A Convert Leaving Judaism

If a converted woman leaves Judaism,are her children ( under 12 ) Jewish or not

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

Once a person converts to Judaism (I am referring to a proper Orthodox conversion) they are Jewish forever. There is no way to leave the Jewish people once you join them, which is one of the reasons we have historically hesitated to accept converts. This is why conversion demands years of study and practice to determine that the conversion candidate is completely devoted to Judaism and is well aware what he or she is getting themselves involved with.

Furthermore, when a person approaches a rabbi for conversion, we warn them that there are any demanding mitzvot, many of which are difficult to observe. We tell them about some of the punishments and rewards for the fulfillment or transgression of mitzvot. We stress that becoming a Jew means joining the Jewish people and sharing its collective fate, both spiritual and material. There will be good times and bad times.

Considering that all these “precautions” are in place, it is rather rare for a person who went through a credible Orthodox conversion to decide to leave Judaism. But if indeed, it were to happen, as mentioned, the person remains Jewish. They are considered to be a Jew who sins, just like any other Jew who might sin.

Regarding the children, if the children were born after their mother converted, or they were converted themselves, they will remain Jewish just like any other Jew. It makes no difference how their mother decides to live. That being said, there is an “acceptance of conversion ceremony” that is performed at the bar or bat mitzva for children who were converted after birth which is a topic beyond the scope of this wrote-up.