A Guide To Conversion
Converts are immersed in the mikvah
Judaism is not a proselytising religion. Nevertheless, the Torah commands us to treat those who do authentically convert to the faith as equal to any other Jewish soul – “There shall only be one law for you, for the stranger and for the citizen of the land” (Numbers 9:14).
Each of the different strands of Judaism have their own set of requirements as to whom they will accept onto a conversion programme and how the process is undertaken.
Orthodox Conversion
According to halacha, before any non-Jew is accepted as a potential convert to the faith, three strong attempts must be made to put them off the idea. In order to fulfil their earthly potential, all that is required of gentiles is for them to observe seven laws that deal in basic morality. Jews, however, must faithfully observe all of the 613 mitzvot.
Once this hurdle has been surmounted, the Shulchan Aruch sets out three different stages for conversion.
Crucially, there must be a full acceptance of God and the Torah (both the written and oral law) by the convert. Of course, a great deal of prior study is necessary for this and the person will already have been living as a religious Jew for some time.
The second step is for male converts, regardless of whether they are adult or child, to undergo Brit Milah. If a medical circumcision has already been carried out, a drop of blood will be drawn in a ceremony of symbolic milah, known as “hatafat dam”.
Finally, both male and female, adult and child, converts must immerse in the mikvah.
A Beth Din of three adult male, God-fearing Jewish witnesses, must ratify the entire conversion process.
Orthodox conversions in Britain are conducted by the London Beth Din under the auspices of the Chief Rabbi. The process can take up to three years, and is considered to be the toughest standard in the world.
For further guidance contact the Beth Din on 020 8343 6270.
Reform Conversion
It is important first of all to note that the process of conversion set out by the Reform Synagogue of Great Britain is different to, and in many ways more stringent than, the requirements of Reform synagogues elsewhere in the world.
The first step towards Reform conversion is to find a local rabbi willing to act as a sponsor. This Rabbi will ascertain the sincerity of the potential convert and guide them through a “pre-conversion” period, when they will be required to attend synagogue, undertake some guided reading and begin to engage in Jewish practice.
A formal course of study is then commenced, which includes study of the Hebrew language, Jewish history, festivals and Jewish lifecycle events.
Once the sponsoring rabbi is satisfied that the candidate is ready, he or she will appear before a Reform Beth Din for examination.
Male converts are required to undergo milah before their Beth Din appearance. Both male and female candidates undergo mikvah immersion following the examination.
For further guidance contact Reform Synagogues of Great Britain on 020 8349 5640.
Liberal Conversion
Liberal conversions in the UK are similar in their requirements to those of the Reform movement in the United States.
They do not require immersion in the mikvah, although some individual rabbis may highly recommend it. Brit Milah is also not generally required as part of the conversion process.
The policy of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues in Great Britain is to welcome potential converts, and make the process “no more difficult than it needs to be”.
For further guidance contact Liberal Judaism on 020 7580 1663.
