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What is required to convert to Judaism?
Conversion into Judaism requires the will to do so and
a practice of rituals. Once a person has decided to convert,
he or she must learn about the Jewish religion. This can
take a year or more, as the person must experience all
of the Jewish holidays. However, the amount of time that
must be spent in study varies, depending on which rabbi
is overseeing it. There are also additional requirements
that vary with each denomination. For conversion into
Orthodoxy, the laws of kashrut
(keeping kosher) must be observed, among other things.
It is best to discuss the requirements of conversion with
a rabbi who represents the denomination in which you wish
to convert. A male who is not circumcised, who wishes
to convert to Judaism, must become circumcised before
he is accepted as Jewish by the community and according
to Jewish law. Everyone who wishes to convert to Judaism,
must immerse themselves in a ritual bath, called a Mikveh.
Some Reform rabbis may require adult circumcision or a
Mikveh for conversion.
What
is a Beit Din?
After completing the conversion course, a person must
appear in front of a rabbinical court known as a Beit
Din. The three rabbis that make up the Beit Din will ask
questions regarding conversion, such as what one's motives
for conversion are. The questions will vary depending
on the rabbi and denomination. While each Beit Din decides
on its own questions, most have to do with the sincerity
of the conversion.
1. Are you converting of your own free will?
2. Do you renounce all prior beliefs?
3. Are you giving up all former religious practices?
4. Do you accept the God of Israel as the One God?
5. Do you commit yourself to observing the mitzvot of
Judaism?
6. Do you commit yourself to Jewish study?
7. Will you support Israel?
8. If blessed with children, do you commit to raising
them as Jews and providing them with a Jewish education?
9. Do you commit to associating yourself with a synagogue?
10. Do you bind your personal destiny with that of the
Jewish people?
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