Judaism is among the embryonic religions of the world and one of the first monotheistic (ie a religion with only God). Even before Islamism, it has its roots in Abraham, patriarch of the Torah, the sacred book of Judaism. It precedes Christianity by at least two thousand years, in fact according to Christian theology, Jesus of Nazareth was a Jew. What Christians call the "Old Testament" is in effect a corrected version of the original Hebrew Tanach. If after a long consideration you decide to convert to Judaism, follow these steps.
Steps
Step 1. Understand that, as with any type of religious conversion, converting to Judaism is an important step
Do you believe in your God in any way? Do you address your prayers to him? If so, you are already on the right track. If not, take the first step and take your time - this article will be here waiting for you when you feel ready.
Step 2. Research Jewish laws, history, customs and talk to Jews about their religion
You need to know what you are going to get into and understand why you want to do it. Remember that Judaism is a commitment that will affect every aspect of your life, at least as long as you live and that will be passed on to your children. It is based on commandments (613 in total although many do not apply today) and thirteen principles. They should be your first step and the foundation of your faith in Judaism.
Step 3. Talk to your family about your intention to convert
It can often be a thorny issue so explain the reasons and desires that push you towards Judaism. Make sure you are at peace with your decision to change your religion.
Step 4. If you convert to get married, talk to your future husband / wife to find out what is best to do, including which denomination you will belong to
Not many rabbis convert people through marriage, because the potential convert MUST be sincere and willing to convert for spiritual reasons and not just by virtue of marriage. There are three main branches, all with different levels of observance and rituals. Generally speaking, from least to most traditional we have: Jews (a) Orthodox, (b) Conservatives - called 'Reformists' or 'Masorti' in Europe, and (c) Reformed - called 'Progressives' or 'Liberals' in Europe.
Step 5. Once you feel you have sufficient reasons for conversion, make an appointment with a rabbi to discuss the matter
Be prepared for the rabbi to try to dissuade you or send you away. Many consider it part of their work. The aim is not to prevent an honest pilgrim from converting, but to test personal commitment and make sure you really want to become a Jew. If you insist, it shows that you know what you want and that you are committed to obtaining it so that the rabbi decides to start the path towards conversion with you.
Step 6. Unlike many religions, conversion to Judaism is neither easy nor quick
You will need to spend at least a year, sometimes two or more, studying (many organizations offer evening classes) and living as a Jew until the conversion is finalized. Your studies will cover the basic aspects of Jewish history and culture and you will also learn the language.
Step 7. At the end of your studies you will have to take a test to understand how much you have learned
You will be questioned by a Jewish commission (a Beit Din, which consists of three authorities) about Halacha adherence, as part of the conversion procedure.
Step 8. If you go through all these steps, there will be the ceremony
It involves a ritual bath (total immersion in the Mikveh), and if you are not circumcised, you will also need to have an operation. In these cases where most men have already been circumcised, creating a small drop of blood will suffice.
Step 9. Children born before the end of the conversion will not be Jewish even if the parents convert successfully
Some authorities (often orthodox ones or those who practice the strictest observance) have very strict rules regarding a child conceived before conversion and therefore not a halakah Jew. If they want to be Jewish, they will have to make the conversion themselves when they are thirteen years old. The children of a Jewish woman born after her conversion are automatically Jewish.
Advice
- While not necessary, you can choose to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Son and Daughter in the commandments). A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a ceremony in which the boy (at thirteen) or girl (at twelve or thirteen) reaches maturity for Jewish law. As an adult in this sense he is considered old enough to read the Torah. He will have to practice the Mitzvot (commandments derived from the Torah and extended by the Talmud but also from the discussions known as Responsa, often mistranslated as 'good deeds'; even if that is what they usually are). It is "Minhag" (use accepted by community law but not official commandment) in some communities to do a Torah reading service as soon as the bar-mitzvah is performed (usually within a month). Most of the Bars or Bat Mitzvahs today are followed by a big party even if it is an optional that is customized according to the religious and financial level.
- When one becomes Jewish, one acquires a Jewish name which will be used in important rituals (such as being called to the Torah, getting married). Jewish children are given Jewish names at their "bri" (for boys) or at the naming ceremony (girls). Some popular Jewish names are Avraham, Yitzchak, Ya'akov (boys), Sarah, Rivka, Leah, Rahel (girls).
Warnings
- Males who convert to Orthodox and Conservative Judaism must be circumcised. If you are already circumcised, a drop of blood will suffice. Both males and females will be immersed in the Mikveh (ritual bath).
- Prepare for anti-Semitism or anti-Judaism. Even though the world has grown more tolerant of Jews, there are still many groups around the world who harbor hatred of this religion.
- It is Jewish tradition that a rabbi tries to discourage the converse when requesting conversion, therefore, in some cases you will have to insist if you really want to do it.
- If you decide not to convert to orthodoxy, remember that: 1) a conversion to orthodoxy is also accepted by other groups (Reformed, Conservative, etc.) while that to reformed and conservative is not considered valid by the Orthodox. 2) If you are a woman and you convert to non-Orthodoxy, any child you have before or after the conversion will NOT be judged Jewish or Orthodox and may have problems attending Orthodox Jewish schools. 3) If your spouse becomes more fervent (which happens a lot today), you will need to reconvert and / or remarry him according to Jewish laws. All this according to Orthodox practice of course. A conservative conversion will be seen as legitimate (no different from being born a Jew) in all respects by conservatives, reformers and reconstructionists. A reformist conversion is similarly accepted but not always. And even if you convert to Orthodoxy, there is no guarantee that the Orthodox authorities will accept you as authentic (but usually it doesn't). If you want to convert to orthodoxy, you must really want to lead this lifestyle, otherwise it would be an illegitimate conversion that would lead to halakhah (you should only convert if you are fully convinced to STAY under this denomination and grow your religious spirit). For an Orthodox it is a matter of preserving the Torah.
- If you want to convert to Judaism, be aware that unlike other religious groups Jews are not actively seeking conversions and you will be advised to live a moral life without becoming Jewish over and over again. This may be the right path, consider it carefully.
- Family, friends, and people you know may close ties with you or have a negative attitude if you convert. While obviously this is no reason not to convert, you should be aware and prepared for it.
