Conversions
Conversion is one of the greatest soul-searching and significant religious decisions a person can make. From the time of Ruth, we have always welcomed into our congregational family all those who wish to learn and make this life-changing and life-long decision.
"Entreat me not to leave you, or to return from following after you. For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die; and there will I be buried..."
This quote from the Book of Ruth is often used in the conversion ceremony, one of loyalty and faith that endures through all generations.
Conversion is a process, not simply a one-time act that magically transforms a person from one thing to another. It’s a lifelong commitment to learning. The majority who choose to convert are motivated by an interfaith marriage and the desire of the non-Jewish partner to share the same faith as his or her spouse, although others are motivated by their own spiritual search for a way to express their faith.
Stages:
There are several stages a convert traditionally must go through:
- Meeting with the Rabbi - Traditionally, he or she will meet with a rabbi to discuss their desire to convert. Some rabbis have traditionally "turned a convert away" several times to ensure their sincerity and depth of commitment.
- Study - The convert begins a period of uncommitted study and dialogue and a period of "trying it on for size" to understand what it is like to live as a Jew. Candidates must complete intensive course work studying the Bible, the prayer book, Hebrew, life cycle customs and rituals, holiday and Sabbath observances, and Jewish history.
- Declaration of faith- Before accepting Judaism, they must declare that they will wholeheartedly embrace Judaism and renounce any conflicting religious loyalties to another faith.
- Mikvah- Both men and women are go to a ritual bath called a Mikvah where they immerse in the water as a deeply spiritual symbol of their being reborn into their Jewish faith.
- Circumcision – Men who have not yet been circumcised may undergo a circumcision.
- Conversion - Following these requirements and rituals, the Convert is called to the reading of the Torah and a special blessing is recited: "May he who blessed our ancestor, Abraham, the first convert, and said to him: ‘Walk before Me and be righteous,’ bless and give courage to this convert who enters the fold." The convert is then given a Hebrew name to be used in all Jewish rituals.