Conversion Question

Should I begin the conversion process while still living with My non-Jewish Parents? I have a Degree in Education from the University of South Africa, Should I use it to gain independence from them and then begin the conversion process?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

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. You would be able to begin such study while still living with your non-Jewish parents. However, at some point, a conversion candidate will be required to live in an observant Jewish community.

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!