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Demands To Adhere To For Smooth Conversion To Judaism

By Rabbi Celso Cukierkorn


Conversion to Judaism requires commitment to following this tradition and religious belief. This is possible through in-depth research on their customs, traditions, laws and history. This is important in helping you understand what you are getting into and how to remain rooted. It is a commitment that will spread all through your life. There are laws and commandments to follow and you will be expected to pass that knowledge to your children.

Having a chat with family members about your decision and consulting the Jews community is necessary. This allows you to have clarity of intentions and allow then understand your desires and reasoning. They will begin to feel comfortable about your move. You need to explain why you have chosen to abandon your original religion.

It is also important to have a word with your partner in marriage if this is the reason you are converting. This will prevent a scenario where someone has to tell you that Im a rabbi, but will not take you through conversion if it is just for marriage purposes. The decision must be personal and genuine. It is not just a public decision.

The decision made about conversion to Judaism should be communicated to the rabbi. He has the power and responsibility to initiate the process. You will be confronted with questions on why you have made that decision. The intention is to see how informed you are about the step you are about to make.

It is mandatory for you to attend classes . This is where the learner is taken through the traditions, beliefs and customs of the Jews. The classes are normally delivered in Hebrew. You will sit for a test when learning sessions end in a court referred to as Beit Din. They seek to examine how well you understand Judaism.

Those who pass the tests at the end of training qualify for the immersion ceremony in the Mikveh to complete conversion to Judaism. It is also a requirement that all males must be circumcised if they are to convert. The process requires you to shed a little blood to complete the ceremony. No male can completely convert without undergoing this ritual.

The children who benefit from the conversion must not have been born before the end of the conversion ceremony. Some authorities are stricter and will disregard even a child conceived before the parent converted. They include the Orthodox and those following higher hierarchies. They demand that these children must convert on their own when they are of age.

Those children born after a woman has converted to Judaism are considered part of the family. The others have to take their classes and have their ceremonies organized once they reach the age of thirteen. This makes the decision more personal other than a hereditary idea.

It takes understanding and knowledge to complete conversion to Judaism. Clarity of desire, reasons and intention is demanded. You must make a personal decision. You will be under the guidance of a competent rabbi to take you through the motions. There are various stages, each of which makes you a better Jew. The effect of conversion will be seen in your entire life.




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