What Would Converting to Judaism Require of Me?

If you are asking that question, you probably have a whole story and a boatload of other questions to go with it! We at Jewish Gentile Couples are interested in your story and offer a host of resources that might well address some of your other questions. Meanwhile, here is the short version of what you can expect if you pursue conversion to Judaism.

Since being Jewish means different things to a wide array of Jewish people, requirements for conversion vary. Orthodox Judaism adheres closely to rabbinic law for the steps. Progressive and Reform Judaism put greater emphasis on ethics, traditions, and choices that reflect Jewish ways of thinking and living.* 

If you are considering converting to Judaism in order to marry a Jewish man or woman, much depends on whether he or she is Orthodox. Within Orthodox Judaism, only Orthodox Jewish conversions are recognized as valid.

In general, a convert to Judaism is expected to learn some Hebrew, study the Bible and Jewish history, and learn about Jewish customs, ceremonies, rituals, festivals, and basic laws of Jewish life. 

The path to conversion normally begins by taking courses online or in person at a synagogue or Jewish community center. Once you have studied, if you ask to convert, the teacher or rabbi is required to ask three questions. The first question goes something like, “Why do you want to convert to Judaism?** Do you know Jews are oppressed, despised, harassed by many, and often endure hardships simply for being Jewish?” If the rabbi or religious judges are satisfied with your answer you will be accepted as a candidate for conversion.

The second question you will be asked is whether you are willing to adhere to some of the more lenient commandments. For example, neglecting the poor is considered a sin. In biblical times, landowners were expected to leave gleanings, areas of unharvested produce from their field, for the disadvantaged to collect. A modern application explains the emphasis on Jewish philanthropy. Therefore, a Jewish convert is expected to participate in support of a synagogue, Jewish causes, and other philanthropic ways to make the world a better place.

The third question you will be asked will concern the more extensive requirements of Judaism (for Orthodox Judaism, that is the 613 commandments or mitzvot). You, the candidate, would be asked if you agree to observe these commandments. Whether or not this is an Orthodox conversion, among the commandments is the expectation that a convert must renounce all prior contradictory religious beliefs if they are to join the Jewish people. If you say “yes,” at that moment, you are expected to publicly renounce all prior religious faith apart from Judaism. This means if you are a Christian, you are expected to renounce faith in Jesus Christ. 

If all requirements are met, candidates are usually welcomed to full rights and obligations of conversion; circumcision for men, known as brit milah, and immersion for women, mikvah, are often customary. Certification of conversion is understood to be merely the beginning of a life-long learning process.

**If you’re considering converting for your Jewish partner, we wrote this article to aid your discernment process: I Was Raised Christian: Should I Convert for My Jewish Partner?