From: ask@cbnews.cb.att.com (Arthur S. Kamlet)
Subject: Re: converting
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories,  Columbus, Ohio
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1992 19:45:42 GMT

In article <1992Dec26.4304.30477@dosgate> "terry rubenstein" <terry.rubenstein@canrem.com> writes:
>Can anyone please tell me what is involved in someone from another religion
>becomming a Jew.
>
>How long does it usually take? What do they need to know? How does someone
>start the process? Besides promissing to follow that which you have learned,
>what else must the prospective convert assure the one converting them? Is
>there a great deal of difference in what is required to convert as a Orthadox
>as opposed to converting as a Conservative?

There has been considerable discussion of conversion to Judaism in
this group recently, but since people continually join and drop from
this group, I'll try to summarize quickly.

I will also address the requirements from a conservative Judaism
perspective, and comment where these requirements might differ from
reform and orthodox conversions.

First, it should be understood that conversion to Judiasm isn't
necessary for many theological reasons.  For example, many religions
have a concept of salvation or redemption, and Jewish theology is
that anyone, Jewish or non-Jewish, can achieve the same degree of
salvation.  In fact, it is much easier for non_jews to achieve as
they need to follow only the 7 commandments given to the decendants
of Noah, while Jews have many more commandments.

But if someone still wishes to convert to Judaism, they will need to
learn about Judaism.  To do this, the pontential convert should
meet with a local rabbi (see the yellow pages if you don't know any
rabbis - under synagogues).  The rabbi will prbably ask why the
convert wishes to convert, prhaps discourage the convert since, as I
just said, conversion isn't necessary to certain things, and might
then begin a program of study about Judaism.

The length of this program varies, and is usually not easy to
predict at the start.  I have seen programs as short  as a few
months and as long as several years.  

At some point the rabbi will be convinced the potential convert
has learned enough to be "tested" which means the potential convert
will appear before a Jewish court of three people, often rabbis, who
will ask the convert questions about Judaism, about how he or she
will practice Judaism at home and throughout life, and assure that
the convert really understands he or she really  wishes to give up
all ties to previous religions entirely.   Converting to Judaism
does mean becoming a Jew, not adding another religion.  Ties to
previous religions are broken.

(Orthodox and conservative and reform conversions differ in the
contents of what the rabbis will teach and what the courts will ask
and the people who sit on the courts.  Many orthodox authorities
will not accept a conservative or reform conversion.)

Second: All converts must immerse in a ritual bath - a "mikveh"
This is a practice which most orthodox and some other Jews practice
in their lives, and is not just for people converting to Judaism.
(Some - not all -- reform conversions might not require immersion.)

Third:  Men must be circumcised in a Jewish ritual "brit" 
ceremony.  If the man is already circumcised, the ceremony is still
required, and a single drop of blood is drawn.  (I understand reform
Judaism does not require a brit.)

It is customary for the convert to be given a Hebrew Name, of the
form "Name" son/daughter of Abraham (possibly:  and Sarah), since
Abraham was the first of our patriachs and converted others.

At this point the convert is forever a Jew.
-- 
Art Kamlet  a_s_kamlet@att.com  AT&T Bell Laboratories, Columbus