give you. Lots of good websites about conversion to Judaism. I'm not Jewish, but have friends and extend family members who are. There is so much variation in beliefs and practices that you're better off thinking of it as broadly as you would Christianity.

[Anonymous]

I've noticed that Judaism is the only Abrahamic faith that doesn't proselytize. I think that's cool. Why is it that Judaism doesn't proselytize though?

[Anonymous]

My sister in law converted (before she married my brother). She went to conversion classes for something like 18 months. She had to study. She wrote a few papers. She met with the rabbi several times. She had to have a ritual bath at the temple with the rabbi there. She converted through a reform temple. I don't think an Orthodox temple will help people convert.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've noticed that Judaism is the only Abrahamic faith that doesn't proselytize. I think that's cool. Why is it that Judaism doesn't proselytize though?

There are probably a lot of reasons for this but a big one is that Jews were persecuted for centuries and proselytizing would have been asking for trouble. Jews were just hoping for live and let live.

An Orthodox temple will accept converts (assuming you are sincere) (although they may not accept conversion performed by a non-Orthodox rabbi).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've noticed that Judaism is the only Abrahamic faith that doesn't proselytize. I think that's cool. Why is it that Judaism doesn't proselytize though?

Traditionally, there is no reason to try to convert others. Jews believe there are certain rules and laws they need to follow to be good Jews. They believe there are certain moral imperatives you need to follow to be a good person. But, there's no spiritual or practical advantage to following Jewish practice if you aren't Jewish.

[Anonymous]

PP again. I found a link which explains the very traditional Jewish view on moral imperatives for non Jews.

http://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/62221/jewish/Universal-Morality.htm

This is pretty old fashioned. But, I think it's the basis of the traditional Jewish view that you don't need to be Jewish to be righteous and why conversion is such a non issue.

[Anonymous]

NP here. Can non-Jewish people attend services?

[Anonymous]

I think at most congregations (or nearly all non-Orthodox congregations) no one would mind if you attended quietly. Some congregations make a point in welcoming people so you can tell them you are just visiting. Also there will be kippas/yarmulkes outside the main sanctuary and at least men should wear one to cover their head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My sister in law converted (before she married my brother). She went to conversion classes for something like 18 months. She had to study. She wrote a few papers. She met with the rabbi several times. She had to have a ritual bath at the temple with the rabbi there. She converted through a reform temple. I don't think an Orthodox temple will help people convert.

They will. And more people are choosing Orthodox conversions so their kids won't face marriage barriers. Tablet magazine and other Jewish publications, plus blogs carry great, detailed accounts of convert's journeys to Judaism. I'm not Jewish, but my dad converted to a different religion as a child and conversion fascinates me. So many people I know who converted to Judaism said they were always Jews, but just didn't know it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here. Can non-Jewish people attend services?

Absolutely! I'm Jewish; DH isn't. He attends services with us, and at this point, fully participates (as much as he's comfortable).

[Anonymous]

Can anyone convert to Judaism?

Yes.

Are there any special requirements or procedures?

Yes. There is significant education in Judaism required. Among the Orthodox and Conservative, women will need to go to a ritual bath, and men will need to be circumcised. If they are already circumcised, a small ritual cutting will be required. Reform, IIUC, will require ritual baths, but will not always require circumcision. At the end the convert will need to appear before a court of rabbis to ensure all requirements have been met. Among the Orthodox, a convert will be turned away three times at first - to ensure they are really serious.

If a former Christian or Muslim want to practice Judaism will it be possible?

yes.

Will Orthodox Jews accept people born into other faiths?

Officially yes. Some individuals may be less accepting. My sense is that acceptance will be greater among the Orthodox, as to them Jewishness is much more about following Jewish ritual laws (kosher, shabbat, etc) and less about culture and upbringing.

Or does being a Jew mean that you have to have Jewish lineage?

See above

Also, if Jews are in fact God's chosen people, then why practice any other faith, but Judaism?

Other peoples may be chosen by God for other destinies. Jews are chosen to follow the Torah, that does not mean God only cares about them.