Conversion of a Minor through Conservative Rabbinic Court

Dear Rabbi,

I am thirteen years old. I wish to convert to Judaism and based on what I have read so far I think Conservative Judaism is right for me. Sometimes I think I should convert according to Orthodox Judaism. I have recently read an article in an Orthodox website saying that a Conservative conversion is not valid according to Jewish law. I would also like to know what I should do while I still live in my parent's home, as I'm a minor and they would not agree to my conversion. Thank you so much for your help.

Answer

Orthodox Jews claim Jewish Law is immutable. However the Torah itself is aware of the need for change over a period of time and presents a framework for dealing with change as society evolves. Deuteronomy 11: 8 -13 recommends that the people seek the advice of the priests, the Levites and the current judges when faced with an issue which cannot easily be resolved or for which a clear answer has not yet been provided. Since Biblical times it has been obvious that societal changes raise matters which require new answers.
The priests, Levites and judges of Biblical times, the sages of Talmudic times and the rabbis of today, are responsible for studying the sources and interpreting the law so that it remains up to date, in the same way other legal systems do so. Proof of changes that transpired in the 3300 years since Revelation is found in our codes and responsa (rabbinic questions and answers). They show that the law has developed new perspectives on a wide range of issues throughout the centuries. Our dynamic legal system enables Judaism to thrive and survive as a vibrant way of life for all times and places.
Examples of how the Jewish system adapts to changing technology is evident even within Orthodoxy, which has traditionally been considered the most resistant to change. For example, Orthodoxy permits the use of a "Shabbat clock" on Shabbat which is a timer set before the onset of Shabbat on Friday and turns electricity on and off automatically during Shabbat. . Orthodoxy has also accepted a new definition of the time of death (when the brain stem is dead, as opposed to when the heart stops beating and the person no longer breathes on his/her own), and in general is constantly producing responsa to face the challenges of modern life. In interpreting the law, Conservative Judaism analyzes the issue in light of modern day social developments and needs and in reaching a decision relies upon a variety of factors including but not limited to modern science, archaeology, different manuscripts of Jewish sources, etc. Orthodoxy is often slower at embracing social change within the community as a basis for halakhic change. In contrast, within the Conservative movement women participate in public synagogue rituals, and can even be rabbis. All responsa must be based upon the sources (Talmud and codes) as well as previous responsa, because we are a halakhic movement. Orthodoxy may not agree with some of our conclusions, but it would be false to say that they don't "change" things as well.
The Talmudic sections that deal with conversion say that a prospective convert must be taught some laws and told that conversion implies assuming responsibility for many things for which a gentile is not liable(for example, Sabbath observance). Furthermore, the prospective convert is to be told that being a Jew may make one vulnerable to persecution for his/her beliefs and behavior. A male convert must be circumcised, and both a man and a woman are required to immerse in a mikvah (special pool that includes water from a natural source). It is definitely preferable to convert with no ulterior motives, such as marrying a Jew, but even such conversions are retroactively valid. A convert need not commit to full observance, yet must clearly understand the obligation to observe the law and that failure to do so is considered a sin. One cannot convert while proclaiming "I accept the whole Torah, except for this law that I cannot accept and will not observe in principle". There is no demand for a convert to swear as to his/her beliefs. However, if the prospective convert were to say, "I will observe all commandments, and believe in Jesus as god as well, he/she would not be accepted, because he/she has placed himself/herself outside of the Jewish religion. You cannot be a Christian Jew.
Conservative Batei Din (Rabbinic Courts) are aware of the need for acceptable judges and witnesses. It is probable that an Orthodox rabbi will not consider them kosher enough, simply because he doesn't accept our interpretation of the law.
It should be clear to you, that if you convert as a Conservative Jew, the Orthodox will not consider you Jewish. You would be a full Jew in Conservative or Reform congregations. Should you decide to come to Israel, the Israeli rabbinate will not consider you Jewish, while the Ministry of Interior will, and give you full immigrant rights. You would, for example, be able to marry in Israel with a Conservative rabbi, but to gain official recognition in the Interior Ministry it would be necessary to have a civil ceremony abroad.
After you become 12 or 13 you are not considered a minor and can decide on your own that you want to convert (a girl is an adult at age 12 and a boy at age 13, as far as religious obligations are concerned). However, it is possible that rabbis of both denominations will refuse to convert you without parental consent, as you will be living at home until age 18 in an environment, that may make it very difficult for you to be observant. You might have to keep this to yourself until age 18.
Please fell free to ask as many questions as you wish.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Diana Villa
July 2005