Conversion: Ilness

I have ambulatory cerebral palsy and use a 4 wheel walker can I convert to orthodox judaism

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

There are generally no impediments on converting to Judaism based on one’s medical situation. That being said, it will certainly be more challenging for you to proceed with the conversion and attend synagogue services and classes. In any event, I will share with you some of the details of converting.

One who wishes to convert must first seek out his or her local orthodox rabbi and arrange for a meeting. If the conversion candidate is approved, the rabbi will guide the potential convert through years of rigorous study. After such study, along with a proven knowledge of the mitzvot and a commitment to observe them, the actual formal conversion process will be carried out.

The actual conversion process is performed in the presence of a “Beit Din” a Jewish court made up of three rabbis who specialize in this area of Jewish law.

The components of the conversion ceremony are:

1. To publically declare allegiance to the Torah and to commit to observe all the mitzvot

2. Bris Mila, (circumcision) for men. If a man is already circumcised, a small drop of blood is drawn from that area in what can be called a “symbolic circumcision.” This latter procedure is also knows as a “hatafat dam bris.”

3. Immersion in a mikva, a Jewish ritual bath.

Once this is all completed the convert will receive a certificate from the Beit Din testifying that the bearer of the certificate is Jewish.

A convert is essentially treated no different than any other Jew and may join any congregation and participate in services like everyone else.

Good luck to you on your journey!