Conversions

1. Considering Judaism
The conversion process begins when a person considers the possibility of becoming Jewish. The reasons why people become Jewish are varied. Many are involved in a romantic relationship with someone Jewish and wish to unite the family religiously. Others are on a spiritual search and learn about Judaism through such means as reading, hearing a lecture, attending a Jewish religious ceremony, and so on. Whatever the motivation, the first step in considering conversion is to explore Judaism. This early exploration might include discussing the subject with friends and family, taking out books and videos on Judaism, or just thinking about whether conversion is the right choice.

2. Discussion with the Rabbi
If, after the initial consideration, a person wishes to explore conversion more fully, the next step is to talk with the Rabbi. The Rabbi will probably ask a series of questions that can include:

• Why do you want to convert?
• What is your religious background?
• What do you know about Judaism?
• Do you know the differences between Judaism and your birth religion?
• Are you willing to spend the necessary time studying to become Jewish?
• Are you willing to raise any children you might have as Jewish?
• Have you discussed this decision with your family?
• Do you have any questions about Judaism or conversion?

3. Learning Judaism
Converts study Judaism in a variety of ways. Some work directly with the Rabbi, meeting regularly and fulfilling specific study assignments. Others attend formal Introduction to Judaism or conversion classes, often with their Jewish partner. A typical course of study will include basic Jewish beliefs and religious practices, such as prayer services, the history of the Jewish people, the Jewish home, the Jewish holidays and life cycle, the Holocaust, and Israel, as well as other topics. The study of Hebrew is also included.

The period of study varies. In general, the range is from nine months to a year.Usually during this study period, the Rabbi will ask that the person begin practicing Judaism according to his or her understanding.

4. The Religious Court
The Religious Court, or Bet Din, consists of three people, usually Rabbi’s or Cantor’s. The Bet Din officially oversees the formal conversion. Individual rabbis will provide guidance about how the Bet Din works. Because it takes place after learning, one part of the appearance will be to determine the Jewish knowledge of the conversion candidate. There might, for example be a question about the meaning of the Jewish Sabbath or about the Jewish belief in one God. These questions are not meant to trap candidates. Obviously, candidates are nervous during such questioning, but in almost all cases the questions are simply meant to assess the sincerity of the candidate and to make sure the conversion was entered into freely. Often an oath of allegiance to the Jewish people is made.

5. Circumcision
The specific requirements for conversion and their order need to be discussed with a rabbi. One requirement for males who wish to be converted is circumcision, or brit milah. If a circumcision has already been performed, the Orthodox and Conservative movements require that a drop of blood be drawn as a symbolic circumcision. This ceremony is called Hatafat Dam Brit. The Reform and Reconstructionist movements generally do not require a circumcision as part of the conversion process

.6. Immersion
Orthodox and Conservative rabbis require both male and female conversion candidates to immerse themselves in a ritual bath called a mikveh. This ceremony is called tevillah. Reform and Reconstructionist rabbis often do not require the use of a mikveh, but some highly recommend it. The mikveh can be any body of natural water, though the term usually refers to a specific pool that is built for the purposes of ritual purification. The immersion ceremony starts with cleaning the body as by a shower. The person is covered and the covering removed as the person enters the warm mikveh waters, which are usually about four feet deep. (When the ceremony is done in a public place such as a lake the candidate wears a loose-fitting garment). Blessings are recited after the person dunks twice. When there are male members of the Beit Din and the candidate is female, the witnesses wait outside the mikveh room and are told by a female attendant that the immersion has been completed and the blessings recited.

7. Choosing a Name
At some point, you will be asked to pick a Hebrew name. Some male converts choose the Hebrew name Avraham as their new Hebrew first name and some female candidates choose Sarah or Ruth. Since the use of Hebrew names includes mention of the parents' Hebrew names, and the convert has no Jewish parents, it is common to add "ben Avraham," or son of Abraham. Therefore if a male chooses the Hebrew name Avraham, that male's full Hebrew name would be Avraham ben Avraham. For women, the addition is "bat Sarah," daughter of Sarah. The naming ceremony includes a blessing.