Conversion

Hello! I am a Christian but was not raised so. I came into faith with the one true God but I am still uneasy as to how I see him. The more I study, the more I learn, and the more I read, the more I am attracted to Judaism. I know this is to be discouraged. I know this is to be prohibited and shunned. Conversion is no easy fear, and is a monumental task lasting years. I am willing to start my journey. I would like to know more and have a starting place. Would someone help me? Thank you, my name is Noah.

<>

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. 

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.

However, there is no need to convert. Judaism believes that God loves all mankind. One does not need to become Jewish to go to heaven. All that God wants from the Non-Jewish world is that they observe 7 precepts, or commandments. They are known as the “Noahide Laws.” They are called “Noahide Laws” because the requirement to observe these seven laws was given Noah, a righteous non-Jew (yes, the fellow from the story with the flood).

The 7 laws are:

1. Don’t murder.

2. Don’t steal.

3. Don’t worship false gods.

4. Don’t be sexually immoral.

5. Don’t eat a limb from an animal that is still alive.

6. Don’t curse God.

7. Establish a system of justice.

Any human being who observes these laws goes to heaven. There is no need to follow any other religion. You can pray to God in your own words and your own language.

Allow me to recommend the following sites to learn more about what G-d expects from Gentiles: https://sukkatshalom-bneinoach.com/ and https://www.netivonline.org/ which specializes in helping non-Jews with religious beliefs. There is a wealth of information there that you will find useful and inspiring. It is also worth looking up the “Noahide” or "B'nai Noach" movement and consider joining them!