Conversion of Baby

Question

Dear Rabbi,

My daughter-in-law is not Jewish. There is a possibility of conversion to Judaism in the future. Our granddaughter who is four months old will be raised Jewish. My questions are:

1. Within what period of time is the baby conversion ceremony and naming traditionally done.
2. Please describe the conversion ceremony for the baby and the baby naming.
3. Does the baby have to be taken to a mikvah or can it be done in the parent's home.
Thank you for your reply,

J.S.

Answer

Dear J.S.,

Thank you for your questions.

First of all let me congratulate you on the birth of your new granddaughter.
I must say for a start that it is a difficult situation when a little child is converted without the conversion of her mother, so I do hope that your daughter-in-law will follow in the conversion process, so she can participate in your granddaughter's Jewish education.

Now for your questions.
1. There is no set time for conversion. One can have a conversion at any age. The naming will naturally follow the conversion.
2. A conversion is always decided by a Rabbinical Court (with three members) so you should contact a Rabbi who would arrange for such a Court for the conversion of your granddaughter. The court will probably want to make sure that you are going to give a Jewish education to the child. (I advise to look for a Conservative Court which would be more understanding of the situation than a more Orthodox one). After the decision is made that the child is accepted as a convert, she will have to go to the mikvah.
3. The mikvah cannot be done in the parents home. There are special conditions and requirements for a mikvah to be kosher. Maybe the grandmother could go to the mikvah with the child.
4.The naming ceremony could be held at the synagogue, and you should ask the advice of your Rabbi.

I hope I answered most of you questions.

Good luck,

Rabbi Monique Susskind Goldberg