Does One Need to be Ethnically Jewish to Conver?

Hi there! I'm just curious, do I have to be ethnically Jewish in order to convert to Judaism?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

You do not need to be ethnically Jewish to convert to Judaism.

While Judaism does not encourage proselytization or seeking converts, anyone who feels a drawing to the Torah is welcome to convert.

One must be certain that Judaism is a good fit with one’s spiritual direction. Conversion to Judaism is very demanding and requires extensive lifestyle changes. Most notably, one will be required to move to a neighborhood that has an orthodox Jewish community and synagogue. Such a neighborhood will also have kosher stores and the like which will allow one the experience and routine of living a Jewish life.

Converting to Judaism can affect one’s relationships with one’s friends and family. If one has a spouse and children it will be nearly impossible to convert to Judaism unless they are completely onboard with converting to Judaism too. The process can take years. Once a person converts there is no going back. One is Jewish forever.

You should certainly reach out to your local orthodox rabbi for more guidance on converting. The rabbi will guide you in what you must study to convert and begin the process with a Beit Din that will actually perform the conversion when your sponsoring rabbi feels you’re ready. You will be tested on your knowledge and your commitment to living a Jewish life will need to be proven. Men require circumcision and immersion in a mikva while woman will only require immersion in a mikva.

Once again, we do not encourage conversion to Judaism. A non-Jew experience a completely spiritual life and still go to heaven simply by believing in God and keeping the “Noahide Laws” – seven easy rules. See https://www.netivonline.org/ for more information on a non-Jew’s relationship to God.