Judaism is one of the most important religions in the world, and was the first religion to be known as a monotheistic religion (worshipping one god). This religion predates Islam in that it shares its origin with Abraham, a character in the Torah, Judaism's holiest book. This religion also predates Christianity by two thousand years. Moreover, according to Christian theology, Jesus of Nazareth was a Jew. What Christians call the "Old Testament" is actually an edited version of the Hebrew Tanakh. If, after careful consideration, you decide to convert to Judaism, follow the steps below.
Step
Step 1. Understand that, like any conversion, converting to Judaism is a big step
Do you believe in and worship God in a certain way or form? If so, you're already part of the way! If not, take the first step. Take the time to find God. This article is waiting for your return to continue reading.
Step 2. Study Jewish law, history and traditions, and talk to Jews about their religion
Think carefully about what you are doing, and determine why. Realize that being Jewish is a huge commitment that will affect all aspects of your life, last throughout your life, and even be passed on to your children. Judaism is based on the commandments (there are 613 commandments in total, although many are not applicable today) and Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith. All of this should be the first step and foundation of your Jewish faith.
Step 3. Talk to your family about your intention to convert
Often this is a sensitive topic in the family. So, make sure you explain your reasons for and desire to become a Jew. Make sure you are comfortable with the decision to leave the religion that you currently still follow. To get your family to let you convert, you can start with gentle gestures, talk about Judaism, etc., to at least see their views on the religion and the Jewish people.
Family, friends, and people you know can bring you down or be negative if you change religions. While this is certainly not an excuse not to convert, you must be prepared to face the consequences
Step 4. If you are converting because of marriage, talk to your future husband/wife to determine the best course of action, including which denomination to join
Not many rabbis are willing to accept conversion to Judaism just because of marriage; candidate for Judaism must sincere and want to do it because of inner feelings and not just because of marriage. There are three main branches, all with their own level of observance and ritual. In general, from the most traditional to the most modern, the branches are: (a) Orthodox, (b) Conservative (called 'Reformation' or 'Masorti' in Europe), and (c) Reformation (called 'Progressive' or 'Liberal' in Europe).
Step 5. Once you feel you have sufficient reason to convert, make an appointment with a rabbi to discuss the process
Be prepared if the rabbi stops you, or asks you to withdraw, 3 or more times. Many rabbis consider this to be their duty. The aim is not to discourage sincere seekers from converting, but to test personal commitment and make sure that they really want to be Jewish. If you insist, show that you know what you're doing, and stay committed to doing it. The rabbi may eventually decide to lead you through a conversion.
Step 6. Unlike many other religions, converting to Judaism is not a quick or easy process
You will need to spend at least a year (sometimes two years or more) studying and living Jewish life before your conversion is legalized. Many institutions offer Jewish learning evening classes. Your study will cover basic Jewish laws, history and culture, and you will also receive some religious injunctions in Hebrew. If you are a teenager or child and want to convert to Judaism, know that few rabbis will allow you to do so, and you will also face obstacles from your family that will forbid you to do so. If you find yourself in this position, it is recommended that you seek out Jewish books, study Judaism as much as possible, and perhaps even try practicing Jewish traditions, such as not eating leavened bread during Passover and observing the Sabbath. If you are 16-18 years old, go to a rabbi and start talking to him about conversion. Remember that you don't have to legally convert to join the Jewish community, you can still attend their services. However, certain aspects, such as reading Torah scrolls or wearing prayer scarves and Tefillin, were only practiced by Jews.
Step 7. At the end of the lesson, you will be tested to determine how much you have learned
You will also be questioned before a Jewish congregation (called Beit Din, which consists of three authorities) about the observance of Halakha (Jewish Law), as part of the conversion process.
Step 8. If you pass all these stages, the conversion ceremony will take place
This ceremony will involve three things: acceptance of all the Torah Commandments and Rabbinic Rules (at least if you convert to Orthodox Judaism), ritual bathing (full body immersion in Mikva), and if you are an uncircumcised male, you must also circumcised. If you have been circumcised, just a drop of blood will suffice.
Step 9. Children born before the end of conversion are not necessarily Jewish if their parents convert
Some authorities (often Orthodox and those at higher levels of observance) have stricter rules, given that children conceived before conversion were not legally Jewish. If they wanted to become Jewish, they had to undergo the conversion themselves after reaching the age of 13. Children born to Jewish women after their mother's conversion are automatically Jewish, because the Jewish lineage is passed down through the mother's line.
Tips
- If someone became Jewish, they would get a Jewish name. By that name they would be called to perform important Jewish rituals (such as Torah reading or weddings). Jewish baby boys are given a Jewish name at the time of circumcision, while for baby girls at the naming ceremony. Some popular Jewish names are Avraham, Yitzchak, and Ya'akov (male), and Sarah, Rivka, Leah, and Rachel (female).
- While not essential, some choose to have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah (Son or Daughter command) ceremony. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah is performed when a boy (thirteen years old) or girl (twelve or thirteen years old) reaches the age of majority under Jewish law. As adults, they were considered old enough to read the Torah. They are required to observe the Mitzvot (commandments derived from the Torah and extended through the Talmud as well as the ongoing discussion known as the Responsa, which is often misinterpreted as 'good deeds'; although this is usually the case, this is not the literal translation). In some Jewish communities, shortly after you become a Bar-Mitzvah (usually within a month), there will be a Torah reading service, which is a "Minhag" (a custom accepted by society as law but not an official order). Most of today's Bar or Bat Mitzvahs proceed with large parties, although parties are not mandatory, have no basis for the Mitzvah being performed, and can be tailored to suit your religious and financial level.
Warning
- If you are contemplating converting to Judaism, note that, unlike other religious groups, Jews rarely seek new converts, and you will be counseled several times to live a moral Jewish life without becoming a Jew, only obeying the 7 Noah's Commandments. Maybe this is the right path for you - consider it carefully.
- If you decide not to convert to Orthodox Judaism, keep in mind that: 1) Converting to Orthodoxy is accepted by all other groups (Reformations, Conservatives, etc.) 2) If you are a woman and convert to non-Orthodox, all the children you had before and after conversion will not considered a Jew by Orthodox Jews and may find it difficult to enter an Orthodox Jewish school. 3) If your spouse becomes more religious in the future (which has happened a lot lately), you may need to convert and/or remarry, according to Jewish law. However, all of this is based on Orthodox practice. Converting to Conservative Judaism will be considered legal (as if you were born Jewish) in all cases by Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist Jews. Converts to Reform Judaism are often received in the same way, but sometimes they are not. Even if you convert through the Orthodox route, there is no guarantee that all Orthodox authorities will accept your conversion (though they usually do). If you intend to convert to Orthodoxy, you must be willing to live the lifestyle that comes with it - if you do not intend to live that lifestyle and only wish to convert to Orthodoxy, this conversion is considered illegal under Orthodox rules and, more broadly, halakha (You should only convert if you have the fullest intention to permanent are in the denomination, or become more religious). For the Orthodox, this is solely for the sake of keeping the Torah.
- Be prepared for anti-Semitic, or anti-Jewish sentiments. Even though the world is now becoming more tolerant of Jews, there are still many groups around the world who hate the adherents of this religion.
