Get the Ball Rolling on Conversion

[Sora]

Okay, so you’re totally convinced that you’re ready to begin the conversion process, but where do you begin?


You will need a qualified beit din to perform the conversion. A great place to find someone is on this list. It is important for the rabbi you choose to be recognized by the State of Israel because if you make aliyah (move to Israel), you will want your conversion to be accepted and to be recognized as a Jew in your new home. If you select a rabbi who is not on the list, it is recommended that you seek some guidance (perhaps from someone who is on that list) in selecting a qualified rabbi.


Once you’ve found a Rabbi, your first contact may not go quite as you expect it would. Please do not feel offended if you find that the Rabbi makes a very convincing effort to dissuade you from undertaking the conversion process. The Rabbi’s job is to make sure that you’re doing this for the right reasons. From the Jewish standpoint, conversions are very serious, and very permanent.


NOTE: If you find that during the dissuasion process, the rabbi starts to make a really good case for why you should not convert, then don’t ignore that warning! You can always choose to be a Noahide, and develop your relationship with HaShem as a gentile. You won’t miss out on anything in the world to come by not being a Jew.


If you decide to go through with the conversion, and you've effectively convinced the rabbi to take you on as a student, then we hope you will post your progress on these forums to serve as help and inspiration for others who are considering taking "the plunge". 

A few things to expect if you're undergoing conversion:

1. You will be asked to move to an Torah observant community where you can immerse yourself in Jewish lifestyle.
2. You will have to gradually shift to a kosher diet and only eat in kosher restaurants.
3. Maintaining proper observance of shabbos (sabbath) and holidays will be another thing that you'll be asked to grow into. 
4. A certain style of dress will be encouraged for both men and women.
5. You will get to learn Torah from wonderful teachers who will absolutely blow your mind!
6. You will learn biblical Hebrew, and you'll be pleasantly surprised that it's not anywhere near as hard as you think.
7. You will meet a loving community who genuinely wants you to be successful in your conversion.
8. It will be hard, but well worth it.

Have anything to add to this? Reply to this post with your thoughts and suggestions. =)

[Tseruyah]

I would like to add that every synagogue is unique in its dynamics, its relation to the community at large and individuals, including conversion candidates, and how you will feel while you are there. If you spend some time at a shul and do not find a connection there with others, it is OKAY to try another synagogue and another congregation. Rabbis all have different personalities and it's important in your conversion to find one with whom you can feel comfortable while working.

If you are a woman, it can be helpful to eventually develop a connection with the women leaders there, the rebbetzin (rabbi's wife and sometimes a woman of great learning herself), the elders within the community that may chair committees or administrate various aspects of a congregation. Also, if you are visiting an Orthodox synagogue, women will be separated from men during services, and there may or may not be child care services available.

[papabear]

I'd also like to add that there will likely be many people who don't know if they are ready, and that is ok too. Many people don't realize there is another option for them if they accept HaShem and the Torah, but aren't ready, or never will be to take the leap of conversion. I think many people get lost as a result, and their souls end up wandering aimlessly.

I think those people may come to this sub-forum looking for answers...lots of them...and a redirect to the Noahide area may provide solace. Perhaps a sticky in here for that is a good idea?

[Sora]

Sept 16, 2015 7:32:13 GMT -6 papabear said:

I'd also like to add that there will likely be many people who don't know if they are ready, and that is ok too. Many people don't realize there is another option for them if they accept HaShem and the Torah, but aren't ready, or never will be to take the leap of conversion. I think many people get lost as a result, and their souls end up wandering aimlessly.

I think those people may come to this sub-forum looking for answers...lots of them...and a redirect to the Noahide area may provide solace. Perhaps a sticky in here for that is a good idea?

You are SO right about that! This forum is dedicated to the mission of getting people out of idolatry. That path may not lead to Judaism; especially when Noahidism is such a wonderful choice!

Yes, I agree that people who are seeking conversion would probably appreciate knowing that there is another path for them to take.