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 find that Judaism offers them the best medium of religious expression.

Centuries ago, Jews did engage in proselytizing, particularly during the Graeco Roman period of Jewish history. 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.

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.

No. These courses are offered to anyone who wants to learn more about Judais, including individuals considering conversion, 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 choose Judaism, there are no assumptions or expectations held about people taking the class.

First, contact us. We will not only discuss with you 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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