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Conversion
Question
Dear Rabbi,
I desperately want an Orthodox conversion, but my
husband is agnostic. He is happy to support me on my spiritual
path, but does not want to convert, himself. I can't find
a rabbi who will accept me! Thank you for your consideration.
Answer
I can understand that those of my colleagues that you consulted were against converting you. The reason for this is that you will never have a fully Jewish household in a mixed marriage, even if your husband is supportive of your spiritual journey plus you face the risk of breaking up your marriage Are you sure that you want to convert? As far as I know, neither Orthodox, nor Conservative nor Reform rabbis in Israel perform such conversions.
You will find some Conservative or Reform rabbis in the U.S. who will perform such conversions. There actually is a responsum written in 1993 by a Conservative rabbi in the U.S. and supported by some colleagues, allowing a conversion in these circumstances (Rabbi Ben Zion Bergman, "The Case of the Unconverted Spouse", Responsa 1991-2000, pp. 127-131, published by the Rabbinical Assembly, N.Y., 2002).
I'm sorry that this is probably not the answer you are looking for.
Shavua Tov! (That is: Have a good week)
Rabbi Diana Villa
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