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Conversion Process
Question
Dear Rabbi,
I wanted to know a little about conversion. Could you please explain the process one must undergo in seeking conversion.
Answer
Here is the general procedure for conversion.
- Find a Rabbi who can consistently guide you, and give you classes which cover the basics of Judaism.
- Find a synagogue (usually the one your Rabbi serves) that you can frequent on Shabbat and Holidays.
- When you Rabbi thinks that you are ready, he assembles a Rabbinical court (three Rabbis who deal with conversion).
- The Rabbis of this court will seek to determine your basic knowledge but will also question you about your reasons for wanting to convert.
- If the court is satisfied and accepts you, you will have to be circumcised (for
an adult this takes place in hospital). After you are healed, you must go to
the ritual bath following which you are Jew.
Yes, it's a long process, that in your case, I believe, you should begin
when you move closer to a synagogue. In the mean time, you can continue to
educate you self as you do so well!
Be well,
Rabbi Monique Susskind Goldberg
August 2005
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