Converting to the Orthodox Jewish Faith

Though Jewish law (halacha) discourages conversions to Judaism, hundreds of people are converting to the Jewish traditions yearly. Conversion is an option, according to halacha, if one accepts to observe the 613 commandments and lives a life as an Orthodox Jew.

To protect the continuity and authenticity of the eternal Jewish family and tradition, many in the Orthodox movement deem it necessary to allow conversion, but through stringent guidelines set down in the Torah as interpreted by halacha and leading Torah sages. According to statistics drawn in the US, intermarriage is estimated at 50 percent, but while a significant number have converted, many are problematic conversions.

While general conversions is to be discouraged, Jewish conversions from intermarriage which includes the return of the Jewish spouse to the fold is certainly more acceptable.

Once a non-Jew applies and commits him or herself to Halacha, or Jewish law, and successfully implements and passes the requirements of halachaic conversion, they are then considered a Jew. Make sure you do this through an Orthodox-Jewish Beit Din (court) that is universally accepted. It is the only way to be legitimately recognized.

Contemplating and then proceeding with the necessary steps towards conversion has to be completed with your whole heart. You must be committed to adhering to the laws and traditions set forth by hundreds of generations of the Jewish people.

If you are not genuine and ardent about your desire to become Jewish, you will not make it through the fundamentals, tests, and changes that you have to adhere to. Your Rabbi will do his best to test your resolve, your perseverance, your commitment, and your heart. He will probe and if he detects any weakness or deceit, he will not allow you to proceed.

This is part of Jewish law. The Rabbi must do everything to try to discourage you. By ensuring that you are committed to following the path set down in the laws of the Torah, the Rabbi has tested your will and your resolve to become a member of the Jewish family.

Beliefs you may have been brought up with will have to fall away as you learn a new faith, a new way of living, and a new way of being to whole-heartedly and completely follow halacha. Talking to an Orthodox rabbi about your intentions is crucial, as this article cannot possibly address all the concerns and obligations you will face.

Several factors must be addressed so the potential convert is aware of the basic facts and determinants before they proceed. Considerations of lifestyle changes, familial, community, friends, and even business relations, and your personal commitment must weigh into your decision.

What you thought you knew or what you were raised to believe will have to be shed from your belief system. In other words, if you were raised in a Christian church, the beliefs about Jesus will no longer be valid. Judaism has very specific views about G-d and Jesus is not a part of those doctrines. There is no confession, Buddha, savior, Messiah, pagan gods, Dhikr, and so on. Your relationship will ultimately be with G-d.

Clothing will also become a factor. Modest clothing is required even in the summer. Your wardrobe will have to change to exclude any revealing clothing. This includes headwear.

You will be required to observe and follow all the rules concerning the Sabbath. There are very specific rules concerning the Sabbath. You are expected to participate in all of the rituals and customs that pertain to the Sabbath, or Shabbat, and incorporate its practices and conditions as an essential part of your life. The Sabbath is a vital part of Jewish traditions and laws.

The importance of the Shabbat is reflected by the example of G-d, who rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. Cited in Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11, and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, G-d commands that one day be kept holy and observed diligently, just as He did.

The Sabbath is a time for rest, reflection, communing with one’s family, and G-d. It teaches that a life of work has to be balanced with a period of rest. To find the sanctity of love, find harmony in your world, and treasure the moments that are given to you; one day has been deemed to set you apart from the everyday concerns of the world and has been designated by G-d to be kadosh or holy. The Talmud tells us that G-d gave his chosen people the Sabbath as a gift. Designed to make us aware of the holiness felt on earth, the special rituals and activities is a declaration of the knowledge of G-d's role as creator and Redeemer of Israel from slavery and to the dream of kulo Shabbat, the time when all people will be at peace and free.

Celebration is also a vital part of Shabbat. It is not a time of self-denial. It should be a day of not only holiness, rest, and ritual, but a delightful celebration full of festive food, wine, fine clothes, and dancing. But absolutely no work. The Shabbat is meant to bring peace, gratification, joyfulness, and renewal.

You will also have to adhere to the dietary laws that have been in place for thousands of years. Most everyone has heard of a kosher diet, but few actually know what that means. Judaism follows the laws of kashrut, which defines what foods you may eat and how they are to be prepared. Eating is considered a religious ritual, and as such, requires distinct specifications to what, when, and how foods are to be ingested and prepared.

There are foods that are forbidden. You may never eat them and this includes the eggs, milk, parts, fats, or by-products produced from those animals. Birds and mammals that are allowed must be killed a certain way. All blood must be drained. Meat cannot be eaten with dairy foods, though you may consume vegetables, grains, fruits, and eggs with wither dairy or meat. Certain parts of animals cannot be eaten.

Kosher meats include sheep, deer, goats, and cattle, rather any mammal that has cloven hooves. Only fish with fins and scales can be eaten. No shellfish, reptiles, winged insects, birds of prey, or scavengers are permitted.

Utensils that touch meat cannot be used for dairy and vice-versa. This goes for anything that is non-kosher, as well. Non-kosher utensils cannot touch kosher food and vice-versa. You may not eat any grape products. Six hours must pass before you eat dairy foods after eating meat foods. You will need to have two or more sets of pots, pans, utensils, and dishes. And another set for Passover. You will be required to keep certain foods separated.

There are many requirements about eating and most definitions come straight out of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Not all reasons are understood for these limitations, but in faith, we trust God in His wisdom that this is a healthier way of living and caring for our bodies. Now a days most Jewish communities offer many options for eating kosher, including restaurants and supermarkets.

Much too often, the person wishing to convert to Judaism is met with confusion, opposition, and sometimes, downright hostility from their family, friends, and acquaintances. Not all - some people can be very supportive, but generally, there is some kind of resistance.

Perhaps because of the extent and history of anti-Semitism, which still bears its ugly head in the most unexpected ways, the concern or hidden hatred that some still possess toward Jews provoke these kinds of reactions. You must consider all the implications of this kind of bigotry and realize that you will be a full-fledged Jew when all is complete.

Along with initial reactions, there will be other conditions down the road that may be hard for your loved ones to understand. Sitting down to a meal with your non-Jewish friends and relatives may not be easy or even permitted.

You will also be restricted from going into other churches or celebrating holidays outside of Jewish ones for any reason. This means when someone is getting married at your family's church, you cannot attend. Non-Jewish occasions that you're accustomed to attending with your family may no longer be allowed.

Marriages, confirmations, various rites of passage in any Christian, Muslim, Hindu, pagan, Buddhist or any other religious institution or ceremony will no longer be a part of your life. This is requires a great deal of commitment and is something that your loved ones will not be happy about.

With such an ancient tradition and rich history as found within the Jewish faith, the potential convert has many traditions to learn and understand. Most importantly is the willingness to commit yourself to the laws and practices of the Jewish faith.

Your rabbi is your main source of guidance and teaching, but forming solid friendships within the community will help you integrate Jewish practices into your life more readily. They can be a great source of strength and support, not only in aiding your education and commitment, but in gaining a sense of belonging to not only the beliefs of Judaism, but linking to the ancient history and community of the Jewish people.

You don't have to be born with Jewish bloodlines to practice, believe, and reap the rewards of Judaism. Though the road is full of very specific requirements, the abundant teachings may seem very foreign, and your commitment has to be resolute, the rewards are more than you may anticipate.

Being Jewish isn't just about limitations. Within the specifics of living is the fundamental imperative of filling your lives with joy. Joy in everything you have, everything you believe, everyone you know, everyone you meet, everything you are, and most of all in the blessings G-d bestows on you for your faith.

Once you are Jewish, you can have all the rewards of the joy and celebration that are also part of Jewish traditions. It is a joyful and extremely fulfilling life. Your life will not only be filled with the joys of G-d has bestowed to the faithful, but the enrichment of the Jewish family and community.

Love, support, guidance, and understanding are rewards within themselves. And the more you fulfill the paths given to us by G-d, the more you fulfill and experience in your own life.