Rabbi Jonathan Ginsburg, a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary (Conservative Judaism), a member of the Rabbinical Assembly of America (Conservative Judaism) and an associate member of the Reconstructionist Rabbbinic Association

Common  Questions 

 1. Why do people consider

converting to Judaism?

There are many reasons. Often an interreligious marriage sparks an interest in the non-Jewish partner that can lead to a desire to share the religion of his or her spouse. Similarly, when an interfaith couple decides to raise children, the non-Jew may initially decide to explore Judaism in order to seek a religious common ground for the family. Other men and women seeking religious meaning in their lives, with or without any connection to a Jewish mate, find that Judaism offers them the best medium of religious expression.

2. Do Jews seek converts?

Centuries ago, Jews did engage in proselytizing, particularly during the Graeco Roman period of Jewish history, when thousands of non-Jews living in

Asia Minor

embraced Judaism. The destruction of the

Roman Empire

and mortal threats against Jews who sought converts marked the end of such efforts to gain converts. Judaism respects the religious beliefs of others, as well as the convictions of those who choose no religion!At the same time, Judaism is an open religion that readily accepts and encourages those who look to it for fulfillment and guidance in meeting life’s challenges. We take an active approach to seek out people who might choose to become Jews. (This pamphlet is an example of such an approach).

3. How do I know if Judaism is right for me?

The best way is to learn as much as you can about Judaism and begin to practice those aspects of Judaism that most appeal to you. Seek out Jewish friends, Jewish family members, or a synagogue community for support. As you study and try out Jewish practice and customs at your own pace, you will become comfortable with them and prepare for further steps. An excellent way to get a sense of the traditions and practice of Judaism is to take our Introduction to Judaism course. (On site in

Chicago

land)

4. If I take an Introduction to Judaism class, will I be expected to convert?

No. These courses are offered to anyone who wants to

learn more about Judaism. They are most often

will help immensely is your patience, as well as a willingness to discuss your choice and to show your family that you’ve not abandoned them.

attended by individuals considering conversion, by interfaith couples learning together about Judaism and making decisions about whether to have a Jewish home, as well as by born Jews who want to learn more about their own heritage. Although many people do choosing Judaism, there are no assumptions or expectations held about people taking the class.

5. If decide that I want to become a Jew, how would I go about it?

First, make an appointment with us. The rabbi will not only discuss the process and implications of becoming a Jew, but also explore with your reasons for wanting to do so. In earlier generations, rabbis would discourage potential Jews-by-choice, turning them away three times to test how serious they were. This custom is seldom followed today by some Orthodox, but most rabbis still endeavor to impress upon the potential convert the seriousness of such a choice.

People considering conversion, are expected to study Jewish theology, rituals, history, culture, and customs and to begin incorporating Jewish practice into their lives. The scope of the course of study will vary from rabbi to rabbi and community to community. Most now require a course in basic Judaism and individual study with a rabbi, as well as attendance at services and participation in home practice and synagogue life.

6. If I become a Jew, would people refer to me as a “convert? Is there some other, more proper term to use?

In Judaism, people who become Jews have no less than full Jewish status in every circumstance. For this reason, there may be some objection to any distinctive term that refers to a person who has chosen to become a Jew. On the other hand, many people are proud to let others know they are converts to Judaism. Also, as the number of people becoming Jews continues to increase and as various Jewish religious institutions develop programs to encourage and assist people in this process, it has become useful to talk more publicly  About choosing Judaism Consequently, a number of terms have come into common usage, including “convert” and “Jew-by-choice,” often used interchangeably. In our free society in

North America

today, however, Jewish commitment is a matter of choice for all who are Jews, by birth or conversion.

7. If I become a Jew, what would be the attitude of other Jews toward me?

Judaism has welcomed those who voluntarily become Jews and considers them full-fledged members of the Jewish community. The Hebrew Bible, as well as later Jewish texts, includes examples of such individuals. The most famous and honored example appears in the biblical book of Ruth, where Ruth joins the Jewish people and eventually becomes the great-great grandmother of King David, from whose descendants, according to Jewish tradition, the Messiah will come.

In our day, most Jews welcome wholeheartedly those who have chosen to become Jews. Nonetheless, some Jews-by-choice report occasional offensive comments directed toward them. Although the reasons for such attitudes are complicated, they are based on ignorance and prejudice and are by no means sanctioned by Judaism. As more and more Jews-by-choice enter the Jewish community, as we promote education about Jewish views of conversion and sensitivity to Jews-by-choice, and as public discussion of such a choice grows more commonplace, these negative views continue to fade.

8. If convert with you, will all rabbis consider me a Jew?

Many Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative rabbis recognize the validity of Conservative rabbis' conversions. Many Orthodox rabbis, however, do not recognize non-Orthodox conversions. We will discuss further any implications for you of conversion under our auspices.

9. If I become a Jew, will I be expected to separate from my family of origin?

By no means. Most Jews-by-choice maintain warm Relationships with their family of origin. Conversion to a new religion does not suddenly make you over into something altogether new; nor does it cut you off from old family ties or memories. However, some converts to Judaism find that, especially initially, their family may be hurt or confused by their choice. Such feelings often result from misunderstandings or a lack of knowledge about Judaism and are, therefore, perfectly understandable. If it happens with

10. If I decide not to become a Jew but I have a partner who is, can our children be raised as Jews?

Yes. Many interfaith couples have decided to raise their children as Jews. In many families today, non-Jewish parents play a key role in providing for their children’s Jewish education, as well as creating a supportive Jewish home environment. The more you learn about Judaism, the easier this will be for you. Many Jews see such parents as the givers of a precious gift and as blessing to the Jewish people.

11. If I decide not to become a Jew, would I be welcome to worship in a synagogue with my Jewish family?

We warmly welcome interfaith families to participate in various ways in synagogue life. In following the famous verse from the Book of Isaiah 56:7, “For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples,” almost all Jewish religious services are open to the public, so you and your family would be welcome to attend. Sabbath services are held on Friday evening and Saturday mornings. Call the specific congregation during the week to find out the times.

12. If I’m not yet ready to convert to Judaism or if I decide not to, what options do my Jewish partner and I have for our wedding ceremony?

This is a very sensitive issue, on which there is a broad range of opinions. We encourage you to seek out a rabbi with whom you feel comfortable and have a thorough discussion about the options. No matter what kind of wedding ceremony you have, we consider  ourselves  a portal to Jewish life for intermarried families. Through a general atmosphere of openness, an interfaith couple will find a welcome at our congregation.

13. Where can I get more information about internet conversion?

www.convertjudaism.org

www.jewishconversionchicago.com

www.esynagogue.org

E-mail: rabbi@convertjudaism.org

Under Conservative Rabbinic Auspices

For anyone who wants to learn the fundamentals of Judaism or anyone who wants to study for conversion

WE offer the world's only  comprehensive ONLINE Convert to Judaism program under Conservative Bet Din Authority, based on our 450 videos, podcasts, emails, phone calls, readings and comprehensive curriculum. It is the same program as our Chicago based classroom program,  substituting the videos and podcasts for class time.

Contact for more information:

rjhgins@gmail.com

Before considering other programs, make sure the Rabbis who convert you are members of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly of America. Many rabbis who teach conversion are not accredited by the Conservative Rabbinate, and some are not members of any recognized Rabbinic body.