How long to convert to judaism

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. The specific requirements for conversion and their order need to be discussed with a rabbi.

One requirement for males who wish to be converted by an Orthodox or Conservative rabbi 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. 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 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 equipment used varies according to the mikveh. The immersion ceremony usually 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 and the person goes bends into the water. According to traditional Jewish law, three male witnesses must be present, although this rule has been reinterpreted so that, in some movements, Jewish females can be witnesses.

When there are male witnesses 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.

In ancient times, conversion candidates brought sacrifices or offerings to the Temple in Jerusalem. After the Temple was destroyed, this ceremony disappeared. Jewish law therefore does not require such an offering. However, some rabbis, especially among the Orthodox, mention it as an opportunity to engage in an act of donating money to the poor or another act of charity to make a symbolic offering. This step can voluntarily be added to the conversion process.

Again, particular conversion processes will vary. Frequently, after a Bet Din and the signing of an oath, a Hebrew name is chosen. This is then followed by a visit to a mikveh. At any rate, 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.

The naming ceremony includes a blessing. A public ceremony announcing the conversion is becoming more popular, especially among Reform Jews. Whereas traditional rabbis expect the candidate to undergo all rabbinically prescribed rituals, liberal rabbis may use rituals more selectively although circumcision is a nearly universal requirement.

Even within certain movements, there are often differences from one country to another, so if you are expecting to relocate to another country, you may want to make sure your conversion meets the standards of the Jewish community there.

It is also wise to ensure that the rabbi or institution with which you are studying is widely respected and that other rabbis and institutions recognize their conversions. Conversion candidates are urged to learn as much as possible about Jewish religion and culture, to seek out a variety of Jewish experiences, and to talk to a rabbi early in the process. Many people start by enrolling in Introduction to Judaism or Judaism classes, which are frequently offered at synagogues, Jewish community centers and other Jewish institutions.

For assistance finding such classes near where you live, you may want to:. If you know of other class directories not listed here, leave information in the comments or email community myjewishlearning. When both candidate and rabbi agree that the time for conversion has arrived, and the candidate is ready , the formal conversion procedure begins.

No, but it has access to the mikveh at the Sternberg Centre in Finchley, the headquarters of the Movement for Reform Judaism. Is it possible to use a mikveh outside of London? There is no objection and the ceremony could be performed in any site of natural flowing water: a river, the sea or a lake. Orthodox friends have suggested that a Liberal Jewish conversion is not a genuine one. Is this true? This is easily refuted. A conversion through Liberal Judaism is not a process taken lightly, but at the same time it is demonstrably more acceptable to so many than the restrictive process required by the Orthodox Beit Din.

Do people only convert to marry someone Jewish? It is a privilege to welcome all who genuinely seek to join our faith and people. Absolutely not. A non-Jew who converts to Judaism is Jewish for all purposes. I want to move to Israel in the future and I am converting in a Liberal community. Will my Certificate of Admission be sufficient proof of my Jewish status? Regulations change, but at the moment a conversion certificate from the Liberal Judaism Beit Din will be accepted.