Conversion: Reform Judaism
Question
Hi Rabbi, I am 14 years old and have been actively practicing Judaism since I was 12. How would I be able to convert officially into Reform Judaism?
Answer
Shalom!
So wonderful to hear from you.
We are orthodox rabbis and an orthodox website. We don’t have any connection to “Reform” Judaism, and frankly, we don’t feel it is a legitimate branch of Judaism. The only type of Judaism is Orthodox Judaism which has been practicing Judaism the same way today as from time immemorial. One who converts via Reform Judaism will not be recognized as Jewish in the orthodox movement.
While Christianity believes that one must be a Christian to find favor with God and go to heaven, and Islam believes that one must become a Muslin to find favor with God and go to heaven, Judaism has no such belief. Judaism doesn’t believe in seeking converts.
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” 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 become Jewish. God loves you and listens to your prayers. See for example Kings 1 8:41-43 where we find that God hears the prayers of non-Jews.
Take a look at the website 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!
If you want to pursue a proper conversion to Judaism, seek out the local orthodox rabbi where you live. He should be able to guide you.