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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Dumb question here...

If OP's DD converts, and a decade later they divorce for whatever reason, would that impact custody of the kids? What if DD wantsbto become a Christian again?

(I would support my kids to convert to religion X is they truly believe in religion X, but I'd be very suspicious if either wanted to do so as a response to fiance's demands)[/quote]

It's an interesting question actually because assuming they have a religious ceremony, they will have a Jewish marriage license as well as a secular one. Which means that in order to get divorced and re-married religiously, the man must give the woman a "get" -- a permission. If he doesn't, she can't have a religiously sanctioned second marriage. (Doesn't impact civil marriage of course) Presumably if there were re-conversion considerations that could be an issue.

However, you are assuming that she is converting just to marry him and has no interest in it of her own accord. Most such conversions would not be blessed by a rabbi. Jews do not proselytize or seek to convert people. Converts are welcomed once they convert, but conversions require genuine faith and desire to convert, and a lot of work. You have to take a class, there are religious rituals associated -- it's not just an affirmation of faith -- it's not for the faint-hearted. And most rabbis will want to be sure that she genuinely wants to convert and isn't just doing so to marry her husband. So while of course a decade later she could decide to go back to her Christian faith, it's a lot to assume for someone who has genuinely converted, joined a community, raised a family in that community, etc.

I have a couple Jewish family members whose origins are Christian. Pretty sure my aunt, who never formally converted to Judaism from Catholicism but has practiced Judaism for 40 years and has raised Jewish children, would not suddenly up and become a Catholic if she divorced my uncle. [/quote]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful answer.

I have a few friends who converted, all because of marriage, and I know it is quite a process.

Now, how can a rabbi ascertain that the desire is pure and independent of marriage, when (in my limited experience) it is always precisely because of marriage?

For example, could OP's DD go though the same exact process and become Jewish were she not planning to marry a Jewish fiance?[/quote]

Yes, she absolutely could. Nothing about the conversation process is contingent on marrying into the faith. It's supposed to be a pure motivation on the part of the convert.

As for how they ascertain that the desire is pure and independent, they ask. :) I've never done the process nor inquired deeply of those I know who have, since I felt like it would be rude, but I imagine there is some sort of affirmation you're supposed to make.

[/quote]

Thank you for the answer :-)[/quote]

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